The University of Maine - Cooperative Extension: 4-H

Dog - Eastern States Exposition

What is the Eastern States Exposition 4-H Dog Program?

The Eastern States Exposition (ESE), commonly known as “The Big E,” is a regional 4-H dog show usually held during the last weekend of September. The show is held in West Springfield, Massachusetts at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds. All participants MUST compete in Ice Breaker Games, Showmanship, Obedience, and take a mandatory quiz. Participants have the opportunity to participate on a quiz bowl team, in a fun agility class and in other game classes (these events may be required by the state or the show committee and participants must compete in them if requested). Participants may either compete with their dog or go as a steward, without a dog. Delegates who bring their dogs must be prepared to leave their dogs in crates in the Mallary Arena overnight while the participants stay in dorms. Stewards must come prepared to work in the rings on Saturday morning and all day Sunday and stay in the dorms at night. Participants are chosen to represent their state by their state’s selection process. Maine’s selection process can be found below. Also found below are pictures of Maine’s 2008 Eastern States Exposition Canine Team.

Eastern States Exposition Information & Forms

2013 Maine 4-H Canine Team Intent to Participate (Word | PDF)

Dog Team Qualifications and Requirements

In order to be able to complete any of the following steps 4-H members must be at least 12 years old and enrolled in the 4-H Dog Project by December 31, 2012.
4-H Members wanting to try out must send an ESE Intent Form by May 15, 2013 to Donna Flint.
There will be one tryout for the ESE Dog Team, it will be during Dog Camp at Maine 4-H Days on Saturday, July 20, 2013.
Members wanting to try out must take AND pass an open book quiz and possibly a closed book quiz. A passing open book quiz score is an 80 or better and is required. If a closed book quiz is given, a passing score of a 70 or better is needed. More information about the quizzes will be given once an intent form has been received by the dog representative.