2026 Coastal Carolina Fair 4-H Contests Registration

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. The South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach, the involvement of caring adults, and the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the land grant university system to empower youth to become healthy, productive, and contributing members of society.

The Exchange Club of Charleston has supported the 4-H Youth Development’s involvement in the Coastal Carolina Fair for over thirty years. Their ongoing support allows local 4-H clubs and individual members to be involved in the Coastal Carolina Fair each year.

The Exchange Club of Charleston provides physical facilities needed for youth displays, contests, and presentations. 4-H members have been involved with the Coastal Carolina Fair in a variety of activities to include food contests, presentations, animal contests, and various 4-H displays.

In 1985, we moved the date of our local 4-H Fair to coincide with the Coastal Carolina Fair and began exhibiting along with all other activities for the first time. This proved to be very successful, and everyone affiliated with the fair was well pleased. We continue this partnership to this day.

The Exchange Club of Charleston and Clemson Extension Service are pleased to be able to extend to 4-H members the privilege of displaying their 4-H projects during the Coastal Carolina Fair.

Prior to opening day of the fair, all exhibits which meet the criteria in this guide will be awarded first, second, or third place ribbons. Rosettes will be awarded to top Junior and Senior projects.

A screening committee will determine whether submissions are complete and appropriate to be judged or displayed. Decisions made by the committee are final.

The Screening Committee will consist of a staff member and volunteer(s).

This is a unique experience for all 4-H program participants in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester and surrounding counties, and we hope that each of you will take advantage of the opportunity to have your project work displayed and judged during the Fair.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the Exchange Club of Charleston are not responsible for any items that are lost, stolen, or damaged during the Fair.
Exhibit Awards

Judging will be done by an expert within the professional field of the project area and all work will be judged on the choice of design, utility, relevance to category, originality, and/or workmanship. All Junior and Senior project exhibits have the opportunity for placement into one of three ranks (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) within each project category and will be awarded ribbons accordingly. The top exhibits are chosen within each category from the first place winners only; these exhibits receive a rosette.

Cloverbud Participation:

4-H Cloverbuds are part of an introductory, exploratory program without competition that prepares them for the full 4-H membership experience as 4-H Juniors, starting at age 9. As such, participants ages 5-8 are not permitted to be in competitive activities in South Carolina 4-H. This policy is research-based and consistent with Cloverbud policy around the country and in accordance with the "positive youth development" philosophy of National 4-H Headquarters. To that end, for purposes of the Coastal Carolina 4-H Fair activities, Cloverbud exhibits will not be judged against other exhibits. Participation ribbons will be awarded instead of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbons. Exhibits (projects) made by Cloverbud members will be displayed with all other exhibits. In keeping with the 4-H Cloverbud philosophy, opportunities to experience 4-H will be made available to children while visiting the Coastal Carolina Fair.

4-H EXHIBITS

Exhibits must be delivered to the Coastal Carolina Fairgrounds Exchange Hall Building on Saturday, October 24th, from 9am- 5pm. Exhibits MUST be picked up on Monday, November 9th, from 1pm- 5pm. Exhibits will not be released before the noted time.

4-H AGE DIVISIONS

• Cloverbuds (5-8) - at least 5 years old and no more than 8 years old on January 1.

• Juniors (9-13) - at least 9 years old and no more than 13 years old on January 1.

• Seniors (14-19) - at least 14 years old and no more than 19 years old on January 1.

Contest Descriptions and Rules

4-H Live Cupcake Decorating Contest

4-H A.I. Graphic Design Contest

4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest

4-H Container Garden Contest

4-H Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

School and Community Garden Contest

4-H In Action Poster Contest

4-H Seed Art Contest

4-H Lego Mini Fair Diorama Contest

Membership requirement: Current 4-H membership in is required for participation in all contests and events, except for the School & Community Gardening Contest.

Volunteer with 4-H or Host an Activity Table at the Coastal Carolina Fair:
All 4-H clubs, members, and volunteers are invited to share a favorite activity with visitors at the fair! Any 4-H club or member can sign up for a 3 hour shift* hosting a 4-H activity or demonstration. Use this time to promote your club, 4-H, and youth development.
Table cover and other materials are available for use upon request when registering. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to arrange pickup and dropoff of table activity materials and table covers prior to fair assignment date. Activities must be free to the public, hands-on, and geared for youth ages 5-19 years. No live animals. No food products containing any of the nine leading causes of food allergies in the U.S. allowed: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Support 4-H at the Coastal Carolina Fair:
For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected].

To donate, choose a donation ticket.

Thank you so much for your committment "to make the best better!"

For more information about participating in or volunteering with 4-H at the Fair, contact:

Tawanah Reeves-Ligon, Dorchester County 4-H Youth Development Agent
[email protected] | 864-784-0516

Lina Prillaman, Berkeley County 4-H Youth Development Agent
[email protected] | 843-730-5196
*Table Activity shifts of less than 3 hours (minimum of 1 hour) are available upon request via email to [email protected].

Any persons requiring accommodations must email [email protected] within 10 days of event or shift start date for support.

Civil Rights Statement