Clothing Judging Day & Fashion Show

One BIG Day - Don’t Miss It!

Clothing Judging Day and the 4-H Fashion Show come together each year for an action-packed, can’t-miss event! It’s one of the biggest and most exciting days in Hall County 4-H—full of creativity, confidence, and fun from start to finish. With so much happening, there are a lot of important details to know. New to the event? Need a quick refresher? Take a few minutes to check out the information below so you’re ready to go and can make the most of your big day! Questions? Reach out to D’Ette at the Extension Office anytime. Let’s make it an amazing day!!

Clothing Judging Day Updates

Families – please sure to check in with the clothing superintendents when you arrive for clothing judging day on July 8th. They’ll help you map out a smooth and successful morning!

Construction judging starts at 9:00 am, and we encourage all participants to arrive by then. To help us complete construction judging before noon, we’d love to have more items judged on construction earlier in the morning. If your modeling time is scheduled for mid-morning or later, please stop by for construction judging before modeling. And good news…we’ve expanded our judging team to keep things moving quickly!

Don’t Miss Out: 4-H Fashion Show Prize Giveaway!

We’re excited to offer a new twist on this year’s giveaway. Instead of one large prize, we’ll have a variety of prizes to give away to 4-H’ers - kits, tools, and more! Prizes are made possible through a generous donation, in memory of Nancy Schmerdtmann, former Extension Educator in the Hall County Extension Office. How to enter: Simply submit your clothing entry form. Easy peasy! Each item you register (construction and modeling) earns one entry into the drawing—so the more entries you have, the more chances to win (7 entries = 7 chances!). You must be present to win. Good luck and happy creating—we can’t wait to see your 2026 clothing projects!

Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to D'Ette at least two weeks prior to the program at dscholtz2@unl.edu or 308-385-5088. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Entry forms for Clothing Judging Day and the Fashion Show are due Wednesday, June 24—don’t miss it! With so many amazing exhibits in the Clothing Department, we host a special judging day before the fair to keep everything running smoothly. This helps us wrap up judging and get displays ready in time at the Hall County Fair!

On (or before) Wednesday, June 24, be sure to bring:

• Clothing Exhibit Entry Forms listing all constructed projects and Fashion Show entries
• Modeling Narrations for all Fashion Show entries (Fun Parade entries do not need a narration)
• Shopping in Style Information Cards for any Shopping in Style modeling entries (These will be added to the judges’ notebooks along with scoresheets)

Each 4-H exhibitor will need their own separate entry form. To get started, be sure to have the Hall County 4-H Fair Book handy! This is available online or pick up a copy at the Extension Office.

When filling out your Clothing Exhibit Entry Form, be sure to include all of your 4-H member’s entries from:

• Clothing & Textiles
• Fashion Show (modeling)
• Consumer Management (Shopping in Style)

Keep in mind—clothing construction and Fashion Show (modeling) are separate entries and will have different division and class numbers. Take a look at this example of a completed clothing entry form for guidance as you complete yours.

If you have questions or get stuck, don’t worry—we’re here to help! Reach out to D’Ette or Joyce, and we’ll gladly walk you through it. It can feel a bit overwhelming the first time or two, but it gets easier each year!

As you think about modeling entries for the 4-H Fashion Show, keep in mind that the lineup is organized by project area. With quick changes happening behind the scenes, it can be tricky for 4-H'ers to model multiple outfits within the same project area and keep the show running smoothly.

To make things easier, consider spreading entries across different project areas. For example, a 4-H'er might model one outfit in STEAM 1, another in Beyond the Needle, and a Shopping in Style entry later in the show.

If a 4-H'er is planning to model in STEAM 1 and participate in the Fun Parade, a helpful tip is to wear your first STEAM 1 outfit during the Fun Parade. This cuts down on extra outfit changes and keeps everything flowing seamlessly.

4-H members may enter up to four modeling entries in the Fashion Show, with a maximum of two per project area. Good news—Fun Parade entries don’t count toward that total! Have questions or want help planning your entries? D’Ette is happy to help—just reach out!

Include the following on your Clothing Exhibit entry form. These exhibits will be judged during Clothing Judging Day:

• STEAM Clothing: Level 1, 2, or 3 projects (4-H’er may enter in only one level per year)
• STEAM Clothing: Beyond the Needle projects
• Special Interest & General Clothing projects from the Clothing Department
• Knitting & Crochet projects
• Fashion Show entries
• Consumer Management Shopping in Style entries (Best Buy for your Buck, Clothing 1st Aid Kits, etc.

*If you participate in the Shopping in Style project and are also completing a Best Buy for your Buck notebook (a corresponding entry for Shopping in Style garments), we will accept these items for judging on Clothing Judging Day OR at County Fair. Our preference will always be to judge them on Clothing Judging Day. If the notebook will be ready for Clothing Judging Day, please list it on your Clothing Exhibit Entry Form. If you plan to have it judged at County Fair, please list it on your Static Exhibit Entry Form.

Not everything is judged on this day! The following items will not be judged during Clothing Judging Day:

Projects that are “sewn” and will be entered into other project areas, such as Home Design & Restoration (formerly Home Environment) or Quilt Quest projects, will be judged at County Fair. Please list these exhibits on the Static Exhibit Entry Form.

From the Clothing Exhibit Entry Forms, we will create a modeling schedule. This schedule will be emailed out to families ahead of Clothing Judging Day. If you need a special accommodation, please let D’Ette know when you drop off your entry forms.

We will also email out a list of constructed items that will be judged on Clothing Judging Day (compiled from your entry forms). Please review both lists, and if we’ve made a mistake on either document, please give D’Ette a call right away. Thanks!

As you fill out your entry forms, you’ll notice the Fun Parade listed—it’s a great opportunity! 4-H’ers enrolled in clothing projects can take part in this special parade of non-wearable items during the evening Fashion Show.

The Fun Parade is an awesome confidence booster. Every time a 4-H’er steps on stage, they build confidence and become more comfortable in front of an audience!

What can be included in the Fun Parade?
Think non-wearable sewn items made in clothing projects, such as:

• Tote bags
• Pillows or pillowcases
• Other creative sewn items

No narration? No problem! Narrations are not required, and 4-H’ers will enter and exit the stage together as a group—no individual modeling needed. If your 4-H’er plans to participate, be sure to mark it on the entry form. Keep in mind, participants are limited to what they can carry across the stage in one trip (typically 1–2 items). For additional details, be sure to check out the Fun Parade section in the Hall County 4-H Fair Book.

Narrations are required for each modeling entry and are due with the Clothing Exhibit Entry Form to the Extension Office by 5 pm on Wednesday, June 24. Click here to find the Clothing Narration forms.

A narration, sometimes called the commentary, is written about the garment for several reasons. The narration cues the model when to appear on the stage and helps the audience by pointing out fashion details and other information. In addition to the special features of the garment, the narration tells the audience the model’s name which can be placed anywhere in the narration.

Narrations are short in length for a number of reasons. The longer the narration, the longer the 4-H’er has to model. A more seasoned model may be okay with a longer narration, while newer models prefer to keep it short and sweet. It's also important that we keep the public Fashion Show from getting too long.

Accuracy is important as you complete the form.

• Project refers to the 4-H project, not the item made. For example, STEAM 1 or Beyond the Needle.
• Class number identifies the item made (from the Fair Book).
• The narration should be placed in the space provided. To make it easy to read, we ask that you print clearly. If you're using a computer to print the narration, you may use the fillable narration form that is available or tape a piece of paper on top of the narration form.

Use active words such as “stepping out...” or “ready for...” to help keep interest high. Use questions and look through current fashion magazines for the popular catchy phrases - the “in” words. The back of the pattern guide includes descriptions of the garment. Have someone read the narration as the 4-H’er “practice models” each garment at home.

1. Begin with the lead sentence which introduces the model by name and describes the outfit in general.
2. Give details of the garment following a logical sequence such as from the top of the garment to the bottom, from the front to the back or from the outside to the inside. You might include the type of fabric.

After you have written the narration, look for ways you can say the same thing with fewer words.

• Example: 50 words - Susy Sunshine is ready for a hot air balloon ride in her short-sleeved top which is made from 100 percent cotton. The top features a round neckline. Susy made her shorts from a cotton polyester fabric. A new skill for Susy this year was making shorts with side pockets.
• Example: 30 words - Susy Sunshine is ready for a balloon ride in her 100 percent cotton short-sleeved top featuring a round neckline. Red cotton polyester shorts with side pockets complete Susy’s outfit.

Can’t Make It to Clothing Judging Day or the Fashion Show? No worries—we still want to judge your projects on Clothing Judging Day! If you’re out of town or unable to attend, you can drop off your 4-H member’s exhibits any time before judging day (or before 9:00 a.m. on judging day). With multiple judges lined up, we aim to judge as many projects as possible!

Important Note: To participate in the Fashion Show, 4-H’ers must complete their modeling judging during the scheduled times on Clothing Judging Day. If they model during the day, they are also expected to participate in the evening Fashion Show.

Didn’t Finish Everything in Time? That’s Okay! Sometimes 4-H’ers simply run out of time or get overwhelmed with what they are trying to accomplish. If that happens, please let us know. We can transfer that exhibit to your 4-H member’s Static Exhibit Entry Form if the project will be ready by County Fair. We will get these Clothing & Textile items judged at the fair for your family.

• 8:30-9:00 am – Arrive at College Park and check in with the clothing superintendents!
• 8:30-8:45 am – Modeling practice on your own in the judging room
• 9:00 am-Noon - Modeling Judging
• 9:00 am-Noon - Modeling practice in the theater
• 9:00 am-Noon - Construction Judging
• 10:00 am-Noon – Family & Consumer Science Contest
• 7:00 pm - Fashion Show participants arrive at College Park
• 7:30 pm - Fashion Show begins!

Modeling judging will take place in the Extension Meeting Room at College Park, 3180 West Hwy 34 in Grand Island. We also use the multi-purpose room (in the center of the building) for construction judging. Signs will be posted in the hallway to help direct you where to go. If you have questions, please look for the Clothing Superintendents or D’Ette. We’re here to help!

• All Garments/Accessories the 4-H member needs to model their outfits for the judges.
• Constructed items for construction judging from the Clothing & Textiles department and entries from Consumer Management Shopping in Style classes.
• Clothing Labels - Please make sure all of your exhibits (each individual piece) has a clothing label attached with your name and project for judging day. Clothing labels are available from the Extension Office or you can make your own.
• Design Data Cards and/or Photos required for any projects. Upcycled classes and Beyond the Needle classes will require this form. Please look at the fair book for details. The office will have copies of these available. It’s best to complete these before you arrive on judging day due to all the action and excitement that day.
• Snacks - With such a big day full of judging and anticipation, it’s always a good idea to bring along some snacks for the kids (that won’t mess up outfits/exhibits)! 😊 While snacks are encouraged, they are not allowed inside of the theater.
• Important for Parents - Please remember that College Park is a place of business and education with adults coming and going all day and night. For your 4-H'ers safety, please keep them in your sight, and stay with them in the theater and other parts of the building.

4-H’ers may participate in interview judging for project construction before or after their scheduled modeling time. For example, if they are scheduled for modeling judging at 9:10 am, it's best to complete modeling judging first, then visit the construction judges after.

It is first come, first served in the construction judging room. If you are needing your exhibits to finish with the modeling judges, the superintendents will assist in getting your garments back from the judges.

Interview judging is optional for 4-H members but is always a great learning experience! If you are dropping off exhibits to be judged, please leave them with the Superintendents in the construction judging room (multi-purpose room).

Important: We will keep all projects in the judging room until judging is finished in the afternoon. 4-H staff will move all exhibits and garments to the dressing rooms in preparation for the Fashion Show. The doors will be locked.

If your 4-H’er is modeling, look for the dressing rooms. Plan to arrive early and have 4-H’ers ready to model 15 minutes before their judging time. Please do not leave valuables in the dressing rooms; they are not supervised.

4-H members should style their hair appropriately for the outfit they will be wearing. They might consider bringing along a curling iron or flat iron for touch ups, as well as hairspray and deodorant if needed. Hands/fingernails/hair should be clean and don’t forget to remove any gum before modeling for the judge!

Garments should be clean and pressed for the big day! It’s best to wear shoes that will make the models feel at ease and are comfortable and appropriate to the outfit. It’s always a good idea to have 4-H’ers practice modeling with the shoes that they will wear for the Fashion Show.

Fun note: 4-H'ers can add props to go with their modeling entry! For example, they can carry a book if the outfit is great to study in or hold a teddy bear and wear slippers with a PJ outfit!

Once they have their garments on, remind them to keep standing; do not sit down! They’ll want their clothes to stay wrinkle-free. Once dressed, check to make sure belt buckles and/or seams are straight and centered on their body. We will have mirrors in the dressing rooms, near the modeling room and stage area, for one last look!

Once they are dressed and ready, 4-H’ers will go to the Extension Meeting Room area. A coordinator will be there to line up 4-H’ers for their modeling time. Please note that when judging begins, adults will need to move into the main hallway at College Park. The area gets too congested if we have parents, grandparents, or guardians in the area with the models. Thanks for your help!

As 4-H’ers enter the judging room, and throughout the time they are modeling for the judge, SMILE! A happy smile will help them feel more confident and at ease, even if they’re nervous. The judge will love seeing their smile too! Good posture is also important – they’ll want to stand tall!

As they model for the judge, they will find 3 points to stop and pause to showcase their outfit. Often, you’ll hear of a ‘pivot’ while modeling. A pivot is a turn models use to show all sides of the garment. As 4-H’ers model, they may choose to stop and pivot twice and then step in front of the judge for the interview. They will stand far enough back so that the judge can see their total look with hands resting at their side and speaking confidently to the judge.

Questions that 4-H fashion show judges may ask:

• Where do you plan to wear this outfit?
• What was the cost of this outfit?
• What is one thing you learned by sewing (or purchasing) this outfit?
• What surprised you about making this?
• What have you sewn before?

As 4-H’ers model, it’s always best if they do what’s comfortable and natural for them! If they would like to practice a pivot, here are some guidelines.

Half Turn – Begin with your feet in a “T” position (see photo). Lift heels slightly and pivot in the direction of the back foot. Pause. Pivot back to the original position. Toes never leave the floor. By sliding the forward foot behind the other foot, you may reverse the position of the “T.” By turning halfway and walking from there, you can change of the direction of movement.

Full Turn - Take a small step placing one foot in front of the other to form the “T” position. Pivot around on the balls of the feet in the direction of the back foot. Pull the heel of the front foot into the other foot, resuming your stance. Pause. To complete the turn, take a small step with the front foot, step around the back foot and pivot so you again face the audience. Pull the heel in. When stepping out to start walking, lead with the front foot.

If a 4-H member is 8 years of age and their outfit is State Fair eligible, please stay until call-backs are completed! This is usually around noon. How do you know if an outfit is state-fair eligible? On the modeling schedule, we place a bold X next to the division/class numbers that are state fair eligible. Due to the lowered age for 4-H members to participate in State Fair contests, this will include almost all models, except Clover Kids.

You may be wondering, what is a call-back? This is when the judges make a list of models to look at once again (call-back) to help them make a final decision on who to select to represent Hall County at the Nebraska State Fair 4-H Fashion Show. It's an honor to be selected for a call-back, even if a 4-H'er is not selected for the State Fair Fashion Show!

Does your 4-H’er need some modeling practice? The judging room is available from 8:30-8:45 am before judging begins. They can also practice in the theater for the evening show from 9 am-noon. Note: See information below regarding a Modeling 101 Workshop. If your 4-H’er is new to modeling, it would be beneficial for them to attend this training if possible!

We’ve scheduled a modeling workshop to help 4-H’ers prepare for the big day! It is scheduled for Monday, July 6th from 1-2 pm at the Extension Office. A special thanks to Lisa Allan and her girls for leading this workshop. 4-H’ers will practice modeling in the judging room and also on the College Park stage and hear great tips for judging day! It would be a great idea to bring the shoes that you plan to wear for modeling. There is no fee to attend, but please call the office to register at 308-385-5088. If you have any questions, please contact D’Ette!

A final line-up chart with outfits listed for the Fashion Show will be available when you arrive for the Fashion Show in the evening. We are unable to give the line-up chart to families earlier in the day as we are making final adjustments to it after judging is complete. Things often change during judging (sick kids, scratches, etc.). If your 4-H’er has a change to their narration, notify D’Ette or Joyce the morning of Clothing Judging Day.

Photo Station - Please remind your 4-H’ers to stop by the picture area and have their photo taken in each of their outfits and with their non-wearable sewing projects. These photos will be displayed at the County Fair. Check for signs in the hallway for the location.

FCS Contest – Please have your 4-H’er participate in the Family & Consumer Science Contest during Clothing Judging Day when they are done with judging. If they are new to this contest, no worries! LaDonna will explain the contest and help them get started. Questions? Contact LaDonna at the office.

Good to Know!

State Fair models will be selected by the judges during the day and announced during the Fashion Show. Outstanding models will be selected in each 4-H project area by a panel of judges during the public Fashion Show. Those receiving a purple ribbon for modeling during the day are eligible.

Recognition for top competitors in the FCS contest will also be given during the Fashion Show.

Important: 4-H staff will move all exhibits and garments to the dressing rooms after judging is complete and will lock the dressing room doors. Remember to take any valuable items with you!

• Arrive at College Park by 7 pm for the show.
• A final line-up chart for the Fashion Show line-up will be available for families when you arrive. It’s extremely helpful if parents check the order of your 4-H member’s outfit changes for the show, discuss it with them, place the garments in order, or even write it down for them!
• We will have several coordinators who will be assisting in the dressing room area helping 4-H’ers as they get ready, and as they return to put on their next outfit during the show. Parents are always welcome to help in the dressing room as well.
• When 4-H’ers are done with modeling in the show, they will sit in the back corner of the theater. We will have a section roped off for them to sit. (As you look at the stage from the seats, the reserved area is in the back right corner.)
• At the end of the show, we have a "Parade of Participants." All 4-H'ers who participated in the show will go to the backstage area and line up. As a group, they will walk to the front of the stage one more time (no modeling), let parents take photos, and take a bow!
• Immediately after, awards will be given. The Grand Island Independent will be on-site taking photos of those who are selected. 4-H'ers should remain in their fashion show outfits until photos are done.
• After the show, don’t forget to look around and take all your belongings home. We hope you and your 4-H’ers enjoy the Fashion Show. Thanks so much for participating!

Email: hall-county@unl.edu
Website: hall.unl.edu
Phone: 308-385-5088
Facebook: facebook.com/HallCounty4HNebraska

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
https://nebraska.edu/nondiscrimination