Note to media editors: From Aug. 8-22, the ISU Extension staff listed below may be reached at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Exhibits Building Office, 515-262-3111, extension 380. Questions about 4-H livestock events may be directed to the State Fair 4-H Livestock Office, 515-262-3111, extension 381.

AMES, Iowa - A film festival, a robotics challenge, a culinary challenge and a runway fashion show are only a few of the entertaining and educational events awaiting visitors to the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development returns to the fair with a variety of events and exhibits. The 4-H Exhibits Building will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Aug. 11 to 21, and will offer many exhibits that have been prepared by 4-H members. The air-conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building is in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds.

Got 4-H Exhibits?

The 4-H Exhibits Building will feature some 3,800 exhibits from 4-H'ers around the state. In addition to more than 600 photography exhibits, look for an assortment of delectable baked goods, fantastic furnishings and other unique items. Contact Mitchell Hoyer, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Get Your Hands on Science, Engineering and Technology (SET)

Iowa 4-H clubs will be sharing their Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) learning at the Iowa State Fair. Fair visitors can get their hands on science, engineering and technology Thursday, Aug. 11 and Friday Aug. 12; join the Science Center of Iowa making flip sticks; or start your adventure with Iowa State University and the College of Engineering on Saturday, Aug. 13. On Monday, Aug. 15 visitors can learn about sustainable energy making solar cars, and on Thursday, Aug.18 learn about creepy crawlies with the Insect Zoo. Contact Jay Staker or Holly Bignall, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Try on 'Awardrobe' Aug. 11, 12

New location this year: The 2011 Iowa State Fair Awardrobe 4-H clothing event is Thursday, Aug. 11 and Friday, Aug.12 at the Iowa State University campus. Awardrobe showcases youth from different sections of the state each day. The fashion runway shows will take place each day at 5:15 in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union, Iowa State University.

4-H'ers will participate in three categories. In Clothing Selection, youth purchase a garment for a special occasion. In Fashion Revue, youth construct their own garments. In the $15 Challenge, youth buy an outfit for less than $15. Youth then are judged on their understanding and use of design elements and principles within their category. They also model their garments in the runway shows. This year's educational workshops and showcase have a career theme ? participants will learn about possible careers in fashion and sewing and how to build their resume. Contact Keli Tallman, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Lights! Camera! Action! - Iowa 4-H Film Festival Is Aug. 12

Budding youth directors and actors across the state will make their film debut in the Iowa 4-H Film Festival at the Iowa State Fair. Production teams of one to 10 members (with at least one 4-H'er) have entered films in three categories: Educate, Inspire and Just 4 Fun. Judges will select winners for each category and a Best of Festival award. Festival audience members will vote for a People's Choice award. Films will be shown at the 4-H Exhibits Building on Aug. 12 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Check the Iowa 4-H Film Festival website  (www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/filmfestival) or contact Jay Staker or Holly Bignall, ISU Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (E-SET).

Bratney Companies 4-H Robotics Challenge Is Aug. 13, 14

Iowa youth in two age divisions will show off their robot designing and programming skills during a real-time robotics design challenge. Seniors will compete on Saturday, Aug. 13, and juniors will compete on Sunday, Aug. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Real time means the teams won't know the exact design challenges they'll face until the event begins. Each robotics team will receive two challenges ? one using the LEGO Mindstorms© NXT platform and a surprise junk drawer challenge. Each team designs a robot to meet each of the challenges. At the end of the working period, the teams will enter the Challenge Field and set their robots loose to the cheers of spectators. Check out videos from past 4-H robotics challenges (www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/roboticschallenge) or contact Jay Staker or Holly Bignall, ISU Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (E-SET).

'Cook This!' on Aug. 15, 16, 17

In this three-part youth culinary challenge, teams of junior, intermediate and senior level 4-H'ers will demonstrate their creativity in food preparation as well as their communication skills about food related topics, and their ability to identify produce, equipment and fruits and vegetables. The challenge will take place Tuesday, Aug. 15, Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Thursday, Aug. 17 in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Check the Cook This! website (www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/cookthis) or contact Shelly Greving, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Teens Will 'Stitch This!' in Fashion Design Event Aug. 19-20

Prom dresses will be everywhere as nine teams of 4-H teens take part in the Iowa 4-H "Stitch This!" fashion design event at the Iowa State Fair. This year's theme is "America the Beautiful." The public can watch all the action as the teams tear these garments apart and design new creations in the 4-H Exhibits Building from 3-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. The event will culminate in a runway-style fashion show at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 on the 4-H Exhibits Building's main stage. Check the Stitch This website (www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/stitchthis) or contact Shelly Greving, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

See 4-H Fair Highlights on 4-H TV Online

What do you get when you combine a group of technology-savvy 4-H teens, some digital video cameras, a website and the Iowa State Fair? You get 4-H TV at the Fair. 4-H TV (www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/tv, to be available during and after State Fair) features videos shot, edited and produced by the Iowa 4-H Technology Team. Contact Jay Staker, ISU Extension Science, Engineering and Technology (E-SET).

My 4-H: Share a Story

Has 4-H made an impact on your life? State Fair visitors can share their 4-H stories with the world ? in writing. ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development will be collecting stories throughout the fair about the impact 4-H has on individuals and communities. Contact Shelly Greving, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

121 Iowans to Join Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

The Iowa 4-H Foundation and ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development sponsor the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Sunday, Aug. 21, at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Eighty-eight counties have selected inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Contact Chris Gleason, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

4-H'ers Receive Scholarships

The Iowa 4-H Foundation will present more than 100 scholarships to deserving 4-H'ers from across the state at the annual scholarship awards program, Saturday, Aug. 20, 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Contact Mitchell Hoyer, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

Addy the 4-H Butter Cow

Any day at the fair you can find Addy the 4-H adventure cow roaming the fairgrounds, to remind your that your adventure starts here, with 4-H. In honor of the 100th year of the butter cow, different organizations have painted cement butter cows that are being placed around the fairgrounds. Contact Kourtney Determan, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

About the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program

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