Manatee History Day

The Manatee History Day competition utilizes the Z Fairs online contest management system. This is where you will register for the program, submit projects, and keep up with contest information. Late registrations will not be accepted. 

Z Fairs Registration Instructions: 

All teachers, students, and judges must create a new profile annually regardless of whether they are new or returning to the program.

Student Instructions (Registration Window: August 10, 2026 - December 18, 2026)*

Register Here

Written Instructions 

Video Walk Through

Teacher Registration Instructions (Registration Window: August 10, 2026 - November 20, 2026) 

Register Here

Written Instructions 

Video Walk Through 

Judge Registration Instructions(Registration Window: November 2, 2026 - December 18, 2026)**

Register Here

Written Instructions 

Video Walk Through 

Project Submission Instructions: Click HERE

​​Virtual Judging Instructions (for documentaries, websites, and papers only): Click HERE

​*Students cannot register until their teacher has registered. If teachers do not register by the November 20th deadline, their student(s) will not be able to compete.

**Volunteer paperwork will also be sent to you and must be completed by December 18, 2026)

Registration Window: August 10, 2026 - December 18, 2026

STUDENTS CANNOT REGISTER UNTIL THEIR TEACHER DOES AND CANNOT PARTICIPATE WITHOUT A REGISTERED TEACHER.

​Student Criteria​:

• Must be a student at a school in Manatee County (public, private, charter, or homeschool)

• Must be sponsored by a teacher who teaches in Manatee County (the project does not need to be required or on their syllabus).

​Student Registration (Open August 10, 2026 - December 18, 2026)*

Whether you have participated in the past or are new to the program, you are required to register through our contest management website, Z Fairs, annually.

​Registration Reminders: 

• You will not be able to register until your teacher has completed their registration 

• Use your personal email to register - your school's firewall will most likely block emails from ZFairs if you use your school email.

• You will need to provide your parent/gaurdian's contact information - any contact between coordinators and students (if needed) will include the parent/guardian and teacher

• Be sure to always check your spam/junk folder for emails from MHD Zfairs.

• If you are not receiving any emails from MHD Z Fairs please contact the contest coordinators.

​Registration Instructions:

Register Here

• Written Instructions 

• Video Walk Through

​​Student projects are due by December 18, 2026. No late student registrations or projects will be accepted.​ You do not have to submit your project to register on Z Fairs but both registration and project submission are required to participate in the program. ​If your teacher has not completed registration by November 20, 2026, you will not be able to compete.

​Project Submission (Due December 18, 2026): 

You do not have to submit your project when you register on Z Fairs. If you have already registered and are submitting your project at a later date, click HERE for instructions. 

​If your teacher has not completed registration by November 20, 2026, you will not be able to compete.

Student Schedule*

Please note that some dates may be subject to change and no exceptions to these deadlines will be accepted.

Student Registration Opens: Monday, August 10, 2026 (students cannot register until their teacher does)

Student Registration and Projects Due: Friday, December 18, 2026 (for students to participate - their teacher must have registered by November 20, 2026)

Exhibit Board Drop Off (at Manatee Village Historical Park): January 4 & 5, 2027 from 9 AM - 4 PM (or by appointment December 21-31, 2026)

Exhibit Board Pickup (at Manatee Village Historical Park): January 9, 2027 by 4 PM 

Awards Ceremony** (at Manatee Village Historical Park): Saturday, January 9, 2027 from 10 AM - 11 AM

Final Call to Pick Up Contest Materials***: Friday, January 15, 2027

​*MHD judges will not interview students at this year's competition.

** Entries for the State Team will be selected from each category based on content, subject matter, and research.  Winning 1st or 2nd place does not guarantee selection to move on to state.

***Any items (exhibit boards, performance props, etc.) left after 4 PM will be disposed of

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