The 4-H Table Setting contest at the Lancaster County Super Fair is a fun way to learn how to:
• Properly set a table and present to a judge.
• Plan nutritious meals using the Dietary Guidelines for Americans' new inverted food pyramid at realfood.gov.
• Express originality and creativity in choosing a theme.
• Express knowledge of food, nutrition and food safety.
Participants select a theme, wear a costume related to that theme and display one place setting, including table covering, dishes, glassware, silverware, centerpiece and menu. (Do not bring/prepare food.) 4‑H’ers also give a 5-minute prepared presentation about their table to a judge.
The 2026 Table Setting Contest will be held on Friday, July 31 at the Sandhills Global Event Center, South Hall, use east entrance (enter Gate 4 off Havelock Ave., park near the South Hall). Judging time slots will be at 5, 6 or 7 p.m. and will be assigned ahead of time by 4‑H staff. 4‑H’ers will be emailed the judging schedule about a week prior to the contest. The public will be invited to view the tables approximately between 7:45 and 8:15 p.m.
Register by Tuesday, July 21 by calling 402‑441‑7180 (there is no entry form). Provide 4‑H’ers age and category (picnic, casual, formal or holiday).
Details are online at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/table-setting. All participants are strongly encouraged to read the information on this web page.
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Kristin Geisert at least two weeks prior to the program at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.