FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What date is the Fair?
The Fair is held at the beginning of August. 

Where is the Fair?
The Fair is held at the Baltimore County Maryland Agricultural Resource Center and Farm Park located at 1114 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley Maryland.
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/recreation/programdivision/naturearea/agcenter.html

What time does the Fair open?
   Friday: Indoor registration is from 3:00 - 6:00 PM

             Pet Show starts at 6:30 PM

   Saturday: The fair is open from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Exhibits removed 3:30-4:30 pm.

Who can participate in the Fair?
This is a Junior Fair.  All exhibitors must not have passed their 21st birthday by January 1st of the current year.
Exhibitors must be residents of Baltimore County 
OR enrolled in a school in Baltimore County 
OR be an active member of a Baltimore County 4-H Club or a 4-H Alumnus.

How can I get my child involved?
We recommend that you review our website.
There are 11 Indoor Departments and 8 Outdoor Departments, so there are many opportunities to participate, based upon personal interest and ability. Once you determine an area(s) of interest, be sure to read the Fair guidelines and times of registration and exhibition.

What are the Indoor Departments?
  • Agricultural Commodities
  • Agricultural Physical Science and Mechanics
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Demonstrations
  • Educational Displays
  • Fine Arts
  • Flowers
  • Foods
  • Needlework
  • Photography
  • Vegetables & Fruits
 
What are the Outdoor Departments?
  • Beef Cattle
  • Dairy Heifers & Cows
  • Dairy Steers
  • Dairy Goats
  • Meat Goats
  • Sheep
  • Rabbits and Cavies
What is the Pet Show?
The Pet Show is held Friday evening at the Fair. No preregistration is required. It is open to all eligible youth that have a pet. This is a fun event. No premiums are rewarded.

How does my child register to enter the Fair?
  • Indoor Departments:
    • Demonstration and Educational Displays 
      • Online registration is required in advance because of the preparation needed to present these exhibits.
      • Deadline to register online is in July: look for the specific date on the web site.
      • Educational Displays are setup Friday during the 3:00-6:00 registration time.
      • Demonstrations occur on Saturday: times TBD by the Demonstration Chair.
    • All other Indoor Departments. 
      • Early registration: use the online process to receive an exhibitor number. Then print the Exhibitor Tags (forms found on the web site) to prepare exhibits in advance.
      • Same day registration: the exhibitor receives an exhibitor number Friday night on site. It is still possible to print out and complete forms in advance (Exhibitor Entry form and Exhibitor Tags) found on the web site.
      • Registration is on-site 3:00-6:00 PM on Friday for all Indoor Exhibitors.
  • Outdoor Departments
    • Online registration is required for all Departments.
    • Deadline to register online is in July: look for the specific date on the web site. 

What is the entrance fee?
There is no cost to participate and no cost visit the Fair.


What is a premium?
A premium is a cash prize awarded to eligible exhibitors.

What are the prizes?

  • Indoor Departments: 
    • Demonstration: exhibitors are awarded ribbons and a premium 
    • Other Departments: exhibitors are awarded ribbons and may be eligible for premiums
  • Outdoor Departments 
    • Exhibitors are awarded ribbons and premiums 


How is the Fair judged?

  • Indoor Departments: The volunteer judges use a point system to review each exhibit based upon standards that are specific to each department and/or class. Exhibitor numbers, not names, are used when judging. 
  • Outdoor Departments: The department-specific, certified judges are experienced in using standard judging criteria.


Must exhibitors have special attire?
It is important to look your best when exhibiting your animals and homemade projects. The Outdoor Departments have a dress code. Dairy exhibitors must wear white tops and white pants, livestock exhibitors wear white tops and tan pants. Please refer to general and department specific guidelines for further detail.

On the day of the show, how do I find my show area?
A map of the fairgrounds is on the website and on a flier that will be available the weekend of the show. Friday evening signs will be directing the flow of traffic for Indoor exhibit delivery and entry as well as the pet show area. Saturday morning tables will be set up to check in Outdoor exhibitors and exhibits in the respected show areas. 

It is my first time showing in the Outdoor Departments. I would like to know what I need to bring with me on show day.
You should be prepared with food, water, and bedding for your animal. All small animals and poultry should arrive in their carrying cages.  Small and large livestock should be on a halter that will secure them throughout the day. Bring your show tack, halter, and show clothing. Water will be provided for spot removal and last minute cleanup of animals but the animals should be washed before they arrive. You and your family may want to bring chairs for yourselves.

Is there food available at the Fair?
Grilled lunch food, sandwiches, drinks, and ice cream are sold at the Fair. 

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
The building and grounds are wheelchair accessible.

Who runs the Fair?
The Hereford Jr. Farm Fair is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Hundreds of volunteers are needed each year to help plan, promote, raise funds, set-up, register, judge and clean-up the Fair. If you are interested in helping, please contact a member of the Board of Directors using the ‘Contact Us’ section of the web site.

How can I make a contribution to the Fair?
Donations can be made to The Hereford Jr. Farm Fair and mailed to:
   Hereford Jr. Farm Fair
   PO Box 122
   Monkton, MD  21111

If I have additional questions whom can I contact?
Please direct any questions to the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website. All questions will be answered as quickly as we are able to respond.