How To Enter:

Please peruse the links in the menu below for more detailed information, schedules and entry forms.

Frequently Asked Questions by Fair Participants

1. How do I enter?

Click the link for the online entry form for your competition:

Family Living Entry Form
Livestock Entry Form

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Read the “General Rules” for basic information on eligibility, judging and prize money.
  2. Look through the catalog offerings and determine which classes you want to enter.
  3. Check the Department or Section’s specific rules for classes you want to enter.
  4. Read the “Entry Schedules” to verify when to Pre-Register.
  5. Fill out the “Exhibitor Entry Form” from the catalog or on-line at links above.
  6. Mail or e-mail your Entry Form by the deadline.
  7. Send in any necessary registration fees.
  8. Check the “Entry Schedules” to verify when and where to drop off your entries.

2. Can I enter more than one item?

Refer to the Department and Section for specific rules for the classes you want to enter. Family Living exhibitors can enter multiple classes, but only one (1) entry per class. Livestock exhibitors should refer to the specific breed rules for entry limits.

3. Is there a fee to enter?

Only the following entries require fees:

All Open Class and Market Livestock entries

Department 20 “Family and Group Exhibits”

Exhibitors with 10 or more entries (see Fee Schedule on Entry Form)

4. When do I receive my entry tags?

Only Family Living exhibits get Entry Tags. After you submit your Entry Form, your entries are typed into the Fair’s computer database. This computer program prints out a “tag” for each Family Living Exhibit entry. Exhibitors who register by the deadline will receive their tags in the mail. This cuts down on the time spent waiting in the check-in lines. (Late entrants will get their tags when they check-in their items.) We will continue to charge a nominal fee for non-livestock exhibitors with 10 or more items. Refer to the Entry Schedule for Check-In times and days. Livestock exhibitors receive Show Numbers on their Show date.

5. What do I do with my tags after I get them in the mail?

Exhibitors should attach the entry tickets to the correct items they are entering prior to bringing them to the Fair. If there are pre-registered entries that will not be coming, the exhibitor must return the unused tags for our accounting purposes. Please see Question #8 for more details.

6. Where do I drop off my entries?

Home Arts entries are to be taken to the Banquet Hall building at the Kimberton Fire House.  Use the main entrance off of Kimberton Road.  Livestock entries report directly to the Livestock Pavilions on the Fairgrounds using the Route 113 entrance.  Our new check-in procedure was well-received last year, and we will continue to have exhibitors drop off entries at the appropriate Departments.  Exhibitors should prepare by organizing their entries by Department before they arrive.

7. Can someone else bring my entries for me?

Yes, as long as they register them under your name. Just give the Claim Ticket portion of your entry tags for Family Living exhibits to that person. These tickets are required to get your items back.

8. What if I register entries and then can’t bring them all on Entry Day?

Deleting entries takes up a lot of time, holds up the judging, and results in wasted entry tags. Exhibitors should fill out their Registrations wisely and realistically. Only register entries that they are relatively certain they can bring. However, there may be circumstances when an entry cannot be brought in (ex: sick animal, damage to crops/gardens, weather conditions, burnt cookies, etc.) In situations like these, the exhibitor should return any unused Entry Tickets and inform the Check-In Clerks to delete these items from their Entry Form.

9. Can I bring items that were not pre-registered?

No. This would only create a delay for those who did pre-register. We also allocate our barns, building, floor and table space for the number of items that were pre-registered. Please respect our routines and procedures.

10. How long do my entries remain at the Fair?

Family Living exhibits must remain on display throughout Fair Week per State Fair regulations. These entries are only released on the Sunday following the Fair between 12:00 Noon and 2:00 pm .

Dairy Cattle, Goats, and Sheep have separate check-in and release schedules this year. Refer to the Entry Schedules for specific release days and times.

11. What do I get if I win?

All winners receive a cash prize and a ribbon, with the exception of Best of Show and Livestock Champion classes that only receive ribbons.

12. When do I find out if I won a prize?

Family Living exhibits are judged and opened to display by 4:00 pm on the first night of the Fair. Results will be posted at our Exhibitor Information Desk in the Exhibits Building.  Livestock exhibits winners are announced during the shows.

13. Where and when do I pick up my prize money?

Family Living entry prizes are paid starting Wednesday night of Fair week. Goat Livestock winnings are available on Wednesday evening. Dairy Cattle show checks are available Saturday after 1:00 pm . Sheep Show checks will be mailed to winners. All checks distributed during Fair week can be cashed at the Fair Office. Exhibitors must pick up all prize money by Saturday, the last night of the Fair. Exhibitors may be asked to show photo identification to claim prize money.

14. What is the process for picking up entries?

Exhibitors will enter through one door and then be greeted by a Fair volunteer who will personally assist them in going around the display areas to find their entries.  As each entry is picked up, the exhibitor will give that entry’s claim ticket to the Volunteer.  Once all of the exhibitor’s entries are claimed, they will exit out a different door back into the parking lot.  Exhibitors with large numbers of entries will be contacted in advance to make arrangements to pick up their items.

15. Can someone else pick up my entries after the Fair?

Yes, as long as that person possesses the Claim Tickets from the Entry Tickets.

16. Can someone else pick up my prize money?

Yes, as long as that person possesses a signed statement from the exhibitor giving that person the right to pick up their prize money. The alternate person may be asked to show photo identification. They must sign the Exhibitor’s Statement. This signature indicates that they are now responsible for the prize money. This will be enforced.

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