Merrimack County 4-H Presents -2025

It’s time for Merrimack County 4-H Presents! 4-H members are encouraged to take part in these contests to develop public speaking, presentation, demonstration and other valuable skills. It provides a chance for youth to share their interests and passions with a larger audience.

Contact Sunny Swanson, 4-H Program Manager at sunny.swanson@unh.edu or 603-255-3556 with any questions. If you can volunteer at the event let us know here.

DOWNLOAD EVENT PACKET

IMPORTANT EVENT DATES:

• Date of Event: Saturday, March 8, 2025
• Location: Merrimack Valley High School - 105 Community Dr., Concord, NH 03303
• Time: Registration begins at 8:30am. Judging begins at 9:00am.
• Event Registrations Due: Friday, February 21, 2025 
• Photo & Poster Drop-off: Friday, February 28, 2025 to the 4-H Office (315 Daniel Webster Hwy. Boscawen, NH 03303)
• Photo & Poster Evaluation Day: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 6:00pm at the 4-H Office.

Events at a Glance:

• Action Exhibit: Individuals, or teams of up to two youth will demonstrate and interact with people in an exhibition style setting for a 50 minute period. Presenters will answer questions and involve the public in their exhibit. Examples of an action exhibit are a “make and take” craft or a “how to” demonstration. 
• Cloverbud Events: youth ages 5-7 can try out their presentation skills in events such as Cloverbud Pet Rock Showmanship and Cloverbud Show & Tell. This sets the foundation for youth and their public speaking skills before they become age eligible for other 4-H Presents contests.
• Demonstration: An opportunity for youth to share something they know “how to do” with others in a formal setting. Individuals, or teams of up to two members may participate. Youth have a designated period of time to present to a panel of judges.
• Public Speaking: An opportunity for youth to give a speech on a chosen topic without the use of props or visual aids. Youth have a designated period of time to present to a panel of judges.
• Photography Contest: Each participant may submit ONE photo entry, based on a photo theme. See contest page for specific entry rules, regulations and entry form.
• Poster Contest: Each participant may submit ONE poster entry based on a poster theme. See contest page for specific entry rules, regulations and entry form.
• Note about Photos & Posters Entries: They must be dropped off no later than 3:30pm on Friday, February 28, 2025. These entries are prejudged. They will be on display at Merrimack County 4-H Presents at Merrimack Valley High School on March 8, 2025 and ready for pick-up at the end of the event.

NEW THIS YEAR! Talent & Culture Showcase: 

• Talent: Share your musical, vocal, theatrical, or creative arts for an audience to enjoy!  
• Culture and Family History: Share something that is meaningful to you and your family. Demonstrate food, clothing, traditions, dances, songs, or anything that reflects your values, history, or culture for an audience to enjoy.  

REGISTER FOR EVENT:

Please register for this event through ZSuite. All youth MUST be enrolled for the current 4-H year through ZSuite to participate & register for the event. You will need to know the title of your presentation, the category and other additional information when filling out the event registration form. 

We are able to provide a laptop and LCD projector for your multimedia presentation with advanced notice. Please contact Sunny Swanson at sunny.swanson@unh.edu with this request.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

We need approximately 30 Volunteers for 4-H Presents. These Volunteers will work as event judges, scorekeepers, room proctors, and registration help. Volunteers can be parents or alumni, in addition to youth volunteer opportunities. Sign up to volunteer by February 21, 2025 here.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Sunny Swanson, 4-H Program Manager at sunny.swanson@unh.edu or 603-255-3556.

Listen to a segmented long form interview with Mike Harris, Belknap County 4-H Program Manager, as he interviews Jenny, senior 4-H member from Belknap County; Xanthi Russell, recent 4-H Alumni from Strafford County; and Wade Weber, New Hampshire State 4-H Program Leader, discuss the upcoming county based 4-H Presents events all across New Hampshire over the next two months!

WATCH HERE

• PART 1 "Intros and What is 4-H Presents?"
• PART 2 "What can I do at 4-H Presents?"
• PART 3 "What can I do at 4-H Presents? - Jenny's Example" 
• PART 4 "What is NEW at 4-H Presents? Adding Talent and Culture Acts"
• PART 5 "What are the Guidelines for 4-H Presents?"
• PART 6 "Advancement from County and Beyond"
• PART 7 "Family Encouraged to Attend"
• PART 8 "How Can I Be a Part of 4-H Presents?" 
• PART 9 "Developmental Benefits - Part 1 Skill Growth and Friendships"
• PART 10 "Developmental Benefits - Part 2 Cooperation Among Peers"
• PART 11 "Developmental Benefits - Part 3 Feedback and  Role of Coaches/Judges"
• Part 12 "Aubrey from Merrimack County - 4H Presents Promo!"