Final Build Phase: Let’s Get Ready for Fair Week

Hello 4-H Poultry Project Families,

We’ve officially entered the final stretch—fair is here, and it’s time to put the finishing touches on everything we’ve been building all year. This email is focused entirely on fair preparation and expectations, so please read carefully and make sure you’re ready to go.

Websites

The Poultry Project Website remains your primary job site for all things fair. The Paperwork section includes required forms, the Premium Book, and important reference materials. The Fair Information page outlines what to expect, the Fair Preparations page has all the needed information to get ready, and the Events & Deadlines page will help you stay on track as we move through the final steps. Be sure to review these regularly to avoid missing anything critical.

Reminders

Barn Duty is for all exhibitors. Each participant must complete one two-hour shift, and this is an individual responsibility—not assigned by club or chapter. If you have not signed up or are unsure of your shift, please reach out immediately so we can get that squared away before fair begins.

All exhibitors are also required to enter a display in Old Pueblo Hall related to one of their animal projects in order to participate in fair. The entry is open online now, and the link can be found on the Fair Information page. Please make sure this is completed ahead of fair.

Fair

Workdays

Exhibitors must attend one required April workday in order to participate in fair. This is part of your commitment to the project and helps ensure everything is ready for check-in and show days. Workdays are scheduled for April 4th to set up Old Pueblo Hall and April 11th to set up the barn. As always, make sure to sign in—if you don’t sign in, it does not count.

Those who ordered shirts this year can pick them up at either workday; if you have not prepaid, please bring the cash payment owed.

Fair Week

Poultry check-in will take place on April 20th from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. All birds will go through veterinary inspection upon arrival. Please plan ahead and allow enough time to get through the process.

Showmanship will be held on Tuesday, April 21st. Turkey Showmanship will begin at 9:00 AM, with Poultry Showmanship to follow. Poultry Showmanship is a required class for all exhibitors. Exhibitors should come prepared, confident, and ready to present themselves and their birds.

The breed show will follow on Wednesday, April 22nd. It will begin with birds in cages at 9:00 AM, and after the pigeon show is finished in the ring, the commercial breed show will begin.

With a large number of exhibitors and birds this year, both show days will be long and will include waiting periods between classes. Even during downtime, exhibitors must remain attentive and ready to enter the ring promptly when called.

A tentative schedule will be shared ahead of time so families can see the general order of events. We will do our best to stay on track, but flexibility will be important as the day progresses.

General Fair Expectations

This is the moment everything has been leading up to. Exhibitors should arrive prepared with clean, healthy birds, organized equipment, and a clear understanding of showmanship expectations.

Families can help by making sure exhibitors are on time, have what they need, and are ready to take responsibility for their animals throughout the event.

Volunteers are always appreciated, extra hands make a big difference in keeping things running smoothly. If you are interested in helping, please reach out—we would love to have your support.

Please also remember that exhibitor behavior reflects on all 4-H and FFA members. Conduct yourselves appropriately while at the fair— both inside and out of the ring.

Donations & Support

Thank you to all of our families who have contributed time, supplies, and support throughout the season. It truly takes a team to build something like this, and your efforts make these opportunities possible for our exhibitors.

As we head into fair, don’t hesitate to reach out with any last-minute questions. It’s much easier to fix something now than on show day.

Let’s finish strong and make this a great fair experience for everyone involved.

Keisha Cassidy
Amanda Osborne