The Nebraska 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest at the Nebraska State Fair is a fun opportunity to demonstrate healthy decision making through nutrition, food preparation, menu planning and food safety. Contestants create a menu, prepare a food item and choose an appropriate theme for their occasion while expressing their food, nutrition and food safety knowledge during a live interview with a judge. In order to highlight knowledge and skills acquired during pre-contest preparation, 4‑H members will utilize technology as part of their interview.
New in 2026: Lancaster County may send an unlimited number of teams!
This contest is open to 4‑H'ers ages 8–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year) who form teams of two members to represent Lancaster County at the State Fair. The contest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 4-8 p.m. (time slots will be assigned)(note: this is after the state 4‑H Fashion Shows) at the Raising Nebraska building at Fonner Park.
Each year a challenge ingredient is selected that highlights a Nebraska commodity food product. The 2026 challenge ingredient is potatoes.
Complete details, rules and age divisions are at https://go.unl.edu/4h-culinary.
To participate, contact Kristin Geisert at 402‑441‑7180 or kristin.geisert@unl.edu by Monday, Aug. 3. Then, both members must register at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/state-fair/contest-participant by Sunday, Aug. 10 at 8 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Cami Wells at cwells2@unl.edu or 308‑385‑5088.