Knox County 4-H Staff:
Sharon Davis, Sarah Harrison-Brown, Jackson Hix, Rylan Thompson
Please call (865) 215-2340 with any questions.
Schedule Information for Classes 1-9, 12-13*
Location: Jacob Building (Second Level)
Drop-off: Thursday, September 10 - 12:00pm-6:00pm
Judging: Thursday, September 10 - 7:00pm
Pick-up: Monday, September 21 - 11:00 am-1:00pm
*Classes 10-11: See specific class for more info
Poultry - Schedule Information
Drop-off/Pick-up Location: Poultry Barn Pavilion
Drop-off: Thursday, September 10 - 12:00pm-8:00pm
Judging: Friday, September 11 - 9:00am
Chick Sale: Saturday, September 19 -10:00am
Pick-up: Sunday, September 20 - 11:00am-1:00pm
Rules
1. Exhibits limited to qualified 4-H members of Knox County. Enter as your grade on January 1, 2026.
2. Each exhibit must be actually owned and/or made by 4-H member.
3. Only exhibits listed in the Knox County department are eligible to compete for prize money. Exhibits not listed will be displayed for show only.
4. Exhibitors may enter only one article in any lot.
5. An entry can be disqualified for one or more of the following reasons:
a. Entries that are not entered in the proper class.
b. Entries that do not meet Fair specifications in terms of number per entry, production procedure, or data requirements.
c. Entries that are not of sufficient quality to merit consideration.
6. Each Knox County 4-H Club member will be responsible for removing his/her exhibits on Monday, September 21 from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Items not claimed will be trashed/recycled.
7. Previously entered items must not be entered again, except insect or hobby collection which show progress.
Suggestions for Improving Vegetable Exhibits - Class 5
1. Select the best specimens available that are true to variety, of high quality, and free from insect bites and disease.
2. Enter the exact number of vegetables called for in the catalog.
3. Check your exhibit for uniformity. When more than one vegetable is called for, they should be of the same size and appearance.
4. Unusually large or unusually small vegetables are not always of the best quality and seldom win prizes. It is usually better to
select those of medium size for exhibit, such as potatoes and tomatoes. Smoothness is an important factor in many vegetables.
5. “Dress up” your entries. Wash and trim when necessary. Remember that dirty vegetables do not win prizes.
6. All youth are also eligible to compete in the Open Horticulture Categories, Department 300.
**PREMIUM CHECKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21. PLEASE CHECK WITH DEPARTMENT HEAD FOR EXACT LOCATION OF PICK-UP. ANY CHECKS NOT PICKED UP WILL BE MAILED. DUE TO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH MAILING, IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR CHECK WITHIN 6 WEEKS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE FAIR, PLEASE CONTACT THE FAIR OFFICE
Premiums for Classes 1-4
First Purple Group $5.00
Blue Ribbon Group $4.00
Red Ribbon Group $3.00
White Ribbon Group $2.00
Best of Show - $10.00
Items noted with (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!) are eligible to compete at the Tennessee State Fair! For more info, contact Department Head.
Premiums for Class 5
First Purple Group $5.00
Blue Ribbon Group $4.00
Red Ribbon Group $3.00
White Ribbon Group $2.00
Best of Show - $10.00
Premiums for Class 6
First Purple Group $5.00
Blue Ribbon Group $4.00
Red Ribbon Group $3.00
White Ribbon Group $2.00
Premiums for Class 7
First Purple Group $5.00
Blue Ribbon Group $4.00
Red Ribbon Group $3.00
White Ribbon Group $2.00
Premiums for Class 9 Lots 1-2
First Purple Group $10.00
Blue Ribbon Group $7.00
Red Ribbon Group $4.00
White Ribbon Group Ribbon
Best of Show $10.00
Premiums for Class 9, Lots 3
First Purple Group $25.00
Blue Ribbon Group $15.00
Red Ribbon Group $10.00
White Ribbon Group $5.00
Best of Show $10.00
Premiums for Classes 11-13
1st - $5.00 2nd - $4.00 3rd - $3.00 4th - $2.00 Best of Show - $10 (Each Division)
Premiums for Poultry Show
First Purple Group $5.00
Blue Ribbon Group $4.00
Red Ribbon Group $3.00
White Ribbon Group $1.00
Class 1 - Canning - Explorer, Junior, Junior High & Senior 4-H Club (4th-12th Grades)
1. Jellies may be in decorative or standard jelly jars - 1/4 pint, 1/2 pint, or pint sizes.
2. Other products must be in standard, clear glass canning jars (pints or quarts).
Lot
01 - Vegetables, any kind (green beans, includes pickles, tomatoes, etc.)
02 - Combination Pack - i.e. soup mix, salsa, chow chow
03 - Soft Fruit Spread (jelly, butter)
04 - Dried Fruit - any kind (identify contents)
05 - Dried Vegetables - any kind (identify contents)
06 - Best of Show Award
Class 2 - Clothing/novelty Sewing - Explorer & Junior Members (4th & 5th Grades)
Items must be constructed by exhibitor
Lot
01 - Blouse or Shirt
02 - Skirt
03 - Pants or Shorts
04 - Dress
05 - Pajama - bottom
06 - Pajama - top
07 - Decorated T-Shirt
08 - A Clothing or Accessory Item That Could Be Sold, i.e. tie dye, reverse tie dye embroidered
09 - Stuffed Animal
10 - Tote Bag (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
11 - Purse
12 - Embellished Item - machine or hand
13 - Any other item not listed
14 - Best of Show Award - Explorer & Junior
Junior High Members (6th, 7th or 8th Grades)
Lot
15- Dress - 1 or 2 pieces
16 - Skirt
17 - Blouse, Shirt, Halter or Other Top
18 - Pants or shorts
19 - Decorated clothing item
20 - A Clothing Or Accessory Item That Could Be Sold, i.e. tie dye, reverse tie dye embroidered
21 - Stuffed Animal
22 - Tote Bag (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
23 - Purse
24 - Embellished Item - machine or hand
25 - Any other not listed
26 - Best of Show Award - Junior High
Senior High Members (9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade)
Lot
27 - Party Dress
28 - Blouse or Shirt
29 - Pants or Shorts
30 - Skirt
31 - Jacket
32 - A Clothing or Accessory Item That Could Be Sold, i.e. tie dye, reverse tie dye, embroidered
33 - Stuffed Animal
34 - Tote Bag (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
35 - Purse
36 - Embellished Item - machine or hand
37 - Any other not listed
38 - Best of Show Award - Senior High
Class 3 - Home Improvement
(All Grades)
Lot
01 - Pen, ink picture (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
02 - Pencil, colored pencil picture
03 - Computer art
04 - Watercolor picture (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
05 - Acrylic Canvas Painting - Any Size
06 - Chalk Drawing
07 - Miniature fresh cut floral arrangement (4” or smaller)
08 - Embellished picture frame
09 - Pillow (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
10 - Quilt - Beginner (machine made)
11 - Quilt - Beginner (hand made)
12 - Quilt - Advanced (machine made)
13 - Quilt - Advanced (hand made)
14 - Crochet article (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
15 - Knitting (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
16 - Candles from new material or recycled wax
17 - Refrigerator Magnet
18 - Decorated or Embellished Planner or Calendar (15"X15" or smaller)
19 - Faux Floral
20 - Miscellaneous (other than above)
21 - Wall Hanging
22 - Wreath - Any
23 - Best of Show Award - All Grades
Class 4 - Crafts - Explorer & Junior Members (4th - 5th Grades)
Lot
01 - Pottery Clay (by any technique)
02 - Leather Item
03 - Christmas Tree Ornament
04 - Christmas themed item other than above
05 - Cross-Stitch Article
06 - Hand Made Jewelry
07 - Novelty Wood Art (toothpicks, clothespins, match sticks, etc.)
08 - Painted Rock Article
09 - Collection - cards, marbles, dolls, etc.
10 - Pet related craft - i.e. toy, clothing, drawing, etc.
11 - Wooden Article
12 - Mask - any medium
13 - Painted Flower Pot (ceramic, plastic, metal)
14 - Holiday Craft - Not Christmas
15 - Scrapbook Page (must be in plastic sleeve)
16 - Paper Creations - paper mache, origami, cards, etc.
17 - Item Made From Recycled Material
18 - LEGO® Creation (Tennessee State Fair Eligible!)
19 - 4-H Themed Craft
20 - 3D Printing
21 - Pretty edible creation (gumdrop, gingerbread scene)
22 - Stem Kit
23 - Electrical Project
24 - Best of Show Award
Junior High & Senior High members (6th - 12th Grades)
25 - Pet related craft - i.e. toy, clothing, drawing, etc.
26 - Article From Natural Materials (pinecones, nuts, thistle)
27 - Pottery - from natural clay by any technique
28 - Christmas themed item
29 - Christmas Tree Decorations
30 - Handmade Jewelry
31 - Woven basket
32 - Weaving craft - (other than basket)
33 - Cross-Stitched Item
34 - Beaded craft - i.e. jewelry or other beaded items
35 - Leather Article
36 - Wooden Article
37 - Mask - Any Medium
38 - Painted Rock
39 - Collection - cards, marbles, dolls, etc.
40 - Holiday Craft - other than Christmas
41 - Scrapbook Page (must be in plastic sleeve)
42 - Paper Creations - paper mache, origami
43 - Macrame Craft
44 - Item Made From Recycled Material
45 - 4-H Themed Craft
46 - 3D Printing
47 - Pretty edible creation (gumdrop, gingerbread scene)
48 - Stem Kit
49 - Electrical Project
50 - LEGO® Creation TN
51 - Miscellaneous Craft (other than above)
52 - Best of Show Award
Class 5 - Field Crops & Garden Products (4th - 12th Grades)
Lot
01 - Beans, pole or bush - (3) of any kind
02 - Melons - (1) of any kind
03 - Corn, any variety (3 ears)
04 - Cucumbers (3)
05 - Gourds, (1) of any variety
06 - Okra (4 pods)
07 - Peppers - (3) of any kind
08 - Potatoes - (3) of any kind
09 - Squash, summer (ex. yellow, zucchini) (3) of any kind
10 - Sunflower (1 head)
11 - Tomatoes - (3) of any kind
12 - Potted Plant (1)
13 - Terrarium (1)
14 -Cut flowers in vase (1)
15 - Veggie & Fruit Creatures
16 - Food Art - (beach scene, landscape, etc)
17 - Honey - of any kind
18 - Best of Show Award - All Grades
Class 6 - Eggs (4th - 12th Grades)
Eggs should be displayed with the air cell (large end) up. Eggs will be disqualified if purchased from a store.
Lot
01 - Brown Eggs - 1 dozen
02 - White Eggs - 1 dozen
Class 7 - Wildlife & Forestry
Lot
01 - Insect Collection: Minimum of 5 different insects mounted in a collection box and identified with labels. Judged on variety, quality, accuracy of labels and neatness. Must show improvement if previously entered.
02 - Forestry Collection: This scrapbook should be a sample of the leaf, twig or berry (or fruit or cone) of a minimum of 10 forest trees native of East Tennessee. It will be judged on completeness and neatness as well as accuracy in identification of trees. Must show improvement if previously entered.
Class 8 - Essay Writing
Interested 4-H members should prepare an essay of no more than 500 words on the Tennessee Valley Fair 2026 theme: "The Great American Swine-A-Bration". Essays should be creative and informative utilizing a set up that includes an introduction, body and conclusion. The writer should use complete sentences and correct grammar/punctuation. Please submit completed essays to Sarah Harrison-Brown at sbrow128@utk.edu by August 21.
Judges will be scoring essays based on the following criteria:
Subject matter______________________________50 points
Grammatical composition and spelling___________30 points
Originality/creativity__________________________15 points
Neatness___________________________________5 points
TOTAL___________________________________100 points
Lot 01 - Jr. High - Winner - $100 cash prize
Lot 02 - Sr. High - Winner - $100 cash prize
Class 9 - Table Top Displays Exhibits & Demonstrations
Lot 01 - A Table Top Demonstration should show all parts or steps to teach how to complete an activity in a 4-H project. You may use items related to your project, posters, pictures and anything else that you feel is necessary to make a teaching demonstration. You will be limited to space equal in size to a standard card table top, so plan your tabletop demonstration with thought. All tabletop demonstrations and exhibits must include a free-standing exhibit board.
Exhibit will be judged on:
1. Neatness, skill, cleverness & good workmanship_________33 1/3
2. Best Statement of true purpose, function, objectives
or results of 4-H project_____________________________33 1/3
3. Most attractive -causing attention_____________________ 33 1/3
Lot 02 - A table top exhibit will visually showcase 4-H project work. Use pictures, charts, graphs, illustrations and printed captions. A well designed exhibit will tell a story in a neat & organized way. Include purpose, project activities, leadership and citizenship and conclusion.
Scoring:
Overall appearance_______________________ 25 points
Content_________________________________ 50 points
Design and appeal_________________________25 points
Agricultural Necessities
Lot
03 - 4-H members may enter an article or group of articles which they have made. If table space is needed, the entry is limited to 1 square yard of table space, or may set on the floor. Judged on cleverness usefulness, and construction. Must show improvement if entered previously.
Examples of articles which are eligible are blankets, brooders, cages, incubators, feeders, halters, show box, show sticks, waterers and other homemade agricultural necessities.
Class 10 - Special Prizes for Knox County 4-H Club Members
Special prizes will be awarded to Knox County 4-H club members to partially defray expenses of delegates to State 4-H Club Congress and State 4-H Roundup.
Lot
01 - Total prize money of $800.00 will be used for 4-H
scholarships among all club members deemed worthy of
Class 11 - Photography
Chairperson: Jackson Hix
jachix@utk.edu
1. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE REGISTERED AT JACHIX@UTK.EDU no later than August 7. Please put "4-H Photography Contest" in the subject line of the email.
2. Entries should include the following information in the body of the email: Name, Address, City/State/Zip Code, County.
3. All entries submitted must have been photographed by the exhibitor since September 1, 2025.
4. When attaching the entries to the e-mail, please name each file with the Lot number in which it is entered. (Someone in the 5th grade entering a landscape photo would name the file Lot 5).
5. A member is limited to one entry in each of the 10 lots within their grade level.
6. All first place photographs will be enlarged to 8" x 10" and will be displayed in the Jacob Building during the Fair. These photos can be picked up Monday, September 21 from 11:00am-1:00pm. Photos not picked up will be held in the Fair office until September 30, 2026. Any items not picked up by that date will become Fair property.
Lot
01 - Explorer - Photo - Building
02 - Explorer - Photo - Animal (including birds & insects)
03 - Explorer - Photo - Still Life
04 - Explorer - Photo - People (individual or group)
05 - Explorer - Photo - Landscape
06 - Explorer - Photo - Any other scape
07 - Junior - Photo - Building
08 - Junior - Photo - Animal (including birds & insects)
09 - Junior - Photo - Still Life
10 - Junior - Photo - People (individual or group)
11 - Junior - Photo - Landscape
12 - Junior - Photo - Any other scape
13 - Senior - Photo - Building
14 - Senior - Photo - Animal (including birds & insects)
15 - Senior - Photo - Still Life
16 - Senior - Photo - People (individual or group)
17 - Senior - Photo - Landscape
18 - Senior - Photo - Any other scape
Class 12 - Menu and Tablesetting Contest
Contestants will create a menu. Menu must be displayed on the table. Menu must have all components to be a pleasing, nutritious, and satisfying meal. Table is to be set correctly according to contestant’s menu. Contestants must supply own table appointments. A tablecloth or place mat should be used. Judging will be done on correctness of menu and tablesetting, color schemes and attractiveness. China or disposable tableware may be used. Tablescapes will be judged on menu, centerpiece, place setting, and over all decoration.
Lot
01 - Tablesetting (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Tablesetting)
02 - Tablescape with a Fall/Autumn Theme - i.e. Thanksgiving, UT Vols Fall Football Tailgate, etc.
Class 13 - Baking and Candies
1. Samples from First Place exhibits in each lot of Class 13 will remain on display until Sunday, September 20. Others may be displayed if space is available. Pick up remaining portions by noon, Monday, September 21, if desired.
2. No commercial mixes may be used except cake categories. Recipes should be submitted with entries.
Explorer & Junior Members (4th - 5th Grades)
Lot
01 - Biscuits Plain, rolled & cut (3)
02 - Cornmeal Muffins (3)
03 - Cookies, including bar cookies (3 of one kind)
04 - Special diet baked goods
05 - Fruit Muffins (3 of one kind)
06 - Fudge - cooked
07 - No Cook Candy
Junior High & Senior High Members (6th - 12th Grades)
Lot
08 - Fruit Muffins (3 of one kind)
09 - Loaf Quickbread, fruit and/or nut
10 - Yeastbread - any shape, flavor
11 - Special diet baked goods
12 - Yeast Pastry
13 - Fudge Cooked
14 - No Cook Candy
15 - Layer Cakes - any icing
16 - Decorated Cake - any shape or design
17 - Pound Cake - plain
18 - Pound Cake - creative, any flavor
19 - Creative Cake - from a variation of commercial cake mix, any shape
20 - Decorated Cupcake (Must present 3)
Knox County 4-H Poultry Show
Chairperson: Jackson Hix
jachix@utk.edu
Class 1 - Poultry Show
Lot
01 - Rhode Island Red 02 - White Leghorns
03 - Red Sex Link
04 - Barred Rock
05 - Other Production Breeds
Poultry - Schedule Information
Drop-off/Pick-up Location: Poultry Barn Pavilion
Drop-off: Thursday, September 10 - 12:00pm-8:00pm
Judging: Friday, September 11 - 9:00am
Chick Sale: Saturday, September 19 -10:00am
Pick-up: Sunday, September 20 - 11:00am-1:00pm