Photos from the Fair

We were fortunate to have several photographers who worked throughout the fair to document the Junior Fair shows and events. Check out their links below to view and purchase pictures!

Equine:

Kylee Williams was our photographer for equine events during the Hartford Fair. You can find all photos posted online HERE. Just choose the Hartford Fair link at the top of the page and then select the event in which you are interested! MANY THANKS to Don and Marcie Williams for sponsoring one digital image per equine exhibitor – exhibitors are reminded to reach out to Kylee directly to select your chosen image.

Livestock:

Halee Ann Photography was our photographers for livestock events during the Hartford Fair. You can find all of the photos she and her colleagues took posted online HERE. The galleries are organized by species and then by show/event.

Royalty:

Karen Keller Photography took photos during the King and Queen Contest, including the introduction of our Commodity Royalty and our Prince and Princess of the Day participants. You can find all of her photos posted online HERE.

 

REMINDER: Hartford Fair Entry Information

All Hartford Fair entries must be completed through the FairEntry portal this year. Please follow the Hartford Fair Entry Instructions when making your entries. Entry deadline is Monday, June 26, 2023.

Please note:

  • The Hartford Fair Entry Portal can be found by visiting: http://hartfordfair.fairentry.com

  • Please be sure to review the Hartford Fair Premium Book to ensure you know which Classes and Lots you will be making entries for before you start that process.
  • All 4-H families must use their 4-HOnline Credentials to log into FairEntry. If a member creates a new account in FairEntry, they will be unable to make entries in Junior Fair Departments as those departments require them to be enrolled in the appropriate 4-H project in order to make entries.

  • All FFA members will make their entries through their FFA advisor.

  • Please make sure that you add all entries to each exhibitor in your family before you submit the entries and continue to the payment portal.

  • The process for submitting a photo for an exhibitor fair ID as well as exhibitor gate admission will be sent out once entries close. You will not submit an exhibitor photo when making entries, that will be a separate process.
  • This is a new process and we know that there will be errors or glitches that will need solved. Please reach out to us if you run into an issue, and please have patience as we work through any glitches.

STILL PROJECT MEMBERS:

  • When you make your entries, you will need to know whether your club has decided to do a club booth in the 4-H Center. If you are unsure, please ask your advisor before completing entries.
  • You will need to select JR CLUBS SCHOOLS. You will then select 118.JB: 4-H INDIVIDUAL. If your club is having a club booth, you will select 01: INDVIDUAL EXHIBITS (CLUB BOOTH). If your club is not having a club booth, you will need to display your project in the Miscellaneous Booth. If that is the case, you will need to select 02: INDVIDUAL EXHIBITS (MISC BOOTH). Repeat these steps to add additional entries for still projects until you have the number of still projects entries that matches the number of still projects you plan to display in the booth.
  • If your club is doing a group project, please be sure to include that project in your number of entries. For example, if you are doing 409 Sew Fun, 492 Cake Decorating, and 091G Discover 4-H Group Project, you would make three Individual Still Project entries. You will NOT list your specific project names anywhere.

2023 Ohio State Fair Virtual Skillathons

Virtual livestock skillathons will be available for youth to complete between May 30th and October 20th. These virtual skillathons will not be scored. They are intended as a way for youth to practice for the Ohio State Fair other skillathon contests. No pre-registration is required. Please visit https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-skillathons for more information.

Hartford Fair Verification Letters

Verification Letters for Hartford Fair entries went in the mail on July 7, 2022. Please watch for your letter to arrive in the mail. Once you receive it, please open it immediately and check that all is correct. If you find a mistake or missing entry, reach out to the Hartford Fair Office IMMEDIATELY to have it corrected or to add missing/additional entries. There is a $10 late fee to add on entries at this point. All corrections/additional entries must be made before July 22, 2022. No changes will be made after this date.

If you do not receive your verification letter (within a reasonable time frame for it to be delivered), please check in with the Hartford Fair Office to ensure that they did receive your entries and that your mailing address is correct. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW YOUR VERIFICATION LETTERS!

I’ve Submitted My Fair Entries… Now What?

Hopefully you were able to submit your fair entries by the June 18th deadline. The next step will be to check your verification letters when they arrive. All entries (open and junior classes) will be mailed verification letters. Those letters will be going out in the mail late next week so please be sure to watch for them. Once they arrive, please take the time to review them to ensure that they are correct. If you find an error, you must contact the Hartford Fair Office before Friday, July 22nd to have the correction made. NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE AFTER JULY 22, 2022.

A few thing to keep in mind…

  • For Junior Fair Entries (4-H specifically), the address listed in 4-HOnline is the address that will be used to mail your entries. If you have moved since you completed your 4-H enrollment, if you forgot to update your address when completing your enrollment, OR if your mailing address is a PO Box but you have your physical address listed in 4-HOnline, you will need to correct that immediately. Please reach out to Adrienne Anderson at anderson.1410@osu.edu to have your address updated. She will then reach out to the fair office with your corrected address.
  • If you do not receive your verification letter or you will be out of town or unable to check your mail, please know that you can reach out to Beth at the fair office. She would be happy to provide you with the information so that you are able to confirm that your entries are correct.
  • We encourage members to have their advisors look over their verification letters to help catch any mistakes or issues.
  • PLEASE take the time to check and confirm that your entries are correct. Checking for and correcting mistakes now will set members up to have a good experience come fair time.

Hartford Fair Logo

Ohio State Fair Virtual Skillathon Registration

Registration is now open for the Ohio State Fair Virtual Skillathon Contests. These contests are a great way to participate in the Ohio State Fair skillathon program without having to attend the fair in person. Registration to participate is due by June 21st and can be completed be visiting go.osu.edu/skillathonregistration. Members are NOT required to be enrolled in a species project to participate so all 4-H and FFA youth are encouraged to participate!

Please note: outstanding breeding exhibitors (goat, sheep, swine, and beef) must complete the virtual skillathon to be eligible for OBE.

Don’t Forget! Achievement Award Forms Due October 15th

Are you at least 14 years of age, or will be 14 years of age by January 1, 2022? Then we have just what you need!

You are now eligible for county, state and national project award recognition, selection to attend 2022 state and national trips, and possibly even the opportunity to apply for scholarships as a high school senior! All of these opportunities are available to YOU – but you have to apply for them! The deadline to apply is Friday, October 15th, and all of the 2021-2022 application materials can be found on our Teen Opportunities page.

2021 Hartford Junior Fair Livestock/Animal Requirements Summary

The 2021 Hartford Junior Fair Livestock/Animal Requirements Summary is now available. This document has all of the dates and requirements for all species that show at the Hartford Fair. Please review it to ensure you are up-to-date on any species your youth plan to show in 2021.

 

August 3rd Hartford Fair Update

The following information was sent to all families on August 3, 2020…

Let me begin with THANK YOU! Thank you for your patience, thank you for your grace, as we have moved through the planning process for the 2020 Hartford Fair! The Hartford Fair is blessed with families who value kindness and understanding, and we have really cashed in on those traits in 2020! Although this year has brought us much uncertainty, we continue to move forward, work within the guidelines, and provide the best opportunities possible to our Junior Fair youth (and their families)! Let’s not forget how very fortunate we are to call the Hartford Fair “our” fair!

Although I certainly can’t promise that there will be no additional changes after this update reaches your email inbox, I still want to share with you what I do know at this moment – in hopes that it will be of assistance to many of you! I ask that you read through the details carefully, and maybe review a second time, before you begin to reach out with additional questions. There is still much to be done, and we are working as quickly as we can to ensure that all is ready as your family arrives to the fairgrounds over the next week or so.

As we model for our children, let us stay positive and know that everyone is doing their best, always assume the best intentions, and give everyone an extra amount of grace as we move throughout the next two weeks. This spring and summer have not been easy for most of us, but the Hartford Fair has a great amount of normalcy to offer – if we look for it! Regardless of the facial coverings and social distancing, we’ll still be together with our fair friends, enjoying the opportunity to watch our youth exhibit, eating some fabulous fair foods, and making wonderful memories…. We have much for which to be grateful!

  • What I’m asking of you…
    • Wear your mask / facial covering (if you are medically able to do so).
      • No, it’s not always comfortable, but it surely beats the alternative of not being able to see our youth show at the fair…
      • If you aren’t wearing a facial covering, please step away from the barns, show arena and concessions, where larger numbers of people may gather.
      • Facial coverings are not expected within the show ring, but they continue to be welcome – especially in situations where social distancing is not possible.
      • 4-H members are reminded that while state guidelines do not require facial coverings for those under the age of 10, while 4-H guidelines require facial coverings for all 4-H members during 4-H-related events…
    • Daily symptom assessments: check your temperature, monitor for fevers, watch for a dry cough or trouble breathing, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, and loss of taste or smell…
      • If you’re not feeling well, or experience the above-listed symptoms, please don’t come to the fairgrounds.
    • Don’t forget to social distance when near others from outside of your family. It’s for everyone’s safety and well-being.
    • Wash or sanitize hands frequently…
    • Remember that the exhibitor (and their family) should have no physical contact with their judge during shows, nor their buyer during sales.
      • Buyer thank you notes and any gifts of appreciation should be sent to the buyer following the fair.
    • Be mindful of what you share on social media – and how it represents our fair – and our 4-H and FFA programs!
      • Early fairs were not successful in using facial coverings and maintaining social distance, and many photos were shared as evidence of disregard for those guidelines. Now we find ourselves impacted by those decisions with additional limitations and guidelines. The fairs that are scheduled to take place after us in August, September and October are hoping to be as fortunate as us – to offer Junior Fair programming. If we don’t choose to do the right things during the Hartford Fair, they may pay the price. When we share photos or make posts online, we need to be sure to have a mask on, and show ourselves being responsible. Hartford is often held up as an example to other fairs across Ohio, let us again be a positive example of how to do what’s right!
    • If you have questions, or don’t understand, be sure to ask! We’re happy to help!
  • Fair Schedule…
    • You can find the fair schedule online at www.hartfordfair.com > Schedule. It is in the process of being updated, to remove all of the non-Junior Fair activities and events. The newest version should be posted within a day or so, feel free to check back often! An updated SPECIES SCHEDULE can be found online at  http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf
    • No open class events will be held – in any species.
    • Junior Fair llama / alpaca show has been cancelled, due to lack of entries.
    • Some changes have been made to department schedules. Those are listed by department further down in the email message…
    • 4-H Center and FFA Building will be open… Check schedule for hours and plan to drop in to see our 4-H and FFA exhibitor displays.
      • Details regarding set-up of 4-H Club booths was distributed on August 3rd to the lead advisor for each club.
    • 4-H Band will be performing at TARA throughout the week, with concerts on Sunday (3:00 p.m.), Monday (1:30 p.m.), Tuesday (6:00 p.m. in NRA near Pond), Wednesday 8:00 p.m. and Thursday (6:00 p.m.). Be sure to go listen…
  • Admission / Attendance…
    • There are currently no limits on who / how many may attend, but all publicity for the fair has been suspended so as to keep attendance to a manageable level.
    • No admission will be charged at the gate.
    • Junior Fair exhibitors and club/chapter advisors are asked to pick up their IDs on Thursday (1-7 p.m.), Friday (1-7 p.m.) or Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) in B. Carr Family Arena.
      • IDs will still be used to pick up and cash premium vouchers.
    • By state guidelines, attendance in the sale arena during the sale will be limited to buyers and immediate family of exhibitor selling at that time.
  • The Fairgrounds…
    • The only area of the grounds open to attendees will be from the 4-H Center and Tara on the North, going East around the track to the Swine Barn. All areas to the South and West will be closed. (other than the SFB office)
    • Food vendors will be moved to the livestock barn area, with there being 10-15 vendors available. I’m sure that you’ll find some of your favorites!
    • Campgrounds will be limited to campers of exhibitors, advisors, SFB members, fair vet, etc.
      • If you need details about the campgrounds, be sure to reach our directly to the Fair Office.
  • General Notes…
    • Vouchers will be issued to exhibitors following completion of participation in each show.
    • The Bank will be open to cash vouchers, with hours posted on the Bank and in the Junior Fair Board office.
    • Curfew will be in place with everyone asked to vacate the barn / concession / office areas by 10:00 p.m. (or within 30 minutes of the conclusion of any event that ends after 10:00 p.m.).
  • Valuable Resources…

 Department Updates / Changes / Reminders: Updated SPECIES SCHEDULE – http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf

(I apologize in advance if I missed a change or a change is made after this message is sent… Stay up to date with the Hartford Fair and Licking County 4-H websites and Facebook pages!)

  • Market Steer / Breeding Beef / Steer Pool
    • Steer Pool Vet Check will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday
    • Steer Pool Barn Meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Kohman Wing.
    • Steer Pool will be released at 9:15 p.m. on Monday, following show. Packer truck arrives at 9:15 p.m. Monday for packer load out.
    • Feeder Calf show will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
    • Breeding Beef show will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
  •  Dairy / Dairy Feeder…
    • Dairy heifer move in will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, with all heifers being in place by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  Dairy cattle will be released from the grounds after the show on Thursday.  This will allow exhibitors who are bringing dairy feeders to the fair to make one trip if they would like, but will not force the dairy exhibitors to be at the fair any longer than necessary.
    • The Dairy Feeder Steer show on Wednesday starts at 8:30 a.m. with showmanship.  The show itself will then follow immediately after the conclusion of showmanship.
  • FFA Building…
    • Set up: Thursday 9 a.m. (Change!) |  Project arrival : most on Thursday / maybe some on Saturday  |  Judging: Sunday 9 a.m.  |  Removal: Saturday 3 p.m.
  • Market Hogs
    • Market Hogs must be in place by 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
    • Market Hogs released following show on Tuesday.
  • Rabbit & Poultry Departments…
    • Poster Contest Rules
      • The purpose of the contest is to demonstrate the Junior Fair exhibitor’s project knowledge, to stimulate interest, and to demonstrate to others the diversity of Rabbit and Poultry projects.
        • Each posted must be made by the 4-H / FFA member.
        • Posters must be made using 22”x28” poster board, displayed horizontally, with stiff backing. It is suggested that your posted be covered in plastic.
        • Each poster must be clearly labeled in the lower right-hand corner, in a space no larger than 3”x5” with the exhibitor’s name, club or chapter, and age as of January 1st of the current year.
        • Posted will be judged based upon: Educational Content (50 points) / Neatness & Appearance (30 points), and Originality (20 points).
        • Posters will be displayed during Rabbit & Poultry Shows.
        • Junior Division: ages 9-13 / Senior Division: ages 14-19
        • No entry fee – this is a free class – no premiums will be paid.
        • Rosettes will be awarded for 1st-5th placings.

2020 Hartford Fair Schedule

The 2020 Hartford Fair livestock schedule has been posted here. Please note that the schedule is being updated and changed as needed. Please check the date in the lower right-hand corner of the page to ensure you are looking at the most up-to-date calendar.