1. Interpretation of all rules will be made by the Executive Committee of the 4-H Fair. Any complaint must be made in writing and presented to the committee.
2. The Worcester County 4-H Fair is open to all youth in Massachusetts
3. Age Requirements:
      Cloverbuds: 5-7 as of January 1, 2008 (Restricted from some livestock classes.)
      Juniors: 8-13 as of January 1, 2008.
      Seniors: 14-18 as of January 1, 2008.
   Judging will be done in each respective group.
4. Pre-entries required for: Livestock, Public Speaking, Visual Presentations, Working Exhibits, Current Technology, and Educational Displays. Entry Forms are in the rear of this catalog. All pre-entries must be postmarked by August 10, 2008. There may be a late fee of $5.00 per exhibitor charged. No refunds of pre-entries if exhibitor is absent.
   
5. Livestock exhibitors must follow the livestock rules and animal health regulations prescribed by the fair.
   
6. All exhibits must arrive between 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21 and Noon to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22. Exceptions: Animals (except Goats) will be accepted until 9 a.m. Saturday. Rabbits and Cavies will be accepted between 8:30 and 9:30 Saturday morning. Goats enter on Sunday morning.
7. An exhibitor shall make only one entry in a given class (except in individual livestock classes, where two placings per class, per breed, per exhibitor are allowed).
   
8. Every exhibit must have a 4-H entry card. Cards are available from your 4-H Educator through the office at (508)831-1223 and will also be available at the fair. Your 4-H exhibitor number must be on the card. There will be someone at the fair who can tell you what your exhibitor number is. Cloverbuds - green sheet, Juniors - white card, Seniors - pink card. Cloverbuds 8 years old will be in a separate class.
   
9. All entrants must mark "kit" or "not a kit" on entry card. Any entry not specified will be judged as a "kit."
   
10. Exhibits must be placed in the exhibit hall by the individual exhibitor (not a parent or leader). Exceptions are noted in specific commodity rules. Please do not move the exhibits after the children have placed them. Every exhibitor is responsible to have their exhibits picked up at the end of the fair.
    
11. Exhibitors may be questioned by the judges regarding their exhibit. All exhibits, except livestock, must be made during the past 12 months.
    
12. Articles made as a school project or at camp may be exhibited at the fair.
    
13. The Fair Committee is not responsible for loss or damage of exhibits or property, or injury to animals or persons.
    
14. A new class will be added to the commodity list when there are 5 or more similar entries.
    
15. "Any other" is for a class not listed in the catalog or not in a new class.
    
16. Placings will be awarded on basis of quality of exhibit and the decision of the judge is final.
    
17. If only one exhibit or exhibitor in a class, the judge will award the prize on the merit of the exhibit.
    
18. Prize money will not be paid to Cloverbuds or Challenge Classes. Cloverbud entries will receive special ribbons.
    
19. Rosettes MAY be given to the Best Junior and the Best Senior exhibit (or score) in each commodity at the discretion of the judge. (Unless stated otherwise under Special Awards).
    
20. Premium money will be paid based on a point system. Amount of available prize money will be divided by total points awarded to determine point value. This amount is subject to change. Make sure the Fair has your correct address for mailing purposes.
    
21. All foods, vegetables , flowers, and herbs (with the exception of winter crops, vegetable baskets, vegetable displays, houseplants and flower arrangements) will be sold at auction. This includes Rosette winners.
    
22. No exhibit can be removed before 4 p.m. or the end of the General Assembly, whichever is later, Sunday unless stated otherwise in Commodity Rules. Exhibits removed before that time will forfeit their premium money.
    
23. Any 4-H organization wishing to conduct any fundraising activities during the Fair must obtain permission from the 4-H Fair Executive Committee.
    
24. No animals are allowed in Andrews Hall
    
25. All Exhibitors must supply their own water pails, grain, hay & bedding.

Cloverbuds are 4-Hers ages 5, 6, and 7. These years are often a time of wanting more privileges than allowed in early childhood without the responsibilities of adolescence. The challenge for children in this age group is understanding the method, exploring, and practicing. The emphasis is on process rather than product.

Cloverbuds 7 years old: These cloverbuds will be able to choose to be judged on the Danish System. The goals and typical behaviors of most 7 year old children make it an ideal time to transition those children, who seek evaluation, from Participation ribbons to the Danish system. At this time it is important to teach children to learn what they can from judging and not take it too seriously. The items in these cloverbud exhibits will be rated in relation to how they compare to a "standard" for such items and not judged as they compare to any other exhibits.

Animal Events.- Cloverbuds must follow all General Rules, Livestock Division Rules, and Animal Health Regulations. Pre-Entries required for all animals. Entry Forms are in the rear of this catalog. There are no entry fees for Cloverbuds. Because of the risks and expectations of showing, 4-H divides animals into two categories.

Lap animals- include rabbits, cavies, and poultry. . Children 5, 6 & 7 years of age may participate by bringing their animal for public exhibit. Children may participate in the "Cloverbud Rabbit or Cavy Show" These animals will not be judged. The focus is on learning showmanship. Children 7 years of age may choose to be evaluated on the Danish system.

Large animals include beef, dairy, dairy goat, horse, sheep, dog, swine, and llamas. To be eligible for participation in 4-H large animal events, youth must be at least 8 years of age as of January 1, 2008. With the help of a knowledgeable teen or adult, children ages 6 and 7 may participate in the Dog Show, Costume Show and Specific events of the Llama show. Participants are assisted by a skilled helper of appropriate age. The focus is on "How-To's" of Fitting and Showmanship.

Back to Rules

A. General Rules for All Animals

All animals must be in proper physical condition, be properly identified and free of visual evidence of infectious, contagious or parasitic disease at time of arrival. Specific diseases and conditions which will disqualify an animal for entry are identified for each species in the following sections of the rules. Animals of any species with open or draining wounds will not be approved for entry.

Evidence of infectious, contagious or parasitic disease or failure to produce the necessary documents for health certification, vaccination or testing will result in the animal's rejection for entry. THE INSPECTOR'S DECISION IS FINAL.

REMINDER: ALL sheep and goats of any age or sex brought to show or exhibition from either out of state or within state must possess a USDA approved individual identification tag or tattoo based on the federal scrapie eradication program which went into effect in November, 2001. Information on approved tags and tattoos is available from the USDA APHIS office in Sutton, MA at 508-865-1421.

B. Out of State Animals

All animals entering a Massachusetts fairground from out of state must be accompanied by a valid health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals are clinically free of infectious or contagious disease and exposure from such disease. Documents of health certification must be written on relevant state or federal health forms only. These certificates must be available upon request to fair inspectors.

Health certificates must be dated January 1, 2004 or later. These documents will be acceptable for the entire fair season in Massachusetts. TB and Brucellosis testing is not required for animals from TB-accredited and Brucellosis-free States. Current brucellosis and TB status in the exhibitor's state can be obtained from the state veterinarian's office in each state. If the exhibitor's state is not TB-accredited or Brucellosis-free, then the exhibitor must call the Massachusetts Bureau of Animal Health for entry requirements (617-626-1795).

C. Poultry

No poultry will be admitted to a fairground until it has been individually inspected.

All poultry must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases: infectious bronchitis, coryza, pullorum-typhoid, fowl-pox, external parasites and laryngotracheitis.

Each bird must be accompanied by written proof (ID card or test report) that the breeding flock was blood-tested negative for pullorum-typhoid within one year prior to entry date.

Birds from quarantined states will not be permitted entry.

All birds over 16 weeks of age as of January 1, 2004 shall be individually leg banded with a state leg band. This includes out of state exhibitors.

No bird vaccinated for laryngotracheitis within thirty days of the fair will be admitted.

D. Cattle, Goats and Camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, etc.)

All animals entering a Massachusetts fairground from out of State or within the state must be accompanied by a valid health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals are clinically free of infectious or contagious disease and exposure from such disease. Note that all goats and kids presented, regardless of age, must be individually listed and identified on the health certificate. These certificates must be available upon request to fair inspectors. Documents of health certification for out of state animals must be written on relevant state or federal health forms only. In-state animals may be accompanied by a certificate of examination on a veterinarian's letterhead stationery which clearly identifies the contact information for the veterinarian signing the certification. Certificates written on plain paper are not acceptable. Health Certificates must be dated January 1, 2004 or later. These documents will be accepted for the entire fair season in Massachusetts.

All of the above animals must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases and conditions: foot rot, mange, pink-eye, ringworm, warts, cow-pox and open or draining wounds.

In addition all Goats must also be free of sore mouth and scrapie exposure. Based on the new federal scrapie eradication program which went into effect in November, 2001, goats of any age or sex brought to show or exhibition from either out of state or within state must possess a USDA approved individual identification tag or tattoo. Information on approved tags and tattoos is available from the USDA APHIS office in Sutton, MA at 508-865-1421.

Blue Tongue testing is required for Camelids originating from outside the Commonwealth. Exception: Animals from a USDA declared "Low incident State" are exempt. Note: New England and New York are low incident states.

While not required, it is strongly recommended that all cattle be currently vaccinated for rabies.

E. Swine

All swine entering a Massachusetts fairground must be accompanied by a valid health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals are clinically free of infectious or contagious disease and exposure to such disease. Documents of health certification for out of state animals must be written on relevant state or federal health forms only. In-state animals may be accompanied by a certificate of examination on a veterinarian's letterhead stationery which clearly identifies the contact information for the veterinarian signing the certification. Certificates written on plain paper are not acceptable. These certificates must be available upon request to fair inspectors. Health certificates must be dated January 1, 2004 or later. These documents will be accepted for the entire fair season in Massachusetts.

Swine must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases and conditions: erysipelas, atrophic rhinitis, mange and open or draining wounds.

No person shall import into Massachusetts from outside the state any swine which have been pseudorabies vaccinated. M.G.L. c. 129 §14E.

No person shall import into Massachusetts swine from Stage l or Stage ll Pseudorabies States.v

All swine shall originate from qualified pseudorabies-free herds, or monitored herds in qualified pseudorabies free States only. The pseudorabies status of the exhibitor's state can be obtained from the state veterinarian's office in each state.

F. Sheep

Sheep entering a Massachusetts fairground must have a valid health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals are clinically free of infectious or contagious disease and exposure from such disease. Documents of health certification for out of state animals must be written on relevant state or federal health forms only. In-state animals may be accompanied by a certificate of examination on a veterinarian's letterhead stationery which clearly identifies the contact information for the veterinarian signing the certification. Certificates written on plain paper are not acceptable. These certificates must be available upon request to fair inspectors. Health certificates must be dated January 1, 2006 or later. These documents will be acceptable for the entire fair season.

No sheep will be allowed entry from flocks in which Scrapie has been diagnosed or in which animals are under surveillance for Scrapie during the previous eighteen months. Based on the new federal scrapie eradication program which went into effect in November, 2001, sheep of any age or sex brought to show or exhibition from either out of state or within state must possess a USDA approved individual identification tag or tattoo. Information on approved tags and tattoos is available from the USDA APHIS office in Sutton, MA at 508-865-1421

No sheep will be permitted entry from flocks in which Soremouth has existed or in which Soremouth Vaccine has been administered in the previous sixty days.

Sheep must be free from visual evidence of foot rot, sore mouth, pink eye, ringworm, and open and draining wounds.

While not required, it is strongly recommended that sheep be currently vaccinated against rabies.

G. Equine

All equines entering a Massachusetts fairground must have a valid health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals are clinically free of infectious or contagious disease and exposure from such disease. Documents of health certification for out of state animals must be written on relevant state or federal health forms only. In-state animals may be accompanied by a certificate of examination on a veterinarian's letterhead stationery which clearly identifies the contact information for the veterinarian signing the certification. Certificates written on plain paper are not acceptable. These certificates must be available upon request to fair inspectors. Health certificates must be dated January 1, 2006 or later. These documents will be acceptable for the entire fair season.

All equines must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases and conditions: mange, ringworm, soring, strangles, and open or draining wounds.

All equines originating from within and outside of the Commonwealth must have a negative USDA-approved EIA test (i.e., Coggins test or ELISA test) dated within twelve months of entry.

While not required, it is strongly recommended that all equines be vaccinated for rabies, tetanus and EEE within one year of the fair.

H. Rabbits

Rabbits must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases: snuffles, wet tail, skin and ear infections.

I. Dogs and Cats

All dogs and cats must be free of visual evidence of the following diseases: kennel cough, distemper, hepatitis, parvo, ringworm and mange.

All Massachusetts dogs and cats and those originating from out of this State must have a valid and current vaccination certificate for rabies.

1. Animals are to be on the grounds by 9:00 a.m., Saturday, unless otherwise noted under Commodity Rules and Exhibitors must provide their own bedding.
   
2. All exhibitors must include Club name on entry blank.
   
3. HEALTH PAPERS WILL BE CHECKED See rules for your specific commodity for which health certificates are required. Contact your commodity chairperson before the fair date if in doubt about which certificate you will be required to have. Rabies vaccine is recommended, but not required, for any species of domestic animal for which a USDA approved Rabies vaccine exists (dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, cattle, and sheep).
   
4. Any animal, or herd, not passing the inspections per state livestock rules must be taken off the fairgrounds immediately. This will be strictly enforced. Please, do not bring sick animals to the fair. If you have any questions, please call your commodity chairperson.
   
5. Registration papers will be checked for those animals that require a registration.
   
6. If a person is bitten by an animal, the animal will have to be quarantined.
   
7. Uninspected late entries will be denied entrance to the fair.
   
8. The show committee will not be responsible for injuries to any animal.
   
9. Exhibitors must supply their own water pails, grain, hay and bedding.
   
10. All animals at the Fair must be properly cared for or the exhibitor's premiums will be forfeited.
    
11. No child under the age of 8 as of Jan 1 of the current year will be allowed in the show ring with a large animal. See page 10 - "Cloverbud Participation".
    
12. Fitting and Showmanship Contests are mandatory for all exhibitors.
    
13. No adult may assist in grooming animals after they arrive on the show grounds. This will be enforced.
    
14. Registered and grade 4-H animal projects will be exhibited in separate classes. Grade animals will not receive breed awards from breed associations and cattle clubs.
    
15. A breed represented by 5 or less animals or by 1 exhibitor will be grouped by Livestock Chairman to optimize experience for 4-H members.
    
16. Animals must normally be shown by exhibitor.
    
17. Senior Yearlings in milk will show in 2-year-old class.
    
18. EXHIBITORS' UNIFORM: White dress shirt or tee shirt with white or khaki skirt or trousers as appropriate. A solid, durable shoe must be worn at all times. NO Sandals, clogs, bare feet or bathing attire will be allowed. No farm or club names are allowed on any clothing.
    
19. DRESS CODE - BEEF EXHIBITORS ONLY: White shirt or blouse, dark pants or skirt. Dress jeans are acceptable. A solid durable shoe must be worn at all times.
    
20. The uniform described above must be worn in all breed classes as well as fitting and showmanship classes or you will be disqualified.
    
21. Leased animals are allowed pursuant to the requirements and conditions of the Massachusetts 4-H Leasing Program. May 1st Beef and Dairy cattle: June 1st Goats, Sheep, Swine, Llamas and Dogs
    
22. 23. ALL DAIRY AND BEEF CATTLE MUST REMAIN ON THE GROUNDS FROM SATURDAY MORNING AT 9 AM TO THE CLOSE OF THE FAIR ON SUNDAY.
    
23. Commodity rules supersede General Rules and Livestock Division Rules.