Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Community Planning and Economic Development

General Rules and Regulations Thurston County Fair

ALL EXHIBITORS SHOULD READ AND FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS:

NEW VET CHECK ENTRY TIMES

​8:30am-3pm ​Early entrance and Vet check for 4-H
.....Hicks Lake Barn, Swine Barn, Hoop Barn and Simons Barn
​3pm-5pm ​VET CHECK not available. No animals will be allowed to enter the fair at this time.
​5pm-8pm ​Later entrance and Vet check for 4-H
.....Hicks Lake Barn, Swine Barn, Hoop Barn and Simons Barn

I. General Administration & Conduct

  • Authority: General administration is vested in Fair Management. Management reserves the right to amend and enforce rules for safety and well-being. All business must be conducted through the Fair Office.
  • Standards: Displays must be agricultural, educational, or family-oriented.
  • Behavior: Disorderly conduct, the use of controlled substances, or being under the influence of alcohol/controlled substances is grounds for immediate removal.
  • Pet Policy: No pets are allowed on the grounds during the Fair, except for animals on exhibit or certified service animals.
  • Smoking/Dining: Food consumption is prohibited in barns and tack areas; meals must be eaten in designated areas.
  • Compliance: Violation of rules after an initial warning results in forfeiture of fees/premiums and expulsion from the Fairgrounds.

II. Site Operations & Safety

  • Hours: The Fair opens at 10:00 AM. Grounds close at 10:00 PM; all non-campers must exit by 11:00 PM.
  • Sleeping: Overnight sleeping is prohibited except in designated camping areas or for approved animal caretakers and security staff.
  • Liability: Thurston County and Management are not responsible for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property. Participants must indemnify the County against claims arising from their acts or omissions.
  • Obligations: No person may incur financial obligations against Management without prior written permission.
  • Cleanliness: All exhibitors and concessionaires must keep their premises clean at all times.

III. Exhibits & Animal Care

  • Registration: All exhibits must be registered via Fair Entry prior to opening day. Management may limit exhibits based on space.
  • Staging: Livestock, poultry, and rabbits must be in place by 9:00 PM the day before the Fair. All booths must be ready by 10:00 AM on opening day.
  • Removal: Livestock, horse, poultry and rabbits will be released Sunday night after 6pm as scheduled by the superintendents. Other exhibits may be removed at times specified in the Exhibitor’s Guide under each division. Early withdrawal is prohibited except for vet-documented emergencies. Items left 14 days post-fair become County property.
  • Animal Care: Owners must provide their own tools, hay, and grain. Animals must be fed and stalls cleaned by 10:00 AM daily.
  • Staffing: One adult and two exhibitors per species must be present during Fair hours.
  • Control: Animals must be under the control of a capable handler. Aggressive or unsafe animals will be removed immediately.
  • Vehicles: Livestock trucks and trailers are prohibited from remaining on the fairgrounds or in parking lots during the Fair.

IV. Species-Specific Requirements

  • General Health: Official fair veterinarians will conduct inspections. Animals must be in show condition and free of disease/parasites.
  • Cattle: Must be double-tied with acceptable halters (rope preferred). No horned animals or scurs over 1 inch.
  • Sheep & Goats: Must have USDA Scrapie identification (tags/tattoos/microchips). 4-H horned animals must have tips covered.
  • Poultry: Requires certification of being Pullorum-Typhoid clean (within 90 days) and a Premises ID Number. Exhibitors must certify reading Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) regulations.

V. Premiums & Judging

  • Judging: All decisions are final. Communication with judges during the process is prohibited.
  • Protests: Must be filed in writing within 48 hours, stating the rule violation, and accompanied by a $25.00 deposit (forfeited if the protest fails).
  • Payment: Premiums under $5.00 will not be paid. Checks are mailed by the County Auditor after the Fair.
  • Ribbons: Blue (1st), Red (2nd), and White (3rd). In non-competitive classes, judges may award ribbons at their discretion.
  • New Classes: Follow a three-year cycle: Year 1 (Exhibition), Year 2 (Ribbon only), Year 3 (Premium eligible).

VI. Concessions & Raffles

  • Contracts: Concessions require a non-transferable contract. Solicitation or vending without a contract is strictly prohibited.
  • Operations: Concessionaires must work within 4 feet of their booth. Advertising is limited to the interior of the booth.
  • Food Safety: Vendors must comply with health laws and may only sell approved items. Menus and prices must be submitted 30 days prior; no price changes are allowed during the Fair.
  • Raffles: Limited to 12 total (4 each for 4-H, FFA, and Open Class). Must be pre-approved by the Fair Board and comply with WA State Gambling Commission rules. No animal, tobacco, weapon, or alcohol prizes.

VII. Administrative Notes

  • Donations: Services or materials donated to the Fair become property of Thurston County.
  • Accessibility: Disabled persons requiring assistance should contact the Fair Office at (360) 786-5453.
  • Cancellations: Concession contract cancellations must be in writing by the first business day in July to avoid fee forfeiture.