By Katrina Pionek
The journey to a fair ribbon can be nerve-wracking. That’s why Manitowoc 4-H offered a Fair Practice in August that was designed to be a safe, supportive space where young members can shake off their fears and get comfortable with the judging process. This was their chance to practice their presentation, fine-tune their project, and get valuable feedback from experienced mentors in a no-pressure environment. It’s not just about what they’ve created; it’s about the confidence they built.
Recently, Manitowoc 4-H members and their families got a sneak peek at the judging process during a special Fair Practice. The evening was all about taking the mystery out of show day. Led by Manitowoc County’s Cloverbud Fair Superintendent and the 4-H Educator, families learned the entire journey, from parking and check-in to what to expect during judging. They got to see the actual setup and meet some of the friendly volunteers who will be there to guide them. It was a way to replace pre-fair jitters for both the youth and the parents with a clear plan and a boost of confidence.
The most exciting part of the evening was the hands-on practice. Youth and adult volunteers stepped in as mock judges, giving young members a chance to run through the process. Exhibitors could practice with one judge or all six — it was up to them to decide how many times they wanted to prepare.
This event was a powerful leadership opportunity for our older members, who volunteered as judges and remembered their own nervous excitement as young exhibitors. It also helped bridge the gap between age groups, allowing younger members to meet and connect with older 4-H leaders in the community.
There was ample positive feedback after the Fair Practice day. Parents told us how much the practice helped their children feel confident on judging day, with little fear about speaking to the judges. One Cloverbud judge was particularly impressed, praising how the youth maintained eye contact and spoke clearly about their projects. This practice session truly made a significant impact.
