FAQs

  • The deadline to register for the fair is March 15. The registration form will be made available, so keep an eye out—we share it as soon as it’s ready!

  • Each exhibitor is required to attend at least ONE work day. This is part of being a responsible participant and helping keep our barn and project running smoothly!

    To receive credit, exhibitors must sign in between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

    • April 4th – OPH Work Day

    • April 11th – Poultry Work Day

    Can’t make either day? No problem—but you MUST contact Keisha before the first workday to make other arrangements. Communication is key and we’re happy to work with you!

  • First Monday of the fair- Check in between 12 - 6 pm at the North East corner of the barn

    Tuesday- Showmanship and commercial turkey judging/showmanship

    Wednesday- Breed and Commercial Project Judging

    Last Sunday of the fair- Pima County Small Stock Auction

  • Yes. Once you check in on Monday, your birds are required to stay until the following Sunday. Coop out time will be after the completion of the 4-H FFA Wrap up Meeting.

  • If you are showing a commercial laying hen, you must place any eggs in the bin provided on top of the cage.

    All other birds their exhibitors may take their own eggs only. If your bird lays an egg, you may remove it and take it home.

    You may not remove eggs from any bird that does not belong to you.

    Removing eggs regularly is part of good herdsmanship and helps keep the barn clean, organized, and reduces the temptation for the public to handle or take eggs.

  • Barn duty and herdsmanship are both part of your responsibility as an exhibitor and help keep the poultry barn clean, safe, and welcoming during the fair.

    Barn duty is your assigned time to represent the project and interact with the public. During your shift, you may take out your own bird (only) to allow safe public interaction. You are responsible for:

    • Keeping your bird safe around the public

    • Talking with visitors about your project and birds

    • Sharing information about 4-H/FFA

    You may not handle another exhibitor’s bird without permission. Barn duty does not include feeding or watering other exhibitors’ birds (you may only add water if a container is completely empty).

    Herdsmanship is the overall care and upkeep of the barn and your animals throughout the fair. This includes:

    • Feeding and watering your birds

    • Keeping cages clean

    • Collecting eggs

    • Keeping aisles and work areas tidy

    Additional expectations:

    • An adult (parent, leader, or volunteer) must be present during all barn duty shifts

    • Sign-ups will be shared before and during the fair, with required shifts determined by the Project Coordinator

    • If an issue arises with the public, contact a coordinator, superintendent, extension staff, or fair staff for assistance

    Barn duty participation counts toward herdsmanship points. Staying on top of both helps create a safe, organized, and positive experience for everyone.

  • Yes! Our judges are ABA/APA licensed and the show will be sanctioned!

  • Yes. Wristbands help identify who is part of the project and who is authorized to be around and handle birds and eggs. For everyone’s safety and organization, all youth and adults participating in the project are expected to wear their wristbands.

  • While we love pets, dogs are not allowed in the poultry barns for safety and sanitation reasons. If you bring a dog to the fairgrounds, it must be kept in designated areas and on a leash at all times.

  • Yes. Any exhibitor participating in the Small Stock Auction must complete a W-9 form.

    In addition, you must submit an online form indicating which birds will be entered in the auction. Both the W-9 and auction submission must be turned in at fair to the Small Stock Coordinator by the Wednesday afternoon deadline.

  • The Pima County Junior Livestock Sales, Inc. (PCJLSI) manages the livestock and small stock auctions at the Pima County Fair, including the Small Stock Auction for poultry. It is a separate nonprofit organization that supports 4-H and FFA exhibitors by organizing the sale of project animals.

  • The Small Stock Auction, which includes poultry, rabbits, cavies, pigeons, and pygmy goats, is typically held at the end of the fair. Exhibitors and buyers register at the auction site and receive bidder numbers before the sale begins.

    When an animal is purchased, buyers complete a sales contract and choose whether the animal will be processed, donated, or taken home.

    Participation in the auction requires meeting all rules set by PCJLSI, in addition to fair requirements.

  • RV spaces are available on-site and are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early registration is recommended.

    Please note: the Pima County Poultry Project is not involved in RV registration or space assignments. All questions about RV reservations, fees, and logistics should be directed to the fairgrounds’ RV registration office.

  • Old Pueblo Hall (OPH) is the exhibit building at the fairgrounds where all 4-H projects are displayed during the fair. This includes poultry and other project areas.

  • Yes. All exhibitors (except FFA Students) are required to enter an exhibit related to their project. This could include posters, displays, photography, baking, crafts, or other creative work that shows what you’ve learned throughout the year.

  • All OPH entries must be registered through the OPH online system or in person, following the instructions provided. The OPH coordinator and superintendent handle exhibit setup and check-in.