Sheep

New Livestock Tagging/Weighing and MQP Dates for 2024

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Several dates including tagging, weigh-in, and MQP conclusion have changed!

A Greek philosopher once said, “the only constant in life is change.” If you plan to participate in large animal market livestock projects at the 2024 Fairfield County Jr. Fair, that couldn’t be truer.

Due to a quirk in the 2024 calendar, some historic calendar conflicts, and the move to harvesting the Beef Performance and Carcass Quality animals in 2024 several adjustments have been made to the calendar for goat, lamb, swine, beef and dairy feeder project participants. In 2024 weigh-in and tagging will be held the last Saturday in June, and the schedule for the MQP projects will also change. Specifically, the dates for 2024 that were approved by the Sr. Fair Board at their November 4th meeting include:

March 9:  Market Beef weigh-in

May 18:  Goat MQP weigh-in

June 29:  Dairy feeder weigh-in, market goat tag check-in, market hog (including MQP) tag check-in, market lamb (including MQP) tag check-in.

August 25:  Goat MQP conclusion

September 1:  Lamb MQP conclusion

September 8:  Barrow MQP conclusion

September 24:  Beef Performance & Carcass Quality (beef carcass contest) conclusion

October 1:  If participation exceeds capacity for the 24th, date for second Beef Performance & Carcass Quality (beef carcass contest) conclusion

Place these dates on your calendar and more information and detail about tagging and weigh-in will be released as soon as it becomes available.

You’re invited – Jr. Fair Sheep Exhibitor Meeting: November 14th

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Sent on behalf of Fairfield County Junior Fair Sheep Superintendents: 

Junior Fair Sheep Exhibitors and 4-H/FFA Advisors,

As a Fairfield County Junior Fair sheep exhibitor family, the Junior Fair Sheep Superintendents are inviting you to come and talk about the 2023/2024 Sheep Shows on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Fairfield County Ag Center/OSU Extension Office. We hope that you can join us at this open meeting!

Drug Use Notification Forms – due at NOON, Friday, October 6th for Market Beef/Dairy Market Feeders/Lactating Dairy Cows & Dairy Goats/Market Hogs/Market Goats/Market Lambs

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Animals must be drug free by weigh-in day of fair. Each member must complete a Drug Use Notification Form (DUNF) (http://go.osu.edu/fairfielddunf) form online for each animal they plan to exhibit prior to weigh-in at the fair. If the forms are not correctly completed, exhibitors will not be permitted to show. The link to the form will open on Monday, October 2nd (as forms should be completed more than 5 days before fair weigh-in).

  • Animals requiring a DUNF indicating the animal is free from any/all drugs in its system on fair weigh-in/move-in day are:
    • Market Beef
    • Dairy Beef Feeder
    • Dairy Cow (lactating)
    • MQP Barrow
    • Market Barrow
    • Market Gilt
    • Market Goat
    • Dairy Goat (lactating)
    • Market Chicken
    • Market Turkey
    • Market Duck
    • MQP Lamb
    • Market Lamb
    • Market Rabbit (new for 2023)
  • Forms should be completed no sooner than 5 days prior to animal weigh-in to be sure that their animal is drug free during fair.
  • Forms submitted prior to that timeframe will be deleted and exhibitors will be asked to resubmit the DUNF form closer to their animal’s weigh-in. All animals being brought to the fair requiring DUNF forms will need to submit their forms by 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023.
  • The only EXCEPTION to the Friday deadline will be Market Poultry and Market Rabbits who will complete DUNF Forms AFTER they receive tags/leg bands so they have identification information to enter into the DUNF Form. One form per pen of animals should be completed for Poultry and Rabbits. Deadline for poultry and rabbit exhibitors is MIDNIGHT on Saturday, October 7th.
  • Animals tagged with an EID 840 (15 digit tag) should include the last 6 digits in the identification field of the form.
  • Scrapie Tag numbers DO NOT need to be entered for market goats and market sheep – please use the last 6 digits of your EID 840 tag.
  • There should be ONE form submitted for each animal Exception: Each pen of rabbits and each pen of market chickens will need a form per pen.
  • Turkeys exhibitors will put N/A in the identification field.
  • Market Chicken exhibitors will put all 3 leg band numbers in the same identification field for their pen of chickens.
  • Market Rabbit exhibitors will put both tag numbers for their pair of rabbits in the identification field for their pen of rabbits.

Sheep Exhibitors – Read this to prepare for Skillathon!

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2023 Skillathons will include 4 stations – Project Interview, Breeds, Parts, and Feed Identification. All information on breeds, parts, and feeds is available in your 4-H Sheep Resource Book.

FFA Exhibitors are encouraged to check with their FFA Chapter to see if Skillathon or 4-H Resource Books are available to study as many chapters do have these items as classroom resources. If not, 4-H Resource Books are available for purchase from the OSU Extension Office year round and can be used multiple years by all family members.

Project Record Books for 4-H and FFA should be for the CURRENT project year and as up to date as possible on Skillathon day. Project Books will be reviewed on Skillathon days. They will be returned to you at the fair during your specie’s show.

We look forward to seeing your completed book at Skillathon.

2023 Fairfield County Lamb & Wool Queen Applications due 9/8/2023

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The 2023 Fairfield County Lamb & Wool Queen Applications are now available! Please submit entries no later than September 8, 2023, at 4:00 est via the following link: https://forms.gle/KZ1wi8MzGA5XCd4c6.

In addition to this application, please forward a copy of your resume to landisnatalyn@gmail.com with Lamb and Wool Queen in the subject line.

The Fairfield County Lamb & Wool Queen competition will be held in conjunction with the Guys and Gals Sheep Lead competition at the Fairfield County Fair on October 11th. The competition is open to girls residing in Fairfield County who are 16-22 years of age, as of the week of the Fairfield County Fair. The Queen must remain unmarried during her reign.

A committee will review the application and the applicants will be invited to interview before a panel of judges. You will receive information regarding in-person or Zoom options for interviews. All queen contestants and the present Lamb and Wool Queen are required to participate in the Guys and Gals Lead competition.

The queen’s duties are to attend the 4-H sheep show, the open class show, the 4-H Livestock sale and any other activities that promote the Lamb and Wool industry. Other opportunities to promote the Lamb and Wool industry would include: participating in area parades, and the Ohio State Fair Guys and Gals lead.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS September 8, 2023, at 4:00 est.  Candidates will be contacted for the exact time slot for interviews. Please direct questions to Natalyn Wymer at (740)-407-1420 or landisnatalyn@gmail.com.

Fairfield County Fair Guys & Gals Sheep Lead Show: Entries due 10/1/2023

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Fairfield County Guys & Gals Sheep Lead Show will take place October 11th, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. in the Feeder Creek Vet Show Arena at the Fairgrounds.

Wool is a versatile fiber with endless diverse uses from clothing to industrial insulation.  The purpose of this competition is to celebrate the end product of wool in clothing. The  Fairfield County Guys and Gals Sheep Lead Show is open to sheep lovers ages 3  through adults. Entry classes include individuals and pairs in traditional garments as well  as a special costume class which can be individual or a pair.

Entrants may wear handmade or purchased outfits. They should be a fiber content that  is majority wool. You may decorate your lamb to coordinate with your outfit.

Entrants do not need to be Fairfield County residents and may be sponsored by a local  producer. There is no entry fee to participate. Sheep must be purebred ewes or market  lambs that are conditioned, fitted, and trained to show at halter. Decisions of judges are final and score sheets will not be made available.

Judging: Entrants will be judged according to the following: Garment construction, style, and fashion accessories 30%. Entrant’s poise, appearance and garment suitability 30 %. Originality of outfit and participant description 10%. Control of animal, presentation, and appearance of animal 30%.

To enter, please complete google form at the following link: https://forms.gle/EXG7X9WnyV4m2WnS6 by October 1st, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Natalyn Wymer at 740-407-1420 or landisnatalyn@gmail.com

2023 Fairfield County Skillathon Scheduling is Now OPEN!

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The Fairfield County Junior Fair will require the completion of at least one Skillathon per 4-H/FFA exhibitor in order to show at 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair for all beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit (except Pet Rabbits), sheep, swine, dog, horse, alpaca/llama projects.
The Fairfield County Skillathon event will be held September 9th and 24th at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. For additional Skillathon information, please review the 2023 Junior Fair Book.
  • Fairfield County youth interested in competing for any Fairfield County Premier Exhibitor Award must complete the COUNTY Skillathon in each respective specie they play to compete in.
    • Example: Exhibitor wishes to compete for Swine Premier Exhibitor Award and Poultry Premier Exhibitor Award must complete both the swine and poultry Fairfield County Skillathons on September 9th (swine) and 24th (poultry).
    • For more information about 2023 Premier Exhibitor Contests, please review this area of the 2023 Junior Fair Book.
  • Youth will be asked to complete a tiebreaker question at Skillathon – this will be used to break ties for Premier Exhibitor and/or Skillathon if needed.
  • Skillathon Species for Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. include: Beef, Dairy Beef, Swine, Sheep, Meat Goats, Dairy Cattle
  • Skillathon Species for Sunday, September 24th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. include: Pygmy Goats, Dairy Goats, Horses, Alpacas/Llamas, Poultry Rabbits
  • Dog Exhibitors will complete the Skillathon at Dog Check-In Day on Saturday, August 26th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Please note that Skillathon times are meant to schedule exhibitors throughout the day and we will do our best to stay on track with time. It is important for families to stick to their Skillathon time to keep our lines moving efficiently. Exhibitors will have 5 minutes per station and should be completed with Skillathon in 20-30 minutes ONCE they start through their respective Skillathon line.
  • Fairfield County Skillathons will take place at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
  • Scheduling for Skillathon is now open – click here to schedule for each Skillathon you wish to participate in: http://go.osu.edu/signup4skillathon.
  • Skillathon Awards: The Top Junior and Top Senior Skillathon Winner will receive an award. Additionally, the Top 20% of Juniors and Seniors will receive a ribbon at their respective specie’s show at the fair in October.

2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair Premier Exhibitor Contest Information

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This information is also posted in the 2023 Junior Fair Book under Optional Activities for Species: http://go.osu.edu/fcjrbook

Premier Exhibitor Contests

The objective of the Premier Exhibitor Contest is to encourage youth exhibitors to explore multiple aspects of the livestock
specie project they are enrolled in, and to reward those youth that participate at the highest level. While some exhibitors may
choose to only participate in a single aspect of an animal project, the reality is that all the various opportunities available for any
given project are interrelated and participation can enhance the knowledge, skills, and enjoyment gained from the project.

  • Exhibitors will learn that market animals originate from breeding stock.
  • Performance is vital to the profitability of livestock production.
  • Efficient record keeping allows the owner to determine if the project was profitable.
  • Livestock evaluation is the foundation for selecting both breeding and market livestock.
  • Knowing breeds, body parts and muscle names and locations complements one’s ability to evaluate livestock.

It’s all interrelated and encouraging youth to expand the knowledge of their project by participating in a variety of opportunities
while also in a competitive environment will enhance the learning experience.

Requirements

  • Exhibitors must be enrolled in a 4-H/FFA project in that species in their respective 4-H Club/FFA Chapter.
  • FairEntry is made in the respective species by August FairEntry deadline.
  • The exhibitor must complete the Fairfield County Skillathon for the specie they plan to compete in Premier Exhibitor.

Those exhibitors who participate in the alternative Skillathon options will not be eligible for Premier Exhibitor (i.e., Ohio
State Fair VIRTUAL Skillathon, Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Skillathon, and/or Fairfield County Make-Up Skillathon).
Project books will be reviewed as part of the county Skillathon event.

  • An exhibitor must complete a Skillathon for each specie they plan to compete for Premier Exhibitor. If an exhibitor does not
    participate in the Fairfield County Skillathon for that specie, they will be ineligible for Premier Exhibitor in that specie.
  • Exhibitors must show their own animal(s).

Eligible Species

  • Dairy Cattle
  • Dairy Beef Feeders Beef
  • Swine
  • Sheep
  • Dairy Goats
  • Meat/Market Goats
  • Pygmy Goats
  • Poultry
  • Rabbits
  • Dogs
  • Alpacas/Llamas
  • Horses

Scoring

The Premier Exhibitor for each species will be the exhibitor with the highest point total from the activities listed for each specie
(dropping the scores as mentioned below).

The goal is to encourage exhibitors to explore various opportunities available to them within their species and allow for lowest
scores to be dropped when sufficient experiences are able to be offered (for example, Beef Exhibitors have far more project
opportunities available to them than Pygmy Goats). The objective would be to encourage exhibitors to earn points for exhibiting
animals in at least two ways at the Fairfield County Fair in addition to participating in Skillathon, showmanship, rate of gain (if
applicable), and judging contests (if applicable). If exhibiting more than one animal in an activity, the highest placing animal will
be used for the Premier Exhibitor scoring.

  • Dairy Cattle: The Dairy Cattle Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 3 of the 4 following Fairfield
    County Junior Fair activities: Dairy Skillathon*, Showmanship, Ohio 4-H Dairy Judging Contest, and Breeding Class.
  • Dairy Beef Feeder: The Dairy Beef Feeder Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 4 of the 5 Fairfield County
    Junior Fair activities: Beef Skillathon*, Showmanship, Fairfield County Beef Judging Contest, Market Class, and Rate of Gain.
  • Beef: The Beef Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 5 of the 8 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Beef Skillathon*, Showmanship, Fairfield County Beef Judging Contest, Breeding Class, Feeder Class, Market Class,
    Carcass Class, and Rate of Gain.
  • Swine: The Swine Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 4 of the 5 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Swine Skillathon*, Showmanship, Fairfield County Swine Judging Contest, Market/MQP Class 1, and Market/MQP Class 2.
  • Sheep: The Sheep Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from 5 of the 6 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities: Sheep
    Skillathon*, Showmanship, Fairfield County Sheep Judging Contest, Breeding Class, Market/MQP Class 1, and Market/MQP Class 2.
  • Dairy Goats: The Dairy Goat Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from all 4 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Dairy Goat Skillathon*, Showmanship, Breeding (Kid/Yearling Class), and Breeding (Doe Class).
  • Meat/Market Goats: The Meat/Market Goat Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from 5 of the 6 Fairfield County
    Junior Fair activities: Meat/Market Goat Skillathon*, Showmanship, Fairfield County Meat Goat Judging Contest, Breeding
    (Meat Doe) Class, Market/MQP Class 1, and Market/MQP Class 2.
  • Pygmy Goats: The Pygmy Goat Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from all 4 Fairfield County Junior Fair
    activities: Pygmy Goat Skillathon*, Showmanship, Wether Class, and Doe Class.
  • Poultry: The Poultry Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from 4 of the 5 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Poultry Skillathon*, Showmanship, Breeding Class, Layers Class, and Market Class.
  • Rabbits: The Rabbit Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from all 4 of the 6 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Rabbit Skillathon*, Showmanship, Breeding Class 1, Breeding Class 2, Market Class 1, Market Class 2.
  • Dogs: The Dog Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 4 of the 5 Fairfield County Junior Fair activities:
    Dog Skillathon*, You & Your Dog Interview, Showmanship, Obedience Class, and Agility.
  • Alpacas/Llamas: The Alpaca & Llama Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 4 of the 5 following
    Fairfield County Junior Fair activities: Alpaca/Llama Skillathon*, Showmanship, Public Relations Class, Costume Class, and
    Obstacle/Agility Class
  • Horses: The Horse Premier Exhibitor will be the highest point total from up to 4 of the 5 following Fairfield County Junior Fair
    activities: Horse Skillathon*, Showmanship, Pleasure Class, Pattern Class, and Contesting Class.

The *Fairfield County Skillathon will be a mandatory activity for participation in the respective species’ Premier Exhibitor
Contest. A Skillathon is an activity to test knowledge of specific subject matter in a hands-on experiential learning model.
Skillathons will take place on the assigned day and times in September, and this will be the only opportunity for participants to
complete the Skillathon for their respective species and be eligible to participate in the respective Premier Exhibitor Contest.
Exhibitors will earn corresponding Premier Exhibitor points based off of their raw score (out of 100 points). Skillathons will be
comprised of four stations. A completed project book is required at Skillathon.

The Fairfield County Livestock Judging Contest will take place on Sunday of the Fairfield County Fair for swine, beef, sheep,
and goats. Exhibitors will earn corresponding Livestock Judging Contest points based off of their raw score. Total points
possible will be determined on the day of the contest.

Rate of Gain will be available to all market beef that are exhibited in the live show, and dairy feeder exhibitors.
Breeding/Market/Showmanship/Rate of Gain class/heat points will be assigned according to class rankings (placing 1st
through 5th, followed by participation points).

Livestock Sale: If the Premier Exhibitor has a market animal in that respective species, they will sell third in the market sale for
that species following the Overall Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Market Animals. If an exhibitor chooses to take home
and earns Premier Exhibitor, they will lose their sale slot. (In that case second place Premier Exhibitor will not move into that
sale slot).

Ties: Exhibitors will complete a tiebreaker station at Skillathon for their respective specie. Scoring from the tiebreaker station will
only be used to help break ties for the overall rankings of each specie’s Premier Exhibitor.

Awards will be given for 1st place winner of each age group (Age 8/9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18), from which, overall 1st
through 3rd place winners will be chosen for the Premier Exhibitor Program for each specie.

  • 1st Place Awards for each age group (Age 8/9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) will receive a rosette and coupon to be
    used at the fair for a free sandwich at the Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Food Booth.
  • 1st Place Award Overall for each specie will receive a vinyl banner and $100 cash award.
  • 2nd Place Award Overall for each specie will receive a vinyl banner and $75 cash award.
  • 3rd Place Award Overall for each specie will receive a vinyl banner and $50 cash award.

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Skillathons – Open to **ALL** 4-H and FFA Youth!

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Did you know any 4-H/FFA youth can participate in the State Fair Skillathon? Skillathons are events for youth to show what they know about a species and to be recognized for their knowledge and skills. All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2023, and FFA members. Youth do not have to be an exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair to participate or be enrolled in an animal project. Want more information? Click here!

  • 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathon Rules
  • NEW: (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine.
  • In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
  • There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules.
  • Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
  • If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Beef Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Beef Skillathon: Monday, July 24 & Friday, July 28, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Beef OBE Skillathon is only open to beef-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Dairy Cattle Skillathons:

In-Person: Tuesday, August 1st, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Dog Skillathons:

In-Person: Tuesday, July 18th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Goat Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Goat Skillathon: Tuesday, July 18, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Goat OBE Skillathon is only open to goat-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Friday, July 21, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Horse Skillathons:

In-Person: Monday, July 17, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Poultry Skillathons:

In-Person: Wednesday, August 2, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Rabbit Skillathons:

In-Person: Friday, August 4, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Sheep Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Sheep Skillathon: Monday, July 31 & Wednesday, August 2nd, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Sheep OBE Skillathon is only open to sheep-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Tuesday, July 25, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Swine Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Swine Skillathon: Friday, July 28, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Swine OBE skillathon is only open to swine-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

 

By participating in an Ohio State Fair Skillathon, this will meet the Skillathon requirement for 4-H and FFA youth to exhibit at the 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair. As a reminder, Skillathons will continue in 2023 as a required portion of project completion for livestock projects. Fairfield County Skillathons will be offered for all beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit (except Pet Rabbits), sheep, swine, dog, horse, alpaca/llama projects. Skillathons may include (but are not limited to) animal anatomy/body parts, breeding and reproduction, feeds and nutrition, current events, diseases and animal health, equipment ID, feed ID, Quality Assurance, breeds, marketing, meats, and recordkeeping. Skillathons are required for those who wish to exhibit at the 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair. Youth must complete at least one Skillathon. Youth can participate in more than one species if they intend to participate in the Premier Exhibitor for that respective species. For more information: Refer to Junior Fair Book. Fairfield County Skillathons will be held on September 9th and 24th at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.