The Hartford Fair is just around the corner, as a Fair Board we are excited to bring our fair family together for a modified 2020 fair. In an effort to keep everyone safe, your equine committee made the tough decision to hold a three day show for 2020. When making decisions we took time to review all relevant information with health and safety at the forefront of our decisions. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for exhibitors to safely compete at The Hartford Independent Fair.
We have received many great questions in the last month. Outlined below are common questions we wanted to pass along to help you prepare for the 2020 fair. Many of the answers can be found in the rules section of the entry information that can be found here.
If you have questions in the coming week, please do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure or something appears unclear regarding rules for our 2020 fair. Our intent is for everyone to have a fun and healthy fair experience. We are passing along information as quickly as things are decided.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are we allowed to decorate our stalls?
Yes, we are trying to maintain many of the traditions of the horse complex. We encourage clubs to decorate their stalls, but in a simple approach. Limiting to curtains, lights and signs will cut down on additional sanitizing of objects typically available for high touch contact (props, benches, flower pots, etc). Referencing rule R under Responsible Restart Stalling Rules:
LIMITED STALL DECORATIONS: Only curtains, lights and a decorative sign with exhibitors name, photo, emergency contact info and Club information permitted: MAY NOT BE ATTACHED TO THE BARN WITH NAILS, SCREWS, TAPE, OR STAPLES!!! No extra props, benches or end of barn decorating permitted in 2020.
We have not determined a date and time for decorating to occur, please watch an email near you for that information.
When are horses moving in?
Those who are choosing to stall will move their horse or pony onto the grounds Tuesday, August 11th 6:00am to 2:00pm. At this time, Vet check will be held at the stalls at 2:00pm. All stalled horses will be released on Saturday starting at 9:00am with all horses off the grounds by 1:00pm.
When is grading?
We will be holding grading, it will just look a little different this year. Grading will be held for stalled horses immediately following the barn meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Also, grading will take place each morning 8:00-9:00 for exhibitors choosing to haul-in.
Exhibitor Packets:
Each exhibitor will receive their back number, patterns, and department rules and schedule after they grade. We will NOT be hanging patterns this year to cut down on areas for people to gather.
Who is responsible for sanitizing our stall and tack boxes?
Please reference rule J under Responsible Restart Ohio Rules: Exhibitors and 4-H clubs are responsible for sanitizing their stalls, tack box and tack stall area every day.
Are we permitted to use the wash rack?
Yes, please be mindful of others and maintain 6 feet social distancing when appropriate. Also, clean up after yourself and your horse.
Haul-In Horses/Ponies:
We are trying something new in 2020. For many years, advisors have provided feedback for their clubs haul-in exhibitors to have use of a stall with their club. This year we are going to try it!
Advisors, please provide how many haul-in stalls you will need each day by July 31st to Alisha Tilley via email at equine.education@hotmail.com. In your email please include your club name with your number of haul-in stalls.
We realize some haul-in exhibitors may not need/want a stall. Please confirm how many haul-in stalls each day you expect to need for those choosing to stall for the day they are showing. For example you have 12 members in your club, 6 of them are stalling, but you will only have 2 exhibitors hauling in each day. We will designate 2 haul in stalls in your block of stalls for your club. Keep in mind your club will be responsible for sanitizing the stalls between exhibitors.
Our goal is to try to meet each clubs desired per day haul-in stall need. Please keep in mind the exhibitors who have requested a stall are first priority. Also, these stalls are going to be haul-in and out same day, this is not an opportunity to stall a second horse.
Rule 14(d) still applies: Only one horse or pony per exhibitor may be stalled at the fair, No switching of horses.
The haul-in rules still apply, horses or ponies are expected to be off the grounds at the conclusion of the show. Please review 2020 Responsible Restart Ohio Haul-In Rules in the attached document.
Volunteering:
Here is a volunteer sign-up sheet for grading, trash clean up and gates. We are going to need extra help each day to clean up and put trash cans out for pick up and pull them back into the complex post pick up.
Seniors:
Unfortunately we will not be holding opening ceremonies at the 2020 fair. We will maintain our senior wall in the front barn for the 2020 fair. Exhibitors who will be graduating out of 4-H this year are welcome to create poster to be hung on the senior wall. Turn in posters to the announcer’s booth during the barn meeting to be hung by the Senior or Junior Fair Board.
Senior Poster Rules:
o Signs should be constructed on a half poster board sheet (14”X 22”).
o Please laminate or cover with clear contact paper as they will be outside.
o No wooden, metal, or full poster board size signs permitted to allow for enough space for everyone.
Again, thank you for all your hard work and patience as we are navigating this evolving environment this year. Please take time to review with your club all the rules in the attached document. This year has presented many unique guidelines to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Please feel free to reach out anytime you may have a question. Due to my work schedule, I can be best reached via email at equine.education@hotmail.com.
Sincerely,
Alisha Tilley
Horse Department Chair
Hartford Independent Fair