Updates & Reminders for the County Fair

Exhibitor's Meeting  Jr. Livestock exhibitors will meet on Tuesday, August 6 at 8:30 (immediately following the steer weigh in).  During this important meeting you will meet the supervisors and receive information about the fair and the auction.  We will also present 1st year medals to youth showing a market animal at the fair for the first time. 

Livestock Testing  At the end of the exhibitor's meeting, members are invited to take a Jr. Livestock Test and compete for prizes and premiums.  Test questions will include T/F, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions.  All questions will come from the Livestock Resource Manuals available for purchase at the 4-H office.  Medals, belt buckles and premiums for the winners in the Livestock Scholars Testing Program will be presented at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 (15 minutes prior to the auction).

Showmanship - BIG CHANGES In an effort to make showmanship classes as safe and fair as possible, each exhibitor will need to sign up to participate in the Showmanship Class during weigh in.  Then, we will sort the exhibitors into appropriately-sized "heats" based upon their animal's weight.  Youth will exhibit in their designated heat, which will be posted along with the class sheets.  Parents and Leaders - Please discuss participation in showmanship with your child prior to the fair.  It is our hope that all exhibitors will participate in this additional opportunity to exhibit their animal and show how hard they have worked with their project animal this summer.  Also, in the senior division 4-H and FFA youth will compete in the same class, rather than separately.

Weigh-In   

• Hogs:  6:00 - 7:30 a.m. (morning)
• Lambs: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (evening)
• Steers: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (evening)

Passes to the Fair  Each exhibitor will receive one complimentary week pass with the option to purchase two additional passes at the exhibitor rate.  Passes MUST be purchased during the weigh in time for the exhibitor's species.  Each exhibitor will receive ONE barn pass.

4-H Patches  Don't wait until the fair, go by the 4-H office to purchase your 4-H patches for the fair.  Patches are $1 each.  The office is open M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
 
Dress Code  The 4-H dress code is a solid white, short or long-sleeved, collared shirt with black or navy pants. You will want to choose boots or other sturdy shoes to protect your feet while exhibiting. You must have a 4-H patch on your left sleeve. You can purchases patches from the 4-H office prior to the fair.  The dress code is the same for both market and showmanship classes, and the auction.

Buyer's Social  Remember the Buyer's Social is our way of saying "thank you" to new and past buyers.  It is a time for them to relax and socialize.  It is NOT the time for exhibitors to solicit buyers.  The time for you to secure buyers for your project animals is before the fair! 

Buyer Brochures  The fair printed buyer brochures, which can be picked up at the fair office, located at the Golden Spike Event Center.  Here is a PDF as well, so you can print your own copies.

Club Displays  Show your club pride and honor your buyers and boosters by preparing a nice club banner/display for your stall area.  It is common to include the following information: 4-H club name, animal's name, exhibitor's name, weight, and breed. Make sure to thank your buyers and boosters from last year.

You want your display to be something your buyers would be proud to be associated with. You will need to bring all the supplies for your banner and the supplies needed to hang it (zip ties, wire, rope, etc. are commonly used). Make sure it is hung securely and is safely out of your animal's reach.

Supplies for the County Fair  A successful experience at the county fair requires having the right supplies. Following are some things you will be sure to need.

• Feed: Your animal will need feed throughout the fair. Flies can be a problem, so bring feed in an enclosed container. Don't forget feed and water containers.
• Broom: Keep your assigned area and walkways neat.
• Rake or Shovel: Stalls and pens need to be maintained throughout the fair. Pick out droppings and soiled shavings from pen area frequently. Shavings are very expensive. Do not completely remove and replace shavings each time you clean; rather pick out soiled shavings and only replace what is removed.
• Wheel Barrow: Haul droppings and soiled shavings from barn to designated waste area.
• Bucket:  For sheep and cattle, you will need to haul fresh water to your animal.  Hogs use automatic waterers.
• Grooming Supplies: Make sure to bring all the supplies you normally use to wash and groom your animal (a hose, brushes, soap, spray bottles, etc.).  Many sheep exhibitors put sheep blankets or tubes on their lambs to keep them clean.
• Grooming Stands or Chutes: Your animal should come to the fair already clipped or sheared; however minor fitting will be needed to get your animal show-ready.
• Show Equipment: You will need a halter, show stick, comb, whip or other show equipment.
• Chairs: You will spend a lot of time in the barn area, so you may want to bring stadium chairs. Remember to keep the aisle area open for fair guests at all times.
• Fans: Many youth choose to bring a portable fan to help keep their animal cool. You will need to bring an extension cord for your fan, and connectors to hang or mount it safely.

Keep It Clean  Thousands of men, women and children come through the barns at the fair. Often this is the ONLY time they will ever learn of 4-H or FFA, so what we do, how we look, and how we behave have a huge impact on the reputation of our programs.  Be on your best behavior inside and outside the ring. You reflect on yourself, your family, and everyone in 4-H and FFA.

• Keep your animal fed and watered and comfortable throughout the fair. Check on your animal regularly. Failure to properly care for your animal will result in forfeit of prize money.
• Keep your area clean at all times.
• Keep the aisles open so people can walk through the barns - these are our guests!
• Answer questions graciously.

4-H Portfolios  Each exhibitor is required to submit a completed 4-H portfolio or FFA record book by October 1st at the 4-H office.  You can always turn it in early!.

• Portfolio forms are available for FREE online. You may also purchase printed copies, page dividers, or portfolios CD's from the 4-H office. Each portfolio is evaluated and awards are presented at 4-H Achievement Night in November. 
• Need help?  You're invited to attend the Portfolio Workshop on Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m. at the 4-H office.  RSVP required. 

Re-Enrolling in 4-H  When you bring in your portfolio (by October 1), complete your 4-H re-enrollment forms, so you'll never be out of the information loop -- and you'll avoid the chaos of filling out these forms during tagging!  The new 4-H year starts October 1st.