Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Reflections of our community
The Oceana Echo
Your locally owned & operated, nonprofit news source.
Subscribe
Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025
The Oceana Echo

Submissions open for Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase

Michigan State University Extension has partnered with the Michigan State Fair to offer again this year the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase!

This statewide showcase provides a virtual platform for youth across Michigan to exhibit their work in all project areas and apply for up to $1,000 scholarships. Any Michigan youth ages 5-19 is encouraged to participate; 4-H membership is not required. (So feel free to share with Michigan-based friends and family!)

The diverse array of classes celebrates all the projects and programs in which youth have developed skill and mastery. This includes livestock and animal showmanship classes, as well as still exhibits, educational projects and more. There is no cost to participate, and youth may engage in as many classes as they wish by submitting project photos and videos. 

Entry registration is now open and will close on August 8. 4-H members may register by clicking as an exhibitor and then clicking on the green button and using their 4-H Online login. Non-4-H members may register by clicking the blue sign-in button and creating an account. For help with registering, contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu or Laura VanEtten at harr1325@msu.edu. 

Project evaluation occurs before the start of the Michigan State Fair so that winners can be announced at the event, which occurs August 29 -September 1. In addition to the opportunity to showcase their skills, recognize their accomplishments and receive constructive feedback for growth and development, participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships in a value of up to $1,000 apiece. Find the applications and criteria on the Michigan State Fair website or go to Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase.  The link for information is: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtu... .   

Organizers hope many youth will consider submitting a project and then applying for the scholarship. Consider this like a county or state fair one may attend in person but entirely online! If there is something one might submit at a county fair, they can submit it here in some way! So, as preparation continues for the local fair, exhibitors should take a video or photos of favorite completed projects and submit them for the State Virtual Showcase!

For assistance with registering for the Showcase please reach out to Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu. For assistance or questions about the scholarships, please contact Laurie Rivetto at rivettol@msu.edu.