4-H is as much a part of the Minnesota State Fair tradition as corndogs and cotton candy.

This year, 5,866 young people will exhibit a variety of projects at the fair, competing in categories ranging from aquatic robotics to clothing and textiles.

Barb Tiegs, a 4-H judge in fabric arts and a Maple Grove resident, has been involved in the state fair 4-H competition since she was 11 years old.

When judging, Tiegs says she looks for students who can explain how they executed their project and what completing the project taught them.

“They learn how to present themselves, how to communicate,” said Tiegs. “It really pays off as a lifelong skill.”

Check out the highlights from Anoka County’s 2012 4-H competitors in the gallery above.

To see the results from this year's competition, check our the Minnesota 4-H website.

Do you have a photo from the state fair 4-H building? Add it to the gallery!