Exhibitor's Rules and Regulations

Exhibitors at the West Valley Fair must follow the following Rules and Regulation.  Failure to do so may result in the exhibitor and their exhibits being removed from the fairgrounds.

1.  Entries in all Livestock areas must be postmarked or turned in by July 1st.  Entry dates for dogs and horses are different.  Check with superintendent or Premium book for these dates.

2.   Mail to:  P.O. Box 8271, Yakima, WA  98908.

3.   All entries are accepted with the understanding that neither the West Valley Fair organization or the sponsors, nor their officials, shall be held responsible for any damage or loss that may arise to livestock on exhibition or for sale.

4.   Due to limited space, entries will be limited to exhibitors residing in Yakima County north of Union Gap, EXCEPT for horses, dogs, and cats.  All non-animal entries are eligible to enter.

5.   Entry fees are as follows:  Market animals--$5.00;   Breeding Beef, Dairy, Llamas, Sheep, Swine, and Goats--$2.00;  Dogs--$4.00 (additional dogs at $1.00); Poultry and Rabbits--$1.00; Cats--$2.00; Horse:  $10.00.

   5.  Exhibitors are allowed two (2) market animals.

   6.  Non-market entries will be accepted up to the limit of facilities available.  In case limits must be imposed, entries will be allowed on a pro-rated basis to each exhibitor.

   7.  Entries are open to all regularly enrolled 4-H and FFA members.

   8.  Primary 4-H members may enter the fair as participants only according to the guidelines and policies as stated in the 4-H regulations.

   9.  Exhibitors shall not enter the same division in both 4-H and FFA.  Neither shall 4-H or FFA members compete against each other.

  10.  Indicate completed grade in school in appropriate box entry on front of entry card for showmanship division. Novice class is for those that have never shown an animal from the ground, age 12 and under.  Age divisions are as follows:  Junior--completed grades 3-5;  Intermediate--completed grades 6-8. Senior--completed grades 9-12 (not over 19 as of January 1 of current year). FFA members can show after their Freshman year through the year immediately following graduation.                    

  11.  Animals must be under the care and management of the exhibitor for the following time prior to the fair:  Market beef--120 days;  Horse, Dairy, Beef Heifers--90 days;  Sheep, Swine, Goats, and Dogs--60 days; Rabbits and Poultry--45 days.

  12.  Weight limits:  steers must weigh at least 1000 pounds, market lambs 105-150 pounds, and market swine 225-270 pounds.  If animals don't make weight, they may only show in Fitting and Showing and are not eligible for the sale.

  13.  No stags or unaltered animals will be shown in market classes.  Market animals must be naturally polled or dehorned.  All market lambs must be shorn between 45 and 65 days prior to the fair or they will be ineligible.  Any crimping must be done at least 60 days prior to the fair or they will be disqualified.

  14.  All entries must be fitted by the enrolled 4-H or FFA member only.  Infraction of this rule shall be cause for dismissal from the show.

  15.  All exhibitors attending the show must be responsible to a high school agriculture teacher or a 4-H leader for the duration of the fair. 

  16.  Any exhibitor or contestant found guilty of using or having in their  possession any intoxicating liquor or drugs (including tobacco products, if under 18) will be barred from the fairgrounds and from participating in any activities.

  17.  Any exhibitor taking part in the fair found guilty of misconduct, such as destruction of property, boisterous conduct, profane language, or disrespect to any adult in authority, may have his/her stock withdrawn from the fair and be sent home.  Abuse of this rule may disqualify either individuals or teams from any awards which they may receive.

  18.  No exhibitors, spectators, or parents will be allowed in the barn area between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am without special permission.  No camping will be allowed in the barns.  No camping will be allowed on the grounds by exhibitors unless supervised by an adult.

  19.  Because of safety concerns, animals designated by the Superintendent as improperly trained for the show will become ineligible for the show and sale and must be removed from the fair grounds.

  20.  The Livestock Superintendents and their assistants reserve the right to reject any entry on the basis of health, sight of disease, or abuse of animals.  Visual inspection will be made by a veterinarian.

  21.  Animals entered in the wrong class may be reclassified by the Superintendent, but exhibitors are not allowed to withdraw or change their entries after the opening of the fair.

  22.  Decisions of the judges will be final.  Should any animal or article awarded a prize be disqualified, the exhibit gaining the lower prize shall be moved up one position if the judge sees them fit for the award.

  23.  All protests must be made in writing and presented to the fair organization within 12 hours of the incident.  The protest will be acted on within 12 hours of receipt of the protest.  The fairboard's decision in regards to the judging decisions, rules interpretations, and management rulings shall in all cases be final.

  24.  Weighing of market animals will be done ONE TIME ONLY, right off the truck.  See Program of Events for times and order.  Steers will receive a 3% shrink. Scales will be closed from 8 am Monday until 2 pm Wednesday.

  25.  Market steers must be accompanied by a brand slip from the original owner to the exhibitor and from the exhibitor to the West Valley Fair.  Brand slips must be turned in before the animal can be weighed.

  26.  All record books for Livestock and 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences must be up-to-date and turned into the superintendent when the project is entered. Failing to turn in your record book will disqualify you from showing.

  27.  A "Code of Ethics" must be included in every exhibitor's record book.  It must be signed by the exhibitor, parent, or guardian, and the project leader.

  28.  The fair will furnish the first bedding of straw.  Exhibitors are responsible for the duration of the fair to keep fresh straw in their stalls.

  29.  All livestock entries must be secured in their assigned stall by 10 pm on Wednesday with all required safety chains in place.

  30.  All cattle must be tied with an approved halter and night rope or chain around their neck from 8 pm until 6 am.

  31.  All livestock entries must be available for the judging contest if selected.  There will be no exceptions.

  32.  Market animals will be listed on the sale sheet and sold in the order of placing in the Market classes.  4-H will start the sale in even years, and FFA in odd years.

  33.  Animals may NOT be purchased from the turn pen after the sale.   Any animals not meeting market sale requirements may be sold by private treaty without any West Valley Fair Association involvement or responsibility.

  34.  All breeding stock must remain on the grounds until 4 pm Saturday or until the end of the sale.  Removing earlier will result in forfeiting all awards.