2012 Exhibitor Guides will be available in the Fair Office
the first week in May.
The entry deadline is June 22th
AND it’s never too soon to get your entries in!
 

There have been a small number of changes for 2012 at the direction of the Board of Directors. these will be published after the January Fair Board Meeting.

CHANGES AND NEW RULES FOR 2012. Read your Exhibitor’s Guide CAREFULLY and COMPLETELY when you receive it in May. If you have questions, call the Fair Office for clarification.

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY FAIR 2011 EXHIBITOR’S GUIDE
Changes approved – November, 2010 and January, 2011

Eligibility:

YOUTH CLASS DEPARTMENTS are open to all youth residents of Shiawassee County, the children of parents who own (real estate) property (not to include leased land) in Shiawassee County and other youth exhibitors as specified in the guidelines stated herein:

New rules to be inserted following rule D),

E) Any youth exhibitor who has been properly qualified and shown a minimum of 2 years at the Shiawassee County Fair, maintains ongoing membership in good standing with their Shiawassee County FFA Chapter or an ongoing association with their Shiawassee County 4-H Club, may continue to show at the Shiawassee County Fair if they move out of the area leaving a qualified school district, including Chesaning and Ovid-Elsie (or an address accepted for residency, including rule G) before they reach the age of 21, at which time they must meet the requirements for adult or Open Class Exhibitor status.  Exhibitors who have moved but will be entering exhibits in the Fair under this rule will be required to provide verification of current good standing (signed by their FFA Chapter Advisor or the 4-H Leader with whom they are associated) to the Fair Office at the time Fair entries are made. 

F) Open and/or Youth Exhibitors who live outside of Shiawassee County but own (real estate) property within the County must be prepared to show valid proof of ownership of qualifying property.  

LIVESTOCK

New General Livestock Superintendent: Welcome Mike Oliver

DAIRY:

Open       
• Omit Adult Showmanship Fun Class
• Rule #9 to read – All group classes must be pre-entered.
• New Rule #10 – Group classes 240-280 may consist of animals entered by the same exhibitor or immediate family.

Youth 
• Fun Class Section – eliminate rule #8

BEEF:

Open – No changes

Youth  
• Exhibitors will be allowed to show and sell one (1) beef market animal (one of the following: beef steer, beef heifer,  dairy steer, or dairy heifer). 
• Market heifers must follow all of the market beef animal rules, including: 
1) Must be tagged
2) Must be weighed and show in the a market class with the steers
3) May not show in a Breeding class
4) Must be certified open (not pregnant) within 30 days of the Fair and show proof from a veterinarian at Fair check-in
5) Must sell in the Junior Livestock Auction on Friday night

• A “Rate of Gain Contest” will be offered in 2011 (is not required)
1) Must be weighed at check-in to enter Rate of Gain Contest
2) If weighed at check-in, will be entered automatically

• New Rule: #20. Entries in Best Market Animal from own Herd (Class 205) must be shown in another Market Class (Class 210 or 215)

SHEEP:

Open  
• Class 130 – entrants from classes 110 and/or 120
• Class 200 – entrants from classes 180 and/or 190
• Class 230 – entrants from classes 100 and/or 160
• Class 240 – entrants from classes 110 or 120, 180 or 190
• Class 250 – entrants from classes 110. 120, 180 and/or 190

Youth
• Class 135 – entrants from classes 115 and/or 125
• Class 205 – entrants from classes 185 and/or 195
• Class 235 – entrants from classes  105 and/or 165
• Class 245 – entrants from classes 115 or 125, and 185 or 195
• Best Market Lamb from Own Flock (#385) must  be shown in another Market Class (#325 and/or #335)

GOATS: 

Open
• Best Home Bred animals must show the exhibitor’s name on the Registration papers as Breeder and the dam should have been owned by the exhibitor at the time of breeding – classes #250, #440,and #665.

Youth
• Best Home Bred animals must be born from a dam owned by the exhibitor at the time of breeding – classes #285, #390, and #755.

SWINE:

New Superintendent: Welcome Randy Hart.
Thanks for your service to Superintendent leaving Swine Dept. to take new position as Livestock Supt. Mike Oliver

Youth
• Animals entered in the Best Market Hog from Own Herd Class, #365, must also be entered in the appropriate Market Class(es), #305 and/or #315

POULTRY:

Youth
• Animals that are eligible to enter in classes #180-#255 may not enter Classes #260 or #261 (“any other” classes).

• Class #325  - Market Chickens (Pen of 2) Weight per bird: 4 lbs. to 12.5 lbs.  and not over 15 weeks of age. 

• Class #360 – Turkey – Tom or Hen; Bronze or Giant White only, 1 per pen. (Tom 15-45 lbs. / Hen 14-40 lbs. and not over 6 months of age) 

RABBITS:

New Assistant Superintendent – Open and Youth:  Kristi VanValkenburgh 
Thanks to Courtney Bond for your past service as a Rabbit Superintendent

Open
• Section 10 to read: Exhibitor must own the mother of Fancy Pens and Market Pens Youth
• Purchased Market animals must be in possession of the exhibitors by July 10
• Class # 220 to read:  Pet Rabbit: Any age, any breed, any type – judged on condition only, may not enter any other class except showmanship.

HORSES:

Added to Youth “Check in” times for any horse not on the grounds by 4:00 pm Sunday:

• Any horse trailered in after regular check-in, (including yearlings, mules, donkeys and Gymkhana horses) must be pre-arranged with Horse Superintendents and have completed the required request forms.  Adult Open entries that plan to use a stall on Saturday must also fill out the required request form (on the first Saturday or Sunday of the Fair) indicating that their horse will occupy a stall (until 10:00 pm) on Saturday, the last day of the Fair. 

• Rule #8 will now read:  No horses to leave the fairgrounds during fair week without the written consent of the Superintendent.  Due to safety and space limitations, stalled horses may be exchanged during the week to accommodate the needs of exhibitors showing multiple horses.  Exchanges of horses to take place during fair week must be approved by the Superintendents during the regular check-in times Saturday and Sunday on the official request form, available from the Superintendents.  Exhibitors with a stall are required to maintain a horse in that stall until 10:00pm Saturday night.

• Rule #9 will now read: Exhibitors may exhibit up to three equine projects, but may enter only one yearling, one donkey or mule, one regular riding horse, and/or one snaffle bit horse.  One stall per exhibitor.  Gymkhana horses used for only Gymkhana classes are not included in the limit of three as they are not considered for High Point Awards, however they must be entered on the Fair Entry Form by the entry deadline to compete at the Fair. See: SECTION 45 – GYMKHANA HORSES

• Description of halter class exhibitors to read:  An exhibitor may enter class either 105 or 110 and only one of classes 115-146, for a total of 2 halter classes.

• Rule #10:  Add clarification: Project horses’ age will be determined as of December 31st of the current year.

• Rule #19A - Points may be collected for High Point Exhibitor from all horses (up to 3) an exhibitor is showing (except the Gymkhana entry if it is entered only in Gymkhana classes). 

• Class #130 will be combined with 131; Class #135 will be combined with 136.

• Classes #160 and 165, #213 and 214, and #335 and 340 will be divided into four classes from two, ages being 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-21.

• Class #280 will use test B.

• Class #285 will use test #2 and will split into two classes, ages 9-14 and 15-21.

• Classes #170, 215, 345, 425, 475, 615, and 665 will each be divided into 2 classes, ages to be divided into 17-18 and 19-21.

• Page #55:  Addition of:  SECTION 45 – GYMKHANA HORSES
Exhibited on Friday of Fair week starting at 4:00 pm. Exhibitors will choose specific Speed and Action classes Friday morning at the Announcer’s stand.  Exhibitors may enter only one class (790 or 795) but must enter to compete Friday afternoon.

790. Gymkhana Horse – already entered in other Fair classes

795. Gymkhana Horse – trailered in to compete in Speed and Action classes on Friday.  Entry in class 795 requires a “per head” fee of $4.00 to be included on entry form under Horses.

Please note:
Any exhibitor showing multiple horses will be asked to pay a $4.00 “per head” Grounds fee.  Open exhibitors will also be asked to pay the $4.00 Grounds Fee “per horse” for the Open Adult Show.

DOGS:

New Division added to Dog Department, awards to be ribbons only 

Adult / Open, Department 21

Rules:
1) Dogs and exhibitors will be subject to all rules presented in Department 22, Youth Dogs
2) Dogs may enter a class one time only.
3) Dogs entered in Dept. 21 only will not be benched.
4) Exhibitor age for all classes is 22 years of age and older
5) Adult exhibitors must check in on Friday prior to Fair opening from 6:30 - 7:30

Classes to be available to Open Exhibitors:
• Dog Pre-Novice B
• Dog Novice B 
• Dog Beginning Novice B
• Dog Graduate Novice B
• Dog Advanced Graduate B
• Dog Open B
• Agility Beginning B 
• Agility Intermediate B
• Agility Advanced B
• Rally-O Novice B
• Rally-O Advanced B
• Rally-O Excellent B

Youth Dogs
• Addition to Rule #5:  Dogs must be exercised on a leash,  not on bench chains.
• Addition of Rule (to be #16) Rally-O and Agility dogs must have a jump height card; if your dog does not have a card, it must be measured by the Dog Supt. at the Friday night check-in (dog need not attend, otherwise).
• Addition of Rule #21:  Agility dogs may be shown with a harness rather than a buckle collar.  A statement of need from a veterinarian is required.
• Added rule: Timed events will have a maximum allowed course time.  Teams over the maximum time will be excused from the course.

• Additional Classes: 
- Champion and Reserve Beginning Novice Obedience Division   
- Ch. and Res. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Agility
- Ch. And Res. Novice, Advanced and Excellent Rally-O

• Cloverbud classes will be moved to the end of the Department, becoming Section 50.
• Utility Championships will be deleted until classes are available to justify them.
• Judging dates and times will be noted for each Section under the section headings.
• Dog exhibitors should check Exhibitor’s Guide carefully for possible new judging days

EXHIBIT BUILDING – STILL EXHIBITS

Dept. #72:  Eliminate Decorated Trees of the World

Dept. #40:  Tablecloths, etc. 
Welcome Rosemary Bocek as Asst. Supt. Section 430 to read, Tablecloth with Napkins

Dept. #43 - Crafts: 
Delete Section  30 - Leathercraft  and add a Leathercraft class to Section 10

Youth Classes in the Open Division will receive ribbons and premiums for 1st - 3rd placings only.

Dept. #47 - Flowers:  
Welcome Courtney Hall as Asst. Superintendent Audrey Eitel is retiring.
Thanks for your years of service! 

Dept #48 – Homegrown Vegetables 
Add new class - Tallest Weed, any variety Classes 540 and 550
note that items in the arrangements are to come from the vegetable list in section 10.

Dept. #62 & #72 - Youth Fine Arts and Youth Creative Writing
Welcome Kirk and Becky Saunders as Assistant Superintendents
Rule #6 - size change - Maximum size of exhibit to be 2’ x 4’. 

Dept. 62, Section 80, combine classes 175 & 185  Chalk/Pastels
Add new class for “Animated Art” - original work only! (No copies of cartoons).  
Must be original character drawings from the artist’s (exhibitor’s) imagination.

Dept. #63 -Youth Folk Arts and Crafts 
Welcome Amber Hetfield as Superintendent. 
Thank you to retiring Supt Elaine Prine for all of your years of service.
New size: Section 50, Rule 1) Models (class 805) and Lego constructions (class 815) may be no larger than 2’ x 2’.

Dept. #69 -Youth Woodworking and Electrical Sciences
Welcome Steve Maynard as Asst. Supt.

Dept #73 – Youth Communication Skills
Change in time and location.  
To be held at 4:30 pm on Thursday of Fair week, place to be announced.   

Please note:  
The Michigan State Fair County Fair Gold Ribbon Program will be replaced in 2011 by our own “Shiawassee County Fair Gold Ribbon Program”.  Details will be available in the 2011 Exhibitor’s Guide.

Shiawassee County Fair

 

For Information Call:

989.743.3611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Site Designed & Maintained by:

Jim Hargrove Creative

Exhibit Building rule changes:

Open Baked Goods: 
Yeast breads may be baked in a non-standard pan or form, allowing for braiding, knotting and/or any other designs.

Livestock Department changes and clarifications:

ALL EXHIBITORS – IMPORTANT!  

• All Showmanship and Homebred (Bred and Owned) clases MUST BE PRE-ENTERED, on the green entry form, by the exhibitor (i.e. by the June 25, 2010 entry deadline), or the exhibitor will not be able to participate in these classes. Exhibitors will not be entered automatically by species.
The Homebred (Bred and Owned) must also be verified by a leader or an advisor on a separate form that is provided in the front of the Exhibitors Guide.

• Only (3) three (not 4) entries may be made for market classes, per exhibitor, a maximum of (3) three entries may be sold at auction. (Example: 1 pen of hogs, 1 pen of rabbits, 1 steer.)

• 2010 Premiums will be 1/2 of the payout published in the Exhibitor's Guide, the same as in 2009.

Open: 
All livestock shown in open breeding classes must be registered (except Barbados Sheep).

All Youth Livestock (including small animals):

• A youth exhibitor who shows an animal in a youth breeding class or a market class will then be eligible to enter the Showmanship class for that species.
(It is required that the Showmanship animal be entered and shown in another class). The exhibitor must use the animal that they entered in the breeding or market class.
The exhibirot must pre-enter the Showmanship class, on the entry form, prior to the Fair entry deadline.

Open and Youth: Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Goats:

• Exhibitors may enter no more than two animals in a class.

• The animal must show in an individual class to show in a group class.

• Proper attire is required of all exhibitors in the show ring, as defined in the General Rules. No sandals, flip-flops, crocs or similar footwear will be allowed.

• If an animal dies, the exhibitor must immediately notify a Barn Superintendent, a General Livestock Superintendent or the Fair Veterinarian.

Youth Market Animals -  Beef, Goats, Sheep, Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks and Geese:
 

• Market animals under minimum weight may not show in the Market Class and may not sell in the auction, but may show in Showmanship, if entered.  Market animals over maximum weight may show in the Market Class but cannot be Champion or Reserve. Overweight animals may sell in the auction at the specified maximum weight (not their actual weight).

Minimum and maximum weights are for Market entries are:

Beef Steer

950 lbs–1500 lbs

Dairy Steer

1100 lbs–1600 lbs

Swine

220 lbs–270 lbs

Mkt. Lamb

95 lbs–160 lbs

Dairy/Boer Goat

50 lbs–100 lbs

Pygmy/Nigerian Goat

25 lbs–50 lbs

Chickens

4 lbs–12.5 lbs

Tom Turkeys

15 lbs–45 lbs

Hen Turkeys

14 lbs–40 lbs

Ducks

4 lbs–10 lbs

Geese

7 lbs–15 lbs

Rabbit Fryers

3 lbs–5 lbs

Rabbit Roasters

5.1 lbs–8 lbs

Draft Horses: 

A new class has been added – Draft Horse Team Obstacle Class. 
See Exhibitor’s Guide, or call the Fair Office, for details.

Beef Cattle Department:  

• Double registered animals may be entered in only one breed section.

• Seven breeding stock animals are the maximum any one exhibitor may show; a youth exhibitor may also show a steer for a total of eight animals.

• Showmanship – The exhibitor must fit and show only the animal that they have entered. Using an animal other than their own entry for Showmanship will disqualify the exhibitor and the owner of the animal in question.

Dairy Cattle Department:

• Dairy veal calf classes will be eliminated.

Goat Department:

• Exhibitor’s Herd shall consist of three animals owned by the exhibitor.

• Goats may use electronic I.D. (microchips).  Registration papers and a microchip reader must accompany the goat when moved.

• Entry check-in and class verification for youth Goat exhibitors will be Sunday from 4:30-10:00 pm.; open exhibitors, from Sunday at 4:30-Tuesday at 9:00 pm.

• All Market Goats must be tagged, NO EXCEPTIONS.  2010 tagging dates are Saturday, May 15 and 22 from 10:00 – 12:00 noon, in the Dog Barn on the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds.

Horse Department:

• All Equine exhibits must show proof of a negative Coggins test within the current calendar year (to include the previous December).

• Exhibitors may show up to three horses/mules.  They may choose to enter halter classes as follows: Yearling and under at halter, and Donkeys and Mules at halter and one other halter class. (Note: Be sure that your designated high point competition horse is entered in halter, if you so desire!)

• Horse exhibitors must all show in Showmanship.  To be eligible for Sweepstakes Showmanship they must also enter and show in another class that is published in the Exhibitor’s Guide (i.e. does not include gymkhana classes).

• Riders may compete in the Novice Section for 2 years only, regardless of change in horse/pony.  If a novice rider is high point or reserve high point, he/she is ineligible to compete as a novice again, he/she must move into their age group.

• Three Walk-Trot High Point Awards will be added, so there will now be:

Walk - Trot 15 - 21
Walk - Trot 13 - 14
Walk - Trot 11 - 12
Walk - Trot 09 - 10

• SEI approved helmets must be worn by all exhibitors in Hunt Seat classes, whether mounted or on the ground in at hand classes.  The SEI approved helmets must be worn by all exhibitors in Gymkhana classes.

• High Point Competition:  Points may be accumulated toward high point exhibitor by a one horse-one exhibitor combination.

• The following classes have been added for Physically/Mentally Challenged exhibitors, whose ages include: 5 years – 26 years of age.

- Assisted Fitting and Showing for Physically/Mentally Challenged
- Unassisted Fitting and Showing for Physically/Mentally Challenged
- Assisted Equitation, Walk Only (Western and English) for Physically/Mentally Ch.
- Unassisted Equitation, Walk Only(Western and English) for Physically/Mentally Ch
- Assisted Equitation, Walk-Trot (Western and English) for Phys/Mentally Ch
- Unassisted Equitation, Walk-Trot (Western and English) for Phys/Mentally Ch
- Assisted Trail Class for Physically/Mentally Challenged Exhibitor
- Unassisted Trail Class for Physically/Mentally Challenged Exhibitor
- Costume Class for Physically/Mentally Challenged Exhibitor   

Dog Department:

• Rally O Judging will be at 4:00 pm instead of 5:00.

• Members are allowed to show multiple dogs but no more than two entries in any one class.

• A dog exhibitor must show in more than one class.

• A handler or dog showing in agility must have 7 (not 9) documented practices.

• All dogs will be on exhibit Monday through Saturday from 12:00 noon to 10:00pm for 3 full days or 6 half days (coordinated by club leaders). Due to space limitations, members with multiple dogs will only bench one dog at a time and will fulfill only one dog’s time requirements. Half day bench times are recommended to avoid stress.

Swine Department:

• Check in time will be 8:00 am - 4:00 pm., Aug. 7, eliminating 1 hour.

• The Market weight rule, #11, will now read: 
Each pig must weigh between 220 and 270 pounds. To help prevent the spread of Swine diseases, all pigs that unload at the Fair, must stay. Pigs that weigh under 220 lbs or over 270 lbs may be exhibited in Showmanship only and will then be sent to market (by noon on Monday, Aug. 9). Every effort will be made to give two options to exhibitors with animals that do not make weight, the option to send the animal to a pre-determined processor or the option to send it to a pre-determined open market for sale. As this is a terminal show, the animals must go to market or to be processed at one of the two sites as determined by the Swine Department.  Checks in payment for these hogs only will be made out to the exhibitor and sent directly to their home.

• PQA age update for 2010. 19 year old exhibitors are back into the youth category. Those exhibitors 15-19 must take the class at 15 and then every three years thereafter. Exhibitors that are 20 and older must take the adult class.

• The hog wash racks will be closed during all shows.

• The Swine Barn will be closed to the general public during all shows.

• The area around the clerks table and the entry to the show ring will be open to Superintendents and ring attendants ONLY, to allow  access to the ring for exhibitors to promote a smoothly run show.

• Barn fees will be $4.00 per head to compensate for extra shavings and labor required in that barn.

Rabbit and Cavy Department:

• Addition to rule #13: If individual rabbits in a market pen fail to make required weights, the individuals making weight may be entered in the appropriate single market class, if all other rules are met.

• Youth rabbit and cavy exhibitors who show an animal in youth breeding and/or market classes are eligible to enter Showmanship; they must use their own animal (i.e., the animal entered under their name in the specified class/classes).  Note:  See “Non-Premium Fun Classes” below for another Showmanship option.

NON-PREMIUM FUN CLASSES (Do not have to be pre-entered)  

• The “Showmanship Experience” Fun Classes are open to those who do not qualify to enter the

• Youth or Cloverbud Showmanship classes and who have not previously shown in a regular Showmanship class at this fair.

1. Sign-up will take place on Sunday during check-in from 2:00pm until 8:00pm.

2. The Showmanship Experience classes will follow the appropriate Rabbit Showmanship or Cavy Showmanship classes on Monday.

3. The Showmanship Experience exhibitor must provide a rabbit/cavy to show. The rabbit/cavy must be housed on the grounds and the owner must approve and be available to take the rabbit/cavy from its cage.

Youth Rabbit Showmanship Experience
Youth Cavy Showmanship Experience
Youth Rabbit Showmanship Experience
Youth Cavy Showmanship Experience
Adult Rabbit Showmanship Experience
Adult Cavy Showmanship Experience

ages 5 - 8 (must have an adult in attendance)
ages 5 - 8 (must have an adult in attendance)
ages 9 - 21 (special needs 9 - 26)
ages 9 - 21 (special needs 9 - 26)
ages 22 and over
ages 22 and over

Poultry Department:

• Please note as of 2/24/10 - The release time and date for Poultry exhibits from the Fair will remain the same as in 2009; we are sorry for any misunderstanding. This will be clarified in the Poultry rules in the 2010 Exhibitor's Guide.

• Open and Youth - All birds must be clean at check-in. Birds must be free of feces, mud, shavings, straw, etc., or they will be sent home.

• Open - Each exhibitor of Poultry (chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, pigeons, etc.) may exhibit one entry per class, four entries per section, for each division (i.e., Poultry, Pigeons, Waterfowl).

• Youth - Judging for Cloverbuds and Showmanship will be held on Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00pm.

• Cloverbud exhibitors must show in the Condition Class to enter Showmanship.

• Educational Exhibits will be checked in on Saturday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm

• Showmanship - Youth Poultry exhibitors who exhibit in youth breeding and/or market classes are eligible to enter Showmanship; they must use their own animal (i.e., the animal entered under their name in the specified class/classes). 
Note: See Non-Premium Fun Classes below for another Showmanship option.

NON-PREMIUM FUN CLASSES (Do not need to be pre-entered)

1. The “Showmanship Experience” Fun Classes are open to those who have not entered Poultry Showmanship.

2. Sign-up will take place until the class enters the ring.

3. The Showmanship Experience classes will be held Friday at 10:00 am.

4. The Showmanship Experience exhibitor must provide an animal to show. The chicken, duck, etc. must be housed on the grounds and the owner must approve and be available to take the animal from its cage.

Youth Poultry Showmanship Experience
Youth Poultry Showmanship Experience
Adult Poultry Showmanship Experience

ages 5 - 8 (must have an adult in attendance)
ages 9 - 21 (special needs 9 - 26)
ages 22 and over