4-H At the Minnesota State Fair
Animal Science / Livestock Week
Gate Pass / Ticket Pick Up:
County Provided Transportation: Those heading up on the County Bus - your tickets, dorm buttons, etc will be handed to you as you load the bus.
Self Transportation: Those heading up to the state fair on your own. Your gate passes are ready to be picked up at the 4-H office any time. Hang tags will be available for pick up on Tuesday 8/25/26 after 9 am.
Livestock Week: NOTE Time change
- Participants arrive and be ready to load the transportation at the Redwood County Fairgrounds by 9 am Wednesday August 26, 2026
- ALL help load the livestock trailer with animals, show boxes, bedding, and all the supplies
- Label your stuff including pitch forks and smaller equipment
- Group photo and check in with chaperones
- Load Thielen Bus Lines and leave the fairgrounds by 9:30 am
- Participants will return to the Redwood County Fairgrounds near 6 pm Sunday August 30th. Youth will call when leaving the fairgrounds.
Participants must understand appropriate cell phone and other device use. There are certain times when these devices should not be used, such as:
- During any judging activity. Participants need to respect other 4-H’ers by turning off all cell phones to avoid disturbance. It will also be recommended to the parents and general public to avoid those disturbances.
- In the dorm after lights out hours. This includes talking on the phone, text messaging, social media and games.
- During any shows or presentations by 4-H’ers or any other group. Cell phones should be off or on silent to avoid disturbance. Use common courtesy.
ID your stuff!
- Put your name on your bags, equipment, etc. If it gets forgotten or in the wrong counties pile of things to go back home it helps to find it
Show Attire - Mn 4-H will provide a State Fair Shirt which is the show shirt exhibitors should be wearing for their shows.
- It is suggested to bring your show clothes and keep in your show box for show day to allow those staying in the dorms to have quick access to show clothing.
- Resource section below has the specific show details - Must read!
- The 4-H Chaperone will pick up the show shirts. It is each youth responsibility to get your shirt from our 4-H chaperones (they will not hunt you down).
Equipment, Food, Bedding - See Resource Section
Packing List for those staying in the dorms: There is not a lot of outlets available in some of the dorms. Plan for that in your packing.
(HINT) You have to carry what you pack
- Changes of clothing
- sheets, blanket, pillow or sleeping bag for bedding
- Charging Cables or battery packs as needed
- Fan is optional but helpful. Consider battery operated fans due to limited outlets.
- Refillable water bottles. There are several free water filling stations around the fairgrounds.
Prescription Meds:
- Youth/parents will turn this product in to our chaperone along with the medical form that requires parental signature. See Resource below.
Emergency Meds
- Youth parents will turn the medical form that informs chaperones and the 4-H medical team of the need.
- Youth will keep their emergency meds ON THEIR PERSON at all times.
- Youth will demonstrate use of the emergency med to the chaperones - just in case assistance is needed.
Additional Food/Snacks
- If you choose to pack additional snacks please remember it must be in a sealed package, likely not allowed in the dorm room, and must be food safe at room temperature.
- Remember you have to carry it
Forgotten and Important Items
- If you find you have forgotten something important let your chaperone know IMMEDIATELY chances are someone is heading up to the State Fair and will happily deliver it to you.
Gate Passes and Meal Tickets -
- Those riding the bus will be handed your meal tickets and dorm buttons
- Those staying off grounds - Your gate passes are ready for pick up. If arrangements are needed please let me know - I am happy to meet up somewhere.
- Those camping on grounds will not recieve tickets or meal tickets unless ordered at the county fair.
- Those driving up and staying in the dorms - your dorm buttons will be with the chaperone
Check-ins and Bussing:
- The 4-H chaperones will hold regular check in times through out the fair. It is the 4-H'er responsibility to make those times work.
- Lights out is 11 pm - all 4-H members and chaperones must be in their rooms by 11 pm.
- Bussing times/leave times will be discussed and provided to you on Sunday morning. It is the 4-H'ers responsibility to meet the chaperones at the designated time.
I Missed the Bus Home. Now What?! We have not had an issue in the past because our members work together and are mindful of their responsibilities. However, if someone misses the bus home here is the plan if it is needed.
- First. Do not panic.
- Second. Contact the chaperones IMMEDIATELY. You will be given their cell phone numbers on the bus ride to the SF grounds.
- Third. Contact your family and let them know what is happening and what you have discussed with the chaperones. The chaperones will be contacting your family too and the 4-H staff.
- Fourth. Go to the 4-H Barn Office. They will help you locate the 4-H building. Head to the MN State Fair 4-H Building and go into the 4-H Office. They will help you make any arrangements needed.
- Fifth. Either your parents/guardians will come get you or 4-H staff will come and get you.
Hang tags are a number system that is used for parking and transport systems for parking on Wednesday of MN State Fair arrival and for load out on Sunday of the State Fair. You need a hang tag to get into the assigned line to enter the state fair grounds to load out your animals.
Those providing your own transport for rabbits and birds should bring the appropriate carrying case so you can "walk" your animals (in the carrying case) to your vehicle.
Process:
- Hang tags will be delivered to the Redwood County 4-H Office on Tuesday 8/25
- Drivers can pick up your hang tags after 9 am on Tuesday 8/25
- Hang tags not picked up will be given to an assigned Redwood County 4-H Chaperone.
- Chaperone will distribute the hang tags upon arrival at the MN state fair.
- Drivers, it is your responsibility to seek the chaperone out and pick up the hang tags.
- Drivers needing assistance contacting the chaperone should call the 4-H office.