Merrimack County 4-H Presents -2026

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 Mike Harris, 4-H Program Manager at michael.harris@unh.edu 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 21, 2026
• NEW Location: Grace Capital Church, 542 Pembroke St., Pembroke, NH 03275
• Time: Registration begins at 8:30am. Judging begins at 9:00am.
• Event Registrations Due: Friday, March 6, 2026 (see registration info below)
• Photo & Poster Drop-off: Thursday, March 12, 2026 by 3:30pm to the 4-H Office (333 Daniel Webster Hwy. Suite 3, Boscawen, NH 03303)
• Photo & Poster Evaluation Day: Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:00pm at the 4-H Office.

Alternative County 4-H Presents Date:

Merrimack County 4-H youth are invited to participate and qualify for NH 4-H Presents at the Belknap/Carroll 4-H Presents held on March 14th in Meredith, NH. If your family is unable to make the Merrimack County 4-H Presents date work then you can register for the Belknap/Carroll County 4-H Presents event here: https://extension.unh.edu/event/2026/03/2026-belknap-carroll-county-4-h-presents Note: DO NOT REGISTER FOR BOTH EVENTS. You can choose one or the other to take part in.

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 or Stuffed Animal 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 up to TWO photo entries, per photo theme. See contest page for specific entry rules, regulations and entry form.
• Poster Contest: Youth ages 8 & older may submit up to TWO posters per production type for evaluation. For example, a youth may submit one paper/craft poster and one digital/multimedia poster for a total of two posters. See contest page for specific entry rules, regulations & entry form. New this year: digital/multi-media production poster!
• 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.

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 March 6, 2026 here.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Mike Harris at (603) 748-0289 or by email at michael.harris@unh.edu. 

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!"