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OSU Extension

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

The Outstanding Exhibitor Contest

Important 2026 Details:

  • Project books WILL be graded at Skillathon and REQUIRED to be turned in by end of day on October 2, 2026. 
  • Exhibitors are required to complete ALL components of the Outstanding Exhibitor Contest. 
  • Outstanding Exhibitor Contestants must complete a Wayne County Skillathon for each species they are participating. 
  • Outstanding Horse Exhibitors forms are due at check-in at the fair.

Important 2026 Dates

  • July 7, 2026 - Outstanding Exhibitor Exam. 5-9 pm at the Event Center - Wayne County Fairgrounds.
  • July 8, 2026- Skillathon Judging - must complete a Wayne County Skillathon
  • July 9, 2026- Skillathon Judging - must complete a Wayne County Skillathon
  • August 1 - deadline to submit Jr. Fair Entries - don't forget to make an entry in your respective animal/livestock species Outstanding Exhibitor Contests.
  • August 4, 2026 - Outstanding Exhibitor Exam. 5-9 pm at the Event Center - Wayne County Fairgrounds.
  • August 5, 2026 - Skillathon Judging - must complete a Wayne County Skillathon
  • Bonus Points - are no longer an option
  • Reminder - Outstanding Exhibitors MUST turn in their completed record book for each species by the end of day on October 2, 2026. If exhibitors do NOT turn in a project book, they will be disqualified from the contest. 

 

The rubrics for the Outstanding Exhibitor and the Outstanding Record books will be the same.     

Beef 
Dairy 
Dog

 

Goat

 

Horse

 

Poultry

 

Rabbit

 

SHeep
Swine

 

 

  • November 12, 2026 - Outstanding Exhibitor Awards presented at 4-H Recognition Banquet

*Project books WILL be graded at Skillathon Interview Judging.

Also, OE Project Books are REQUIRED to be completed and turned in by end of day on October 2, 2026.*

*Ohio State Fair Skillathon points will not be accepted. Youth must attend the Wayne County Skillathon Interview Judging*

IF youth cannot attend either the July 8, 9, or August 5 Wayne County Skillathon Interview judging dates. Contact the Extension Office to schedule an interview for another time.

All interviews MUST be completed before August 5.

IF youth cannot attend either date for OEE (Outstanding Exhibitor Exams). Contact the Extension Office to schedule a time to take the test.

All testing MUST be completed between July 7 and August 4. 

UPDATED for 2025 Outstanding Exhibitor Criteria