Exhibitor Rules (Fairbook) | Muskegon County Fair

All Clubs must register with the Muskegon County Fair Board by March 1st to be eligible to participate in the Muskegon County Fair. Clubs must be registered by December 1st for members to be able to register Market Beef.
The registration form is available online on the Muskegon County Fair website. Leaders and participants must register and submit their forms online
The Code of Conduct form must be signed electronically by both exhibitor and parent of exhibitor and submitted with registration form.
Club leaders must comply and have background checks run and submitted with the registration form.
Exhibitors are not allowed to show through more than one club throughout the youth Livestock Divisions. No dual club enrolling in Livestock Divisions is allowed.

Example #1: No youth member may show swine in 4-H club and beef in FFA.

Example #2: No youth member may show swine in a 4-H Club and show beef in an independent fair club.

All fees and deadlines must be met with exhbitor’s club name clearly printed on all registration forms.
Exhibitors participating in Livestock projects must wear a Muskegon County Fair shirt during showing of their project and while performing barn duties. Exhibitors may inquire at the Fair Office as to how to get these shirts or get an order form from the fairgrounds website.
Any club members wanting to participate that did not pre-register will only be eligible for Open Classes. Market Classes are not available to Open Classes.
It is each club’s responsibility to know all rules and deadlines and comply with them.
All clubs participating in the Muskegon County Fair are subject to all rules posted in this fair book.
One mandatory orientation meeting will be required for a minimum of one representative/leader from each club to attend in the fall to receive Fair information and registration deadlines.

EXHIBITOR ELIGIBILITY

1. Youth classes for the livestock project areas are open to youth exhibitors 5 years of age to 19 years of age as of January 1st of the current Fair Year.

2. Youth classes for the demonstration and educational (Inanimate) project areas are open to youth exhibitors 5 years of age to 19 years of age as of January 1st of the Fair Year. These project areas are also open to participants 26 years of age or younger as of January 1st of the fair year who has been determined eligible for special education services by the local school district.

3. Age eligibility of an exhibitor in the youth division shall be as follows: a) Age is determined as of January 1 of the current fair year unless otherwise stated. The only exception to this rule will be those divisions that provide the Explorer Program. They will follow their own guidelines. Sr. Teen 15 & Older; Jr. Teen 13- 14; Pre-Teen 11-12; Novice 7-10; Explorer 5-6. Open class and Open Community Arts shall be open to all individuals.

4. Failure to comply with all of the exhibitor rules will result in ineligibility. Superintendents, in cooperation with the Livestock Committee, will make decisions of disqualification when rules are broken.

5. Youth attending or participating in the Muskegon County Fair are their best exhibit. Youth must conduct themselves properly at all times or may forfeit all rights and privileges.

6. Exhibitor must perform assigned duties; if exhibitor fails to perform the assigned duties, a fine will be charged to the exhibitor to be determined by the superintendent not to exceed $10. All Exhibitors must sign up for a time slot for Hospitality Service. This will require being in the barn for the time allotted, welcoming all visitors and being available to answer any questions.

7. Judges or Fair Officials can disqualify any exhibit that does not meet all of the rules or affects the quality of the displays in a negative manner. Please consult the project superintendent if you have any concerns about an exhibit.

8. Exhibits must have been made, grown, or raised by the exhibitor during the current year. All exhibits must be shown by named exhibitor, unassisted. If conflicting exhibition, superintendents will approve any changes.

9. Certain projects (such as certain animals) have individual deadlines for registration. There is also an overall Stall/Pen Reservation Fee deadline of $25 due March 1st , including both market and breeding that is to be accompanied with each exhibitor.

10. All exhibits must be on display throughout the entire time of fair. In a situation where security of an exhibit is questioned, the exhibitor may ask for early release of project from the Inanimate Superintendent. However, a collection of pictures and an explanation of how the project was made and any ribbons earned will be left on display. Early removal of any project may cause exhibitor to forfeit the privilege of returning to the fair the following year. The Superintendent and the Rules Committee will make this decision. 6

11. Baked Goods Auction participants must be 5 years old as of January 1st the current fair year. Explorers are eligible to auction baked goods.

FAIR CLASS ENTRY ONLINE AND JUDGING

To enter the Muskegon County Fair, you must fill out the Fair Software Entry Online to register each of your livestock, baked goods, inanimates, and shooting sports projects, separately for each project. Links to the registration forms can be found on the fairgrounds website at www.muskegonfairgrounds.com
Exhibitors will be able to enter only the classes at Fair that were registered in the Fair Software Entry Online.
Exhibitors must check in projects as well as check out at release time with the division superintendent. Early removal of exhibits may result in forfeiting privilege to return the following year in that division.
It is the exhibitors’ responsibility to be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations, obtainable at www.muskegonfairgrounds.com.
An exhibitor may not receive more than one award in any class.
Youth will be limited to two (2) livestock auction projects. This includes any combination of large animals and small animals. One Baked Goods item may be auctioned in addition to two (2) market livestock projects.
Judging sheets will be the only means for recording awards received in all exhibits. It is the responsibility of the Division Superintendent to have the judge sign the judging sheets and get them turned into the fair office. Judges’ checks will be the responsibility of the superintendents.
The Danish system of judging is used. “A” will be awarded to those who do outstanding work, “B” to those who do good work and “C” to those who do fair work. The Judges decision is final.
Ribbons will not be replaced. Once a ribbon is rewarded, it becomes the responsibility of the recipient.
Ribbons and rosettes will be awarded for all classifications and places listed for each class unless otherwise specified. Championship classes must have competition. If there is no competition, judges may use their discretion in awarding trophies.
If a class is divided for any reason, duplicate awards will not be given. There must be a run off to determine winners.
Protests must be in writing and filed with the Fair Association secretary 45 days from the close of fair, accompanied by a protest fee of $5.00, which will be returned if the protest is sustained by the Board of Directors. All protests will be considered at a time set up by the Fair Board of Directors and all interested parties will be notified. The Board will make a ruling no more than 5 days of the protest meeting. Procedure to reach within 45 days to MDA.
ALL Exhibitors are required to sign an agreement/contract waiver that their animals are drug free. However, the livestock division superintendent(s) reserve the right to randomly drug test any animal on exhibit at the Muskegon County Fair.
All youth Exhibitors must follow the dress code established in the exhibitor manual. JEANS/PANTS MUST HAVE NO HOLES OR RIPS.
Late Registration – Registrations may be submitted up to (7) days beyond the deadline, unless a mandatory weigh-in is scheduled prior to the 7-day grace period, then the registration is due before weigh-in. A late fee of $100 will be assessed for all late registrations submitted within the 7-day grace period. No registrations will be allowed beyond the 7-day grace period.

MISCELLANEOUS RULES

Exhibitors will assume all risks for their exhibit. Every precaution will be taken to ensure safety and protection, but any employee, officer, group or organization will assume no responsibility for loss, accidents, or damage. This includes services of a vet or medical doctor for costs or services rendered to the exhibitor or exhibit.
Superintendents are responsible for managing and overseeing animals that are entered within their division. This is to include the monitoring of the proper feeding and watering of all animals within their division. All efforts will be made to contact the club leader and owner if an animal is not property cared for. In the event that an animal is not fed, watered and housing cleaned, the Superintendent is authorized to make decisions based on the welfare of the animals and exhibitors. Any question on any decisions made must be taken to the Livestock Committee for final disposition.
Each individual Club and/or youth exhibitor is responsible to carry its own insurance policy to insure against personal injury.
Rules listed with Dept., Division, or Class will be considered a part of these Rules and Regulations but do not supersede Fair Association Rules and Regulations.
Livestock is to be in place according to regulation in the appropriate division.
No person shall hereafter cause to be administered internally or externally to an animal, during the Muskegon County Fair, any prescription tranquilizer, stimulant, depressant or any other drug unless under the direct supervision of a licensed Michigan Veterinarian. Livestock Committee will determine source and method of payment.
All show areas must be kept clean and cleaned up to the satisfaction of the Fair Association.
Dogs allowed on the Muskegon County Fairgrounds must be kept on a leash. Absolutely no dogs are allowed in any building or exhibit tent or barn.
No motorized vehicles in exhibit areas unless authorized by the Fair Board.
No solicitation on the Fairgrounds without Fair Board approval.
Any person signing up for a buyer number for someone else is ultimately responsible for the purchase.
In the event of illness, injury or a concern for a livestock’s welfare, the Superintendent of that division and the owner/exhibitor will be notified and will be present at the time of examination by fair officials and/or veterinarian. If the situation is emergent or life threatening the fair officials and veterinarian will act accordingly to treat the animal.

Animal Exhibit Rules

Exhibitors shall observe the following rules for all market and breeding species.

Maximum Number Market Weight Ownership Deadline

Horse 1 individual June 1

Dairy 3 total June 15

Market Beef 1 individual 1,000 – UP Dec. 1

Beef Breeding 3 total (1 each class) May 1

Dairy Feeder Beef 1 total March 1

Beef Feeder 1 total feeder March 1

Market Swine 1 individual 220 – 320 May 1

Breeding Swine NONE

Market Lamb 1 individual 80 - over May 1

Sheep (non-market) 3 each class May 1

Goats 5 total goats- (1 Market and 4 Breeding) June 15

Market Goats 1 individual 45 - over (small breed 25) May 1

Breeding Goats 4 total goats June 15

Rabbits 1 each class (6 total) June 15

Market Rabbit 1 individual or See Market Rabbit Rules June 15

1 pen of 3

Cavy 1 per class (4 total) June 15

Poultry Total of 5 (2 market and 3 breeding, or 1 market and 4 breeding, or 5 breeding)

Market Poultry June 15

chickens pen of 3

ducks pen of 2

Turkey pen of 1

goose pen of 1

Cornish hen pen of 3 June 15

Breeding Poultry Total of 5 if no market poultry entered May 1

Llama/Alpacas Total of 4 (one in each class) June 15

**July 1st is the deadline for any replacement animal (livestock). Poultry deadline is before entry day of fair.

Exhibitors are required to sign an agreement/contract waiver that their animals are drug free. However, the livestock division superintendent(s) reserve the right to randomly drug test any animal on exhibit at the Muskegon County Fair.

Animals exhibiting any of the following conditions, symptoms, or behavior shall not be permitted to enter the shows:

A. Animals (steers, beef breeding, dairy senior calf and older and dairy goats) should show no evidence of having been dehorned.

B. Male animals over one year of age except those permitted in respective division classes (all species)

C. Stags (market steers, lambs, or hogs); incomplete castration

D. External parasites, lice, ticks, mange or other obviously diseased or unhealthy animal (all species)

E. Ear Canker or respiratory infections. (rabbits)

F. Failure to lead or be handled by the exhibitor in or out of the show ring (all species at halter, collar or lead strap). 1.

As part of the entry process, exhibitors shall report to the superintendent upon arrival at the arena, pen or stabling area. All animal superintendents shall be responsible for ruling on qualifications of animal to be entered in their respective decision.

An exhibitor wishing to challenge a superintendent’s decision shall do so in writing to the fair management before judging.

2. All animals, with the exception of dogs and pets, shall be stabled or penned as designated by division.

3. All exhibitors must meet all state health and sanitation requirements. Refer to state health regulations which can be found at www.michigan.gov/mda-exhibitinfo

4. Showmanship ages shall be Sr. Teen 15 & Older; Jr. Teen 13-14; Pre-Teen 11-12; Novice 7-10. Explorer age 5-6. Age is determined as of January 1st the current fair year; see showmanship section for rules.

5. Showmanship will be the first class shown unless otherwise indicated and is open to all youth divisions. 9

6. The club herd in each division shall consist of three animals of any age from one club and owned by at least three different members of a club, except Dairy division. Limit one entry per club.

7. First and second place winners will compete for the championship of each division.

8. The primary grooming and fitting of livestock during Fair week is the responsibility of the exhibitor. Any excessive or inappropriate involvement of family members and friends may result in disqualification of the exhibitor. It is the discretion of the Superintendent as to what is considered excessive involvement of family members and friends and a warning may be issued. It is the decision of the Superintendent and Livestock committee to disqualify participants who ignore the warning.

9. All championship classes must have competition. If there is no competition in a class, judges may use their discretion in awarding trophies.

10. Any Exhibitor showing in the youth division is required to have an adult over the age of 20 registered with the Muskegon County Fair Board as a leader. A criminal history background check is required.

11. Any exhibitor whose project fails to qualify for entry may do for showmanship with another exhibitor’s animal upon Superintendent approval. (Market project books must be turned in.)

12. All handicapped exhibitors must be assisted by an adult when exhibiting in the large animal livestock classes.

13. All youth exhibitors must follow the dress code guidlelines in the exhibitor manual. Jeans/Pants must have no holes or rips.

14. The Livestock Committee shall be responsible to retain the service of the “Veterinarian on Call” to do a walk-through the day after livestock are entered. This will include all Livestock Divisions. Any concerns or disqualifications are to be communicated to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will then relay this information to the Exhibitor.

General Market Animal Rules

1. The rules committee shall consist of the Superintendents from all livestock divisions. It will also include members from the livestock committee.

2. Exhibitors and parents are expected to follow the rules and guidelines in each respective project area according to the rules as set forth in the fair book. Refusing to follow division rules may result in disqualification and cause the exhibitor to be prohibited from participating at the Muskegon County Fair in the future.

3. Exhibitors may not use any type of paint, marker, crayon or other material to decorate their animals; animals showing signs of this may be disqualified from the livestock auction.

4. All market animals will be weighed for classification and sale weight on the same designated scales. Animals that do not make weight are not eligible for auction.

5. Only one trip across the scale is allowed for all market animals. The scale will be cleaned and zeroed after each animal is weighed. The schedule for market animal weigh-in is as follows:

Poultry: Sunday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Rabbits: Sunday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dairy and All Breeding Livestock: Sunday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sheep and Goat: Sunday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Feeder Beef and Market Beef: Sunday 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Swine: Wednesday 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.

6. No animal other than those shown in the market classes shall be sold at the Fair Auction and must be properly cared for throughout the entire fair. Animals shown in open class and breeding stock are not eligible for auction. No sale of any livestock will be allowed outside of public auction. No other animals may be offered for sale during the week of fair.

7. Exhibitors may register only two (2) market classes. The first two classes registered in will be the ones that are recognized for exhibiting at fair.

8. A Stall/Pen Reservation Form and Fee form should be completed online through the fairgrounds website and is due March 1st for participants to exhibit their livestock animals. The fee will not be refunded upon entry at fair. This pre-registration process does not change the ownership deadlines in any livestock division and includes Beef, Swine, Dairy, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits and Poultry.

9. Project books are a required prerequisite for all market animals. If no project book is completed, then the market animal will not be allowed to be shown or sold. A drop Box for completed Market Livestock Record Books will be available and clearly marked at the weigh-in and/or in each Livestock Division area. 10

10. Exhibitors of market animals must be the owner. Exhibitors must show their own animal and compete in both showmanship and market classes, unassisted, to be eligible for sale. In any case, exhibitor shall display exhibit (animal) at sale, unless prior approval made by Muskegon County Livestock Developmental Committee.

11. Market animals going to the Michigan State Fair will not go to slaughter until after the State Fair. Market animals may be excluded from Livestock Auction for sale only when animal is tagged and entered at the Michigan State Fair.

12. Judge or veterinarian may deem animal unfit for sale.

13. All cattle must be broke and manageable so as not to disrupt the class, nor endanger any persons or animals. All cattle will be evaluated at weigh-in and entry to the Fair as to whether the exhibitor can appropriately handle the animal in a safe manner, unassisted. Any animal deemed unmanageable by the Livestock Committee will be sent home immediately.

14. All cattle in the beef and dairy barn must be kept washed and cleaned at all times throughout fair week. 15. In the event of the death of an animal, replacement must be made in 15 days but no later than July 1 st . Poultry replacement must be made before check in entry

Campground Rules

**Camping registration forms are due JULY 1st .

1. Campsite assignments will be designated by the Site & Grounds Committee and registered campers will receive their lot location upon arrival. All camper units must stay within their designated lot; no exceptions. Failure to comply will result in removal from the campground.

2. Registered campers will receive their camping permit and parking permit when arriving for setup. Camping permit must be displayed in camper window. All unauthorized campers will be removed at the owner’s expense.

3. One free parking permit will be given per campsite. One additional parking permit may be purchased for $10 – permit must be displayed in vehicle window. No more than (2) vehicles allowed per campsite; all other vehicles must be parked in the outside parking lot. Cars and trucks found in the campground without permits clearly visible in the window will be towed at the owner’s expense. DO NOT park in any campsite other than your own.

4. Driveways must be kept open at all times for fire lanes. No parking in designated fire lanes. 11

5. There must be a parent/guardian at each campsite – EVERY NIGHT. It will be their responsibility to ensure that all rules are adhered to. Exhibitors and all other youth are not allowed to camp without a parent/guardian camping with them.

6. CAMPGROUND CURFEW IS 12:00 a.m. MIDNIGHT. For your safety, all campers and exhibitors will observe a 12:00 midnight curfew unless the nightly entertainment exceeds that time. This means that exhibitors and their families are asked to stay in their camping area after that hour. Individuals found outside the campground after curfew will be asked to leave the fairgrounds.

7. No water fights.

8. Campfires – There are two designated community fire pits in the West campground (one each at the north and south end) and there is one designated fire pit located in the South campground. NO FIRES at individual or group campsites – no exceptions! There will be a campfire manager assigned to each fire pit from 8:00-11:00pm; manager will be in charge of property extinguishing the fire. Each pit will have a 55- gallon drum of water available with buckets. Use of flammable liquids to start fires is prohibited. Only adults may start the fires or add wood to them. In the event the fire risk is high, the Fair Board reserves the right to cancel/prohibit fires during the week of Fair. Cooking grills (gas or charcoal) may NOT be used as campfires in the campground.

9. No alcoholic beverages.

10. No drugs.

11. Campsites are to be kept clean. Campers must take their own garbage to the dumpsters located at the NORTH end of the fairgrounds. DO NOT dump garbage in the manure dumpsters/bunkers.

12. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Dogs camping for the week must have their proof of immunizations available upon request. Any aggressive or loud dogs will be asked to leave. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Dogs are NOT allowed in any of the buildings. Violation of this rule will result in removal from the fairgrounds/campground.

13. No generators allowed.

14. No off-road vehicles are allowed on the fairgrounds without Fair Board permission prior to the week of Fair (i.e. golf carts, gators, 4-H wheelers, etc.)

15. No loud music/noise.

Fairground Rules

1. The Fairgrounds are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. the week of the County Fair. All other times posted per event scheduled.

2. No alcoholic beverages or drugs fair week or other specified events.

3. All convicted violent and sexual offenders are not allowed.

4. No dogs allowed unless leashed, No dogs in buildings except service dogs. Owners must clean up after their dogs.

5. No admittance to fairgrounds without shirt and shoes.

6. The fairgrounds are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Individuals enter the fairgrounds at their own risk; the Fair Board is not responsible for any injuries sustained.

7. No person shall disturb, destroy, deface, alter, or remove any part of the fair grounds, land or any building, Sign, structure, equipment, utility or any other property-violators will be prosecuted.

8. No open fires unless in approved grills.

9. No littering.

10. No fireworks, firearms, or other weapons.

11. No solicitation/selling, or handbills without Fair Board approval.

12. Disorderly conduct will result in a permanent ban from the Fairgrounds.

13. No loud music or noise.

14. Parking allowed in designated parking areas only.

15. During the Fair – animals will not be removed from their respective cages or stalls without the owner’s permission. Violation of this rule will result in your removal from the Fairgrounds.

16. The Fair Board reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone.

17. Anyone caught stealing ribbons, trophies, or anything may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

18. Reporters and photographers will report to the fair office or to the Fair Board staff, and present their respective identification before attending the fair.

19. Bicycles and skateboards are allowed only in designated areas of the fairgrounds.

Michigan Department of Agriculture Exhibition Requirements for Livestock

Michigan Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 30017 Lansing, MI 48909

Animal Industry Division: (517) 373-1077

Fairs, Racing, and Exhibitions: (517) 373-7960

REVISED January 2024 (Replaces all previous editions)

*Livestock means those species of animals used for human food and fiber or those species of animals used for service to humans. Livestock includes but is not limited to cattle, sheep, new world camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos), goats, bison, captive cervidae, ratites (cassowaries, kiwis, ostriches, and emus), swine, equine, poultry, aquaculture, and rabbits. Livestock does not include dogs and cats.

GENERAL

Exhibitors at state, county, and district fairs, along with other livestock exhibitions, expositions, and shows are required to comply with all statutory and regulatory provisions of the State of Michigan relating to animal health outlined in Act No. 466 of the Public Acts of 1988, as amended, the Animal Industry Act, and rules promulgated for the implementation and enforcement of the act.

1. A fair shall have an accredited veterinarian on call whenever there are animals on the premises during the fair. A fair, exhibition, exposition, or show authority shall do all of the following as described herein: a. Notify exhibitors of health tests and certificates required for importation and exhibition in this state. b. Examine and approve required health certificates, reports, test charts, certificates, or other required documentation before displaying, exhibiting, or stabling the animals in the exhibition area or before commingling with other animals. c. Notify exhibitors whether or not poultry vaccinated against Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) are allowed in the fair, exhibition, exposition, or show. d. Assure that all participating equine test negative for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).

2. Livestock with clinical signs of infectious, contagious, or toxicological disease shall be removed from the fair, exhibition, exposition, or show or, by permission of the director, shall be isolated on the premises. Livestock that have known exposure to, or that show clinical signs of, infectious, contagious, or toxicological disease as determined by a veterinarian shall not be displayed or housed at a fair, exhibition, exposition or show unless permission to do so is granted by the director. The fair, exhibition, exposition, or show authority is responsible for ensuring that the livestock are removed from the premises.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVESTOCK EXHIBITED IN MICHIGAN

For detailed animal health requirements, please visit the Michigan Department of agriculture website at www.michigan.gov/mda-exhibitinfo for more information. Printed copies of the health requirements can also be obtained from the Muskegon County Extension office and the Muskegon County Fairgrounds office.