2025 Judging 

All project exhibitors must sign up to complete project judging to be considered a member in good standing, and be eligible for placings, awards, and state-fair participation. Judging takes place at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds on Monday, July 8 & Tuesday, July 9 depending on the project. 

If you cannot attend, you may call the Extension Office at (419) 898-3631 to schedule an appointment for early judging on either June 26th or July 1st.

For the best chances at competing, plan to attend on July 7th & 8th. 

Before Registering

  1. Know the name or overall category, and number for each 4-H project (typically found in the top right corner of your 4-H book).
    Example: Safe Use of Guns is Project #630. 
  2. Have your calendar ready and make sure you are available for the time spot you chose.
  3. View the requirements for judging here.
  4. If you have a Winning 4-H plan, you can explain any accommodations on the registration, if none - please leave blank. 

    A 4-H Winning Plan is an Accommodation Plan for 4-H Participants with Disabilities. Similar to an IEP, the Winning 4-H Plan (W4HP) assists 4-H professionals in providing resources to aid them in developing accommodation plans to meet the needs of Ohio 4-H youth with disabilities. Reach out to Molly at Avers.15@osu.edu if you would like more information on creating a Winning 4-H Plan.  

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE For keeping track of the days and times you registered to attend.
Judging sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here: Register to Attend to sign up, or paste https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cA23ov9oviyZI4C in your browser. 

Sign-up opens June 1st and will close July 1st.
Pre-Fair Judging Contact: Molly Avers, Avers.15@osu.edu 

Helpful Resources 

State Fair Delegates
If you are a State-Fair Delegate, please let Cassidy know ASAP if you plan to attend, or not attend the state-fair event in Columbus. You can email Cassidy at Brough.36@osu.edu to let her know. State-Fair packets will be available for pick up at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds following the Pre-Fair Judging Awards Ceremony on Monday, July 15th at 7:00 p.m.

Please Note: State Fair Judging days are divided into different categories, and sub-categories than county judging. Depending on the project category, some state fair events allow multiple delegates, or delegates in different age categories to attend. This is why sometimes a 1st & 2nd place will both be selected to go, while other times they do not.

County Award Winners 
If you are a county award recipient, you will be recognized at the award ceremony on Monday, July 14th at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds in the Genoa Bank Pavilion.   

 

The following projects do not have a State-Fair event:

  • Discovering 4-H
  • 230 4-H PetPALS
  • 173 Horseless Horse
  • 408A Exploring Sewing: Pillowcases
  • 427 Make a Bag I
  • 428 Make a Bag II
  • 432M Sewing and Textiles (non-clothing) Master
  • 588 The Writer in You
  • 488 Mmmmm… Cookies
  • 676 Terrific Terrariums
  • 555 ATV Safety