4-H at the Hopkinton State Fair 2026

The Hopkinton State Fair is a highlight of the Merrimack County 4-H year, offering members the chance to showcase the projects, skills, and accomplishments they have developed throughout the year. Youth can exhibit their projects and animals, participate in contests, volunteer, and demonstrate the positive impact of 4-H to thousands of fair attendees.

Whether you are exhibiting for the first time or are a returning participant, we encourage all 4-H families to take part. This newsletter includes important deadlines, exhibitor information, volunteer opportunities, and helpful reminders to help you prepare for a successful and rewarding fair experience. The Hopkinton State Fair is a wonderful opportunity for members to represent the best of 4-H while celebrating their hard work, learning, and achievements.

Please make sure to read all the information in the Event Packet (click the link in the upper right).  Some highlights can be found below:

Important Dates:

July 15th – August 15th Animal Exhibitor Registration through FairEntry 

Tuesday August 4th – 4:30 p.m. Fair Clean-Up Day

August 10th Volunteer/Judges Sign-Up Deadline 

Wednesday September 2nd 4:30-7:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall entry drop off 

Thursday September 3rd – 9:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall Judging Monday 

September 7th – 5pm Exhibit Hall entry pick up

We are looking for volunteers in the following areas: 

• 4-H Ice Cream Parlor (Youth ages 8+ and adults) 

• Exhibit Hall Judges (Adults and Junior Judges) 

• Exhibit Hall Monitors (Youth ages 12+, parents, and volunteers) Volunteer benefits include: 

• A full-day admission pass to the fair and a voucher redeemable at the 4-H Ice Cream Parlor

 • The opportunity to support New Hampshire 4-H and connect with other volunteers Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline: August 10th 

Sign up online: Volunteer Opportunity

4-H EXHIBIT HALL ENTRY GUIDELINES:Exhibit Hall Guidelines  

• Download last year's printable version here: 2025 4-H Exhibit Hall Handbook 2025 Exhibit Hall Handbook

• Download Vegetable, Fruits, Flowers and Plants Exhibit Guidelines for 4H: Vegetable, Fruits, Flowers and Plants Guidelines

Judging:

Exhibit Hall Judges Sign up here: Judges Sign Up 

We are seeking adult volunteers to judge exhibits in the 4-H Exhibit Hall. To allow time for planning and judge assignments, please sign up by August 10th. Lunch will be provided for all judges.

Animal Exhibitors:

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ANIMAL EXHIBITORS - All animal exhibitors must register through FairEntry between July 15 and August 15, 2026. No late entries will be accepted.

Animal Arrival Animals may arrive during the following times: Wednesday, September 2 5:00–9:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. No livestock will be permitted on the fairgrounds before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. All livestock must enter through the Agricultural Gate. Unless otherwise directed by the superintendent, animals are expected to remain on the fairgrounds until they are officially released on Monday.

🍀🍀🍀For complete and full explanation of guidelines, links to associated materials and other information please download the Event Packet. 🍀🍀🍀