Rules

GENERAL FAIR RULES FOR EXHIBITORS, VENDORS, & ATTENDEES

GENERAL RULES: 

• Unauthorized gambling is not permitted on fairgrounds.
• Immoral exhibitions, persons under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be permitted on the fairgrounds.
• Alcohol is not permitted on the grounds except at designated events.
• No parking in the Fire Lanes. Vehicles found in the Fire Lanes will be towed at the owner’s expense. 
• No animals are allowed on the grounds other than those being exhibited or for demonstration purposes unless express permission is granted by the Fair Board.  According to PA State Law all dogs over the age of 6 months, must have paper work for proof of rabies.
• Fairgrounds are tobacco / vaping free except for designated areas.
• No bicycles are permitted on the fairgrounds, except for Emergency Service Vehicles
• Golf Carts and ATVs are to be registered and must follow the rules pertaining to them. 
• No open flames or campfires are permitted on the fairgrounds. 

FAIR BOARD POLICY REGARDING PETS & ANIMALS ON THE FAIRGROUNDS

No pets of any kind are allowed on the premises of the Crawford County Fairgrounds during the Crawford County Fair. 

The only exceptions are as follows:

• In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, only trained service animals are permitted on the midway and in the barn/exhibit areas.  SERVICE animals are allowed once they are checked in at the office with current rabies paperwork and service animal certification. Emotional support animals, therapy dogs and other pets are NOT permitted on the grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to keep our fairgrounds a safe place for everyone.

PARKING NOTICE 

It is the policy of the Crawford County Fair Board and the Crawford County Commissioners that vehicles parked in designated NO PARKING ZONES will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

The NO PARKING ZONES and FIRE LANE ZONES are designated for safety and/or access by emergency personnel.

EXHIBITORS & VENDORS WITH GOLF CARTS, and ATVS

• NO SIDE-BY-SIDE or TWO WHEELED vehicles are permitted on fairgrounds

• Always operate Golf Carts/ATVs responsibly. Anyone who does not follow the rules will have their privileges revoked and the Golf Cart/ATV will be removed from the Fairgrounds. Registration is done in the Fair Office from 9 AM until noon. Registrations must be completed by noon on the Monday of Fair Week.
• The registration fee is waived for the following: 
  • Fair Maintenance, Electricians, and Trash Collectors 
  • Fair Board Members, Emergency Service Personnel, and Security 
  • Golf Carts used for the Shuttle Service
• Operators must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED
• Tags will be issued when the driver of the vehicle provides the following information: 
  • Driver’s License 
  • Proof of Insurance 
  • Registration Fee of $25.00 
• Operators must follow manufacturer specifications for the number of people allowed on the Golf Cart or ATV. This will be enforced.
• Golf Carts and ATVs are to be used in the operator’s exhibit area(s) only. 

GENERAL RULES FOR EXHIBITORS

• All exhibits will be under the control and direction of the Fair Board, but the Fair Board will in no case be responsible for any consequential or other loss, injury, or damage done to or occasioned by or arising from any animal or article exhibited by the exhibitor, and for its description as given in the Fair Book and shall indemnify the Fair Board against all legal or other proceedings in regard thereto. 
• The Fair Board will put forth every effort to protect all exhibits, and a watchman will be provided by the Fair Board where and when deemed necessary for the best interest of the exhibitors. 
• Any false representation, interference, or unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the exhibitor will be dealt with by the Fair Board according to the equities of the case. 
• All exhibitors must fill out and sign an entry form in the online entry program. Those exhibiting an animal must have a current and completed CVI (see specific departments for more details).
• Exhibits that have been mistakenly entered may, at the discretion of the Department Chair, be transferred to their proper classes prior to judging. 
• Entries are to be exhibited for the entire duration of the fair. 
• Any items not claimed within 30 days of the fair will be disposed of. 
• Exhibitors will comply with any rules established by the Department in which they are exhibiting and abiding by the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics.
• An exhibitor who violates any of the rules will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to a penalty as the Fair Board may direct. 

GENERAL RULES FOR LIVESTOCK ANIMAL EXHIBITORS

• The Fair Board will appoint a veterinarian. The Fair Veterinarian, or their designated representatives, will oversee the check-in process. The Fair Veterinarian, or their designated representatives, will have the final say regarding removal of animals from the grounds for health reasons or for failure to provide required health records. 
• 2025 Fair Veterinarian: Dr. Scott Barczak
• If a veterinarian is needed for any medical reason, the exhibitor is responsible to call their own vet and is accountable for all treatment costs incurred. 
• All animals for exhibition must be entered in their real owner’s name. 
• Exhibit cards filled with appropriate information must be displayed for each animal. 
• All exhibitors of livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, cavies, goats, and other livestock) will be responsible for the care and feeding of their animals. Hay, grain, and bedding will be furnished by the exhibitor. Livestock exhibitors are encouraged to bring feed and supplies at times when admission gates are not busy. 
• Animals are to remain under the owner or the owner’s representative’s control—including when on exhibition in the ring and when traveling to and from the pen to the wash racks or show areas. 
• All animals for exhibition must be in their assigned space, with all rubbish and waste cleared away, by 6 PM on Monday of Fair Week.
• Morning chores to be completed no later than 9am daily, Evening chores completed no later than 7pm daily.  Stalls and animal areas need to be kept respectable at all times.
• Livestock exhibitors are requested to tastefully decorate their quarters and to keep their area neat and attractive. 
• No persons other than those holding animals being exhibited will be allowed in the show ring during the time of judging—except for judges and any ring staff appointed by the Department Chair. 
• Department Chairs will have ring attendants available to assist youth in the show ring. 
• Use only those grooming products that are approved for use on meat and dairy animals. If upon slaughter or testing, treatment with drugs, biologics, or any chemical from fitting products, is the cause of condemnation of a carcass or a product (such as milk, goat milk, cheese) the loss of the carcass or product and any other damages will be borne by the exhibitor. 
• Failure to follow the PA Department of Agriculture Animal Health Requirements and Recommendations included in this Fair Book will result in entries being rejected for exhibition. In addition, not following these guidelines may result in loss of Commonwealth funding and animals at the exhibition may be tested and quarantined by the Department of Agriculture.
• We have multiple 4-H, FFA and open exhibitors.
• At check-in on Saturday, if you bring fewer cattle than you entered, they will not be permitted to enter the Livestock Complex until you meet with the department heads and your stalling area is adjusted to the number of animals you brought.
• Due to the large number of entries and limited space, the Crawford County Fair cannot sell extra space to exhibitors; therefore the $2.00 per head entry fee does not entitle anyone to extra space in the Livestock Complex.
• When all entries are completed in July, if there are more cattle entered than the fair can accommodate, exhibitors from outside of Crawford County will not be able to exhibit.  If necessary, Crawford County open class exhibitors would be required to reduce their entries so there is enough room for all 4-H and FFA entries.

RULES FOR LIVESTOCK PANELS AND PENS (Cattle, Swine, Sheep and Goat)

• Please be aware that the following rules and regulations are required to ensure that warranties and longevity of this equipment are not jeopardized. To maintain the integrity of the galvanization and paint we need to ensure the panels and pens are not scratched or damaged in any way. These panels and pens cost between $600 and $700 each. We need to take care of them, so they last for years to come. 
• These rules will also help to maintain adequate ventilation and comfort of not only your animals but those that are housed near yours
  • No shelving or platforms are to be placed on the top of the pens. 
  • No hanging boxes are to be hooked on the pens or panels. 
  • End panels for the beef panels used by exhibitors must not exceed 8 feet. They can be secured by rebar at the walkway end of the panel but not on the side facing the tie panels. Zip ties can be used to secure the end panel to the tie panels. 
  • Zip Ties, strings, or something non-abrasive must be used to hang signs and decorations. 
  • Screws, nails, bolts, tape, wire etc. are not to be used on the new panels and pens. 

If exhibitors violate these rules resulting in damage to the panels or pens, the exhibitor will be responsible for paying a $75 fee to the Crawford County Fair Grounds Buildings Association II. 

RULES FOR LIGHT HORSE AND PONY PORTABLE STALLS

• Please be aware that the following rules and regulations are required to ensure warranties and longevity of this equipment are not jeopardized.  To maintain the integrity of the portable stalls to ensure they are not damaged in any way.  The portable stalls cost between $1,500 – $2,000 each.  We need to take care of them like they are your own, so that they last for years.
• These rules will apply
  • No hoof black and/or any other kind of paint to be painted on the vinyl
  • No zip tying of pop up tents to the stalls.
  • No use of tape, screws, wire, nails or staples of any kind should be used on the stalls – zip ties, string or something non-abrasive must be used to hang signs and decorations.

   All stalls will be inspected prior to setting up and taken down by the Light Horse and Pony Department Committee

If exhibitors violate these rules resulting in damage to the stalls, the exhibitor will be responsible for paying a $125 fee to the Crawford County Fair Board

Any damage to any Fair Property during fair week will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.  Deliberate damage to the property will result in consequences determined by the Department Chair and Fairboard.

CHAIRPERSONS

It shall be the duty of the chairperson or designated person(s) of each department, or his/her committee, to assist all exhibitors in properly entering their exhibit. The Chairperson or designated person(s) shall also see that each exhibit meets the requirements as outlined in the Fair Book. They shall assist the judges in keeping a proper account of awards for premiums and shall certify to the proper officers the validity of all claims. 

JUDGES AND JUDGING

• As far as possible, the single judge system will rule, and great care will be taken to select only those who are qualified. Judges will familiarize themselves with all the rules and regulations of the Crawford County Fair Board pertaining to the classes that they judge. If any rule lacks clarity, attention should be called to it before judging begins. 
• Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Show Ring Code of Ethics will be followed for all youth and open dairy show exhibitors. Copies available at Extension or the Fair Office. 
• The judge must not award a prize to any unworthy exhibit. It is the intent of the Crawford County Fair Board that no premiums or distinction of any kind shall be given to any animal or article that is not deserved. In the event of a premium being withheld from any exhibit for that reason, the judge will write “Not Worthy” in the award column opposite such entry. The Judge, at their discretion, may award a prize or prizes of such grade as the exhibit deserves. In a case where there is no competition, the Judge may give an award such as they deem the exhibit is worthy to receive. 
• Exhibitors, whether in person or by an agent, who interfere with a judge, or show any disrespect to a judge, will be removed from the competition, and will forfeit any premiums to which they would otherwise be entitled. 
• Judges will receive their books from the Department Chair. The Department Chair will return the books to the Fair Office immediately after the judging has finished. 
• The decision of a judge shall be final in all cases except for when a mistake, fraud, misrepresentation, or collusion, not discovered at the time award is proven. In such cases, the Fair Board, or its referee as the Fair Board may select, shall decide and there shall be no appeal.
• All protests must be in writing, must plainly state the case, and be delivered to the Chair of the Department where the issue occurred, or to the Fair Office during hours of operation, or to a Fair Board Member. Fees may apply.  
• 4H exhibitors must follow 4H rules for protests.
• No appeal of, or appeal from any award based on a statement that the judge overlooked an animal, or article will be considered by the Fair Board. 

PREMIUMS

• Premiums will be designated by ribbons: Blue 1st place; Red, 2nd place; White, 3rd place; etc. The championship will be Royal Purple.
• Exhibitors are encouraged to display their prize ribbons, awards, trophies, or certificates, etc. during the entire Fair.
• Premiums are payable by bank checks. 
• Premiums will be mailed to exhibitors by December 2025. 
• Premiums will be forfeited unless the correct post office address is given. 
• Premium checks not cashed within 60 days will be forfeited and WILL NOT BE REISSUED
• Unclaimed premiums or ribbons will be forfeited. 

ENTRY INFORMATION

Visit www.crawfordcountyfairpa.com. Click on the participate tab, then select exhibitors, and online registration. Follow the directions to login and enter your animal or article. Assistance with online registration can be obtained by emailing ccfentry@netzero.net. The “Hold Harmless” exhibitor statement, IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics, and VCPR statements must be agreed to online when submitting entries. 

4-H & FFA Entries: 4-H exhibitors must be members of a regularly organized Crawford County 4-H Club in good standing under the supervision of the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension. FFA exhibitors must be members of a Crawford County FFA Chapter and be in good standing with that Chapter. All 4-H & FFA Exhibitors must have completed the project since the last County Fair. A member must complete a project book per division/species they plan to enter. All 4-H and FFA members with animal projects must participate in Showmanship and Grooming/Fitting classes, with an animal owned by the exhibitor to be eligible for type classes at the Fair unless they obtain permission to be excused for school classes or further education or medical need. If a member is unable to bring their animal(s) to the Fair, they have the option of participating exclusively in Showmanship in their respective department. Members must use another 4-H or FFA member’s project animal. 

ENTRY DEADLINES

• All animal entries must be completed online by Friday, July 11, 2025
• 4-H & FFA Non-animal entries must be completed online by Friday, July 25, 2025
• Homemade Wine entries must be completed online by July 26, 2025 
• Homemade Beer entries must be completed online by July 27, 2025 
• All other entries must be completed online by Friday, August 8, 2025

 ALL OTHER COMPETITIVE EXHIBIT DEPARTMENTS CHECK-IN / CHECK OUT

Non-Refundable Entry Fee: No entry fee. 

Check-In: 5 PM to 8 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025, and from 8 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025. 

Check Out:  Release of Competitive Exhibit Building entries will be on Sunday, August 23, 2025 from 1 PM to 2:30 PM 

ANIMAL ENTRIES

Payments & Forms: Entry fees can be paid online using credit or a debit card. See departments for entry fee. If you prefer to pay by check, print out the Animal Entry Payment Confirmation Form and then mail it with your check and any other required documents to: Crawford County Fair Office, 903 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335. Make checks payable to: Crawford County Fair. Must be postmarked by Friday, July 18, 2025.

• Saddle Horses: Mail your entries and Animal Entry Payment Confirmation Form to Tina Caldwell, 11167 Ralston Road, Titusville, PA 16354. Make checks payable to: Crawford County Fair. Must be postmarked by Friday, July 18, 2025. 
• Entries will not be accepted until payment is received. Credit cards will not be charged until entries are approved. Payment of any required entry fee(s) or other associated fee(s) does not guarantee acceptance of your entry for exhibition. 
• Non-Refundable Entry Fees: Those issuing NSF checks may have their entries refused the following year. Individual animal entry fees may be found in corresponding departments. 

ANIMAL CHECK-IN INFORMATION (Departments 01-10)

All exhibitors must provide a copy of registration papers and CVI (if applicable) to the Department Chairmen at the time of check-in. Entries will be accepted or rejected at the discretion of the Department Chair(s). 

Failure to follow the requirements for exhibition included in this Fair catalog may result in loss of Commonwealth funding, and animal testing and quarantine of animals at the exhibition by the Department. 

• Tattoos, ear tags, and other forms of identification must be clean and readable. 
• Do Not Unload Animals Prior to Visual Inspection. 
• Check-in includes visual inspection of the animal(s) and the certificate of veterinary inspection (if applicable), and/or blood test forms.
• Dr. Scott Barzak (Fair Veterinarian) is the official Fair Veterinarian, hired by the Crawford County Fair Board. His decision to remove an animal from the grounds due to contagious disease or failure to provide necessary health charts/reports as set forth by the Crawford County Fair is final.
• Dr. Scott Barzak (Fair Veterinarian) is responsible for supervising the checking in of animals onto the Fairgrounds and has the final word on removal of animals from the grounds for health reasons. If any veterinarian, including the Fair Veterinarian, is needed for any other medical reason, you, as the exhibitor, are responsible for all treatment costs incurred. 
• Please refer to the Respective Departments for Health Rules and Regulations governing each specific department.

•  All livestock (beef, sheep, goats and swine) must enter the fairgrounds through Gate 6.
•  Saddle horses must enter through Gate 2, 
•  Draft Horses must enter through Gate 3. 

• All animals need to be delivered to their designated barn/tent for inspection and unloading. 
  • Draft Horses – Sunday, August 17 from 4 PM to 8 PM and Monday, August 18 from noon to 4 PM. 
  • Saddle Horses – Friday August 15 from 10AM to 7PM and on Saturday August 16 from 9AM to 6PM (for those stalled in the Race Horse     barn area, the Department Committee will contact you and post specific times for check in).
  • Companion, Production Does, & Market Goats – Saturday, August 16 from 8 AM to noon and from 2 PM to 6 PM
  • Dairy Cattle – Saturday, August 16 from 1 PM to 9 PM and on Sunday, August 17 from 9 AM to 7 PM. (except 4-H dairy cattle 3 PM and 4-H dairy beef 3 PM). 
  • Beef Cattle – Saturday, August 16 from 8 AM to noon and from 2 PM to 6 PM 
  • Sheep – Saturday, August 16 from 8 AM to noon and from 2 PM to 6 PM. 
  • Swine – Saturday, August 16 from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. 
  • Dairy Goats – Saturday, August 16 from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, August 17 from noon to 5 PM. 
  • Rabbits & Cavies – Saturday, August 16 all exhibitors from 11 AM to 6 PM and on Sunday, August 17 doe & litter and meat rabbits only from 8 AM to 10 AM, unless checked on on Saturday.
  • Poultry -4H & FFA Exhibition Poultry Saturday, August 16 from 10 AM to 3 PM,  Open Exhibition Poultry Sunday August 17, 10 AM – 7PM,  Open Exhibition Poultry Monday August 18, 9 AM – 12 PM, 4-H/FFA Market Poultry Thursday August 21, 8 AM

LIVESTOCK & DAIRY BEEF WEIGH-INS

• Market Swine – Animals will be weighed after being unloaded from the trailer in the Livestock Complex on Saturday, August 16th
• Market Beef – Sunday, August 17 at 1:00 PM in the Livestock Complex. 
• Market Sheep – Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 PM in the Livestock Complex. 
• Market Goats – Sunday, August 17 at 2:30 PM in the Livestock Complex. 
• Dairy Beef – Sunday, August 17 at 3:00 PM in the Livestock Complex. 

RELEASE INFORMATION & RETURNING ANIMALS TO YOUR HERD

Animals must remain on the fairgrounds until 8 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Any animals that are returning to your herd should be isolated from other animals for 30 days. This will allow time for any symptoms to surface. Use of proper biosecurity protocols is recommended. 

The Health Rules for the Crawford County Fair have been updated to keep everyone safe. These are in addition to the requirements set forth by the PA Department of Agriculture. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate Department Head.

Failure to follow the requirements for exhibition included may result in loss of Commonwealth funding, and require animal testing and quarantine of animals at the exhibition by the Department. Specific health rules can be found in fair department information.

2025 General Health Rules

2025 National Code of Show Ring Ethics

CAMPING RULES 

• Camping is limited to exhibitors and concessionaires. 
• Camping fees shall be $200 for exhibitors 
• Camper registration and fees are due by July 11, 2025. REGISTER ONLINE ONLY 
• Only one camper may be registered per form. Use additional forms for additional campers. 
• No campers, except for Fair Officials, will be admitted prior to 8 AM on the Thursday before Fair—except for special permission from the Camping Coordinators. 
• All campers must enter through GATE 6 and check-in upon arrival. Non-registered campers are not permitted.
• All campers must park where designated and prominently display their camping permit. 

View Camping page for more information

No pets of any kind are allowed on the premises of the Crawford County Fairgrounds. The only exceptions are as follows:

1. In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, only trained service animals are permitted on the midway and in the barn/exhibit areas.  SERVICE animals are allowed once they are checked in at the office with current rabies paperwork and service animal certification. Emotional support animals, therapy dogs and other pets are NOT permitted on the grounds. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to keep our fairgrounds a safe place for everyone.

2025 General Rules click to download your copy of the Crawford County General Rules