Animal Exhibit Rules

In cases when printed publications (Fair Book, Brochure, etc.) differ from the fair website, the website will be considered the authoritative and final word for any and all information and rules.

Animal Entry and Registration

DEADLINE: Animal Entries must be postmarked by July 7.

Submit the paper form(s) with payment, payable to “UNION COUNTY WEST END FAIR”. Mail Entry Forms to the Superintendent of each Department, as noted on the entry form(s).

Please note: The Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) is provided by each veterinarian. 

Pre-Registration

JULY 7 – All Livestock Exhibits must be PRE-REGISTERED. Animal Entry Forms are available on the fair website. Do NOT use the Exhibit Registration and Entry Form in the Fair Book for animal entries.

Livestock Fees are due when exhibits are pre-registered. There is a $50 service fee for returned checks.

Exhibit Submissions

MONDAY, 9 AM-1 PM — Livestock Exhibits will be received. The Fair Association will furnish a reasonable amount of initial bedding. Straw and hay may not be stockpiled in the stalls.

Exhibit Removal

FRIDAY, after 10:00 PM – Sold Livestock may be removed. It is the responsibility of all 4-H and FFA members to LOAD their project animals for hauling following the sale. If the member cannot be present at loading time, he/she must secure a representative to load his/her project animal(s).

SATURDAY, after 11:00 PM – Livestock may be removed. Advise your haulers. Exhibitors MUST clean their livestock area at the conclusion of the fair.

Livestock Rules

Refer to General Rules for all exhibitors. In addition, the following rules apply for livestock exhibits:

1. The PA Dept of Agriculture provides the 2016-2017 PA Fairs Animal Health Rules (PDF File) for the 113 PA County and Community Fairs. This 17-page document can be downloaded from the PA Dept of Agriculture website and should be referenced to ensure adherence to these requirements. NOTE: There were no changes to the rules in 2017.
2. MONDAY, 9:00 AM – Weigh in of livestock beginning with hogs, followed by lambs, goats, steers and dairy beef. All livestock exhibitors must be present.
3. The livestock exhibitor is responsible to ensure that the animal is weighed.
4. MONDAY, 3:00 PM – Livestock Meeting. All livestock exhibitors must attend.
5. All livestock offered for premiums, except rabbit meat pens, must have been owned a minimum of 60 days before the first day of the fair. No pending papers will be accepted.
6. Joint ownership is considered one owner, in accordance with the Livestock Exhibit Entry Form.
7. No substitutions of animals allowed for any breeding species.
8. No livestock may be walked on fairgrounds except in and around barns, show arena and wash rack.
9. The Livestock breed name must be shown on cards large enough that the breed name may be readily identified by viewers; if the livestock is grouped together according to breeds, one large sign to designate the group will be satisfactory.
10. Livestock Awards must be placed on the stall or pen of the individual winners for the duration of the fair. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in forfeiture of premiums.
11. Should any animal awarded a prize be disqualified, the animals gaining the lower prizes shall move into the next higher positions if, in the opinion of the judges, the animals are worthy of such prizes.
12. Any artificial means to change the form or shape of an animal will disqualify it from competition.
13. Livestock Superintendent(s) will inspect pens daily. If pens are not maintained, there will be one (1) warning. A second offense will result in removal of the animal(s) from the fairgrounds.
14. Exhibitors are responsible for cleaning their livestock area at the conclusion of the fair. If the area is not cleaned by the Tuesday evening following the fair, 10% will be deducted from premium check.
15. All livestock exhibitors with the exception of rabbits will need to wear a show harness displaying their exhibitor number during the shows; two cards will be provided, one for the front and one for the back.

Livestock Showmanship

1. When on exhibition in the ring, each animal must be under halter in the charge of owner or representative.
2. No person shall be allowed in the ring while stock is being judged except the judge, superintendents and necessary attendants.
3. The Fair Association will have stand-by attendants available during youth judging and/or showing, to provide assistance if an animal becomes unmanageable.
4. The State Farm Products Show Commission Code of Show Ring Ethics is as follows: Exhibitors of animals at the Farm Show shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. Complete Code of Ethics info can be found on the fair website.

Livestock Exhibitor Parking and Passes

1. Passes and parking permits for livestock exhibitors will be issued at the Fair Office. Exhibitor registration slip must be presented for identification.
2. Parking space for livestock exhibitors is available behind the barns and show arena (excluding trailers and large industrial vehicles).
3. A reserved area near the south gate has been designated for livestock trailers and large industrial vehicles.
4. Parking committee will enforce rules.