Big E Quality Ribbon - What Does it Mean?
Congratulations on receiving the Big E Award at one of the 4-H County Visual Presentation Days!
The information provided on this sheet is a general explanation of what this award means to you and the next steps. Any questions you may have can be sent to your local 4-H Educator.
What does this award mean?
It means that you are now eligible to represent MA 4-H and present on the New England Center stage or in the action exhibit area at the Big E in September. You are not registered to be part of the NE Center delegation until you have submitted all the required paperwork by the July 15th deadline. You will need to attend the required orientation session in June to find out more.
Attendance at the orientation session is required for first time attendees and /or a parent; no exceptions will be made to this policy.
Orientation sessions are required. These will be scheduled on two separate dates and will be held via online Zoom meetings. You will be able to select the date that works best for your family. Specific information about the orientation sessions and how to register will be sent to all Big E Quality Winners in May. You will receive registration forms by email in May. These are due on July 15. Final selections for participants will be made by August 1, 2022. Please be aware that we sometimes do not have enough slots on the stage to place all members who receive Big E Quality Awards. Every effort will be made to place members who wish to participate.
Do I need to change my presentation?
You are not expected to make any changes, but there are several ways that a member may alter their Visual Presentation for the NE Center. Some ways a presentation may be altered are:
- A performing arts VP topic (singing, dance, musical instrument) might be changed into a stage performance.
- A topic that lends itself to hands-on activity (crafts, gardening, science, cooking) may be turned into an action exhibit. You may ask other 4-H members of your club or group to help. An Action Exhibit requires at least 4 individuals from a group.
- Questions regarding how a VP presentation might be changed can be sent to your local 4-H Educator.
When does the Big E Participation Occur?
Massachusetts 4-H participates at the Big E in the New England Center on the first weekend of the Big E Fair; this year that will occur on September 17 & 18, 2022. Each day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. followed by marching in the Big E parade at 5:00 p.m. Participating members must be there for the entire day so plan for a long, full day! More information about overnight accommodations and food availability will be sent as details are obtained from the Big E. We will go over all the details at the orientation.
If you have additional questions or do not receive a letter in May about the June orientation sessions contact Linda Horn at lrhorn@umext.umass.edu.
