New for the 2024 Manitowoc County Fair 4-H Silent Auction!!!! 

Manitowoc County Youth may enter their Fair Projects into the 4-H Silent Auction Endowment Fund to be sold at the Manitowoc County Fair.

• Youth grades 3 and up are eligible to enter their fair project into the Silent Auction to be sold.
• Youth must enter their project into the Manitowoc County Fair and have their item judged.
• The Youth Project entry must receive a blue or red ribbon to be entered into the 4-H Endowment Silent Auction.
• Youth will receive 50% of the winning bid from their project.  The other 50% will be placed into the 4-H Silent Auction Endowment Fund.
• The following list are the fair categories that are eligible for members to enter into the Silent Auction and sell their items (no posters, displays, scrapbooks, – committee will have final decision on items that qualify):
  • Cultural Arts
  • Woodworking
  • Clothing
  • Knitting and Crocheting
  • Home Furnishings – Home Environment
  • Foods & Nutrition – Food Preservation
• Members interested in entering their project into the Silent Auction must complete the Silent Auction Entry Google Form by August 2, 2024.  Form: https://bit.ly/4aBVq2E
• Limit of two items may be entered into the Silent Auction however five items may be registered for the silent auction.
• Checks will be mailed to participants after all items have been paid for and picked up.  
• Youth are encouraged to invite family, friends, and businesses to check out their items in the Silent Auction.
• Questions – Contact Katrina Pionek at kmpionek@wisc.edu or 920-683-4172 or Janelle Liermann at 920-946-6849

***Please note this is the first year of youth having the opportunity to place a fair entry item into the Silent Auction for a profit. We are open to ideas and suggestions as we move forward with this new endeavor. 

FAQ about 4-H Silent Auction Endowment

What is the Manitowoc County 4-H Silent Auction Endowment Fund?

The Endowment Fund was established years ago to provide scholarships to 4-H graduates pursuing postsecondary education.  The Silent Auction fundraiser is the only money added to the endowment fund. Currently each year, the scholarship fund awards four individuals with a $1000 scholarship.

Why did the 4-H Silent Auction change to allowing youth to enter their fair projects into the Silent Auction?

We felt it was important for youth have an opportunity to sell their quality work at the fair.  This allows for the youth to take extra pride in their project and make a little money.  Also, this opportunity may allow for youth to connect with community members for future opportunities.

Can members, families, businesses, and clubs still donate items to the Silent Auction?

Yes absolutely! Just like past years, non-youth project items can be donated.  100% of the proceeds will go to the 4-H Endowment Scholarship Fund.  The committee is always looking for donations to add to the Silent Auction.  

Who can bid on the items?

Anyone.  We encourage youth to reach out to family, friends, and businesses to let them know they will have an item in the 4-H Silent Auction.

When will the bidders be notified if they were the highest bidder of an item?

Silent Auction will run from Wednesday morning until Sunday afternoon.  Winners will be notified after bidding closes on Sunday.

When do items need to be picked up?

Items can be picked up from 6:00 – 7:00 pm Sunday night of the Manitowoc County Fair or arranged to be picked up the following week at the Manitowoc County Extension Office.  Payment must be received prior to pick up.

What happens if the item qualifies for State Fair? Can I withdraw my item?

If your item qualifies for State Fair, the youth will have the option to withdraw the item from the Silent Auction and place it in the Silent Auction the following fair.

Can I withdraw my item at any point?

Youth can withdraw their item prior to 6:00 pm on Monday of fair week.  After that the item will be placed in the Silent Auction.

Why can I register five items and only enter two?

We are limiting youth to only two entries so a variety of youth can enter into the Silent Auction.  We are allowing five items to be registered so youth have back-up items registered in case they do not receive a blue or red on an item, they do not finish an item in time for the fair, or other possible disqualifications.

Who decides which two items of the five registered items registered are part of the Silent Auction?

If a youth registers more than two items for the Silent Auction, the youth will decide on the Monday of fair week which two items they would like part of the Silent Auction.

Can I put my items into the Silent Auction the following year?

Yes, you can place the item into the Silent Auction the following year, however 100% of the proceeds would go to the 4-H Endowment Fund.  The exception would be State Fair Qualifiers.  State Fair Qualifiers would receive 50% of the proceeds.

Can open class entries be added to the Silent Auction?

Yes, however 100% of the proceeds will go to the endowment fund.  If an open class entry would like to be entered, please fill out this form:

Do youth need to enter two or could they only enter one item?

Youth may enter one or two items into the Silent Auction.

Where is the Silent Auction located?

The 4-H Silent Auction is located in the Exhibition Building at the Manitowoc County Fair.  Look for the Silent Auction signs in the building.

Do you need to be a 4-H member to enter an item in the 4-H Silent Auction?

No.  Any youth grade 3 and up that enter their project into the junior fair may enter into the 4-H Silent Auction.