VET CHECK ENTRY TIMES

A. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. It is the goal and intent of the Thurston County Fair to promote displays of an agricultural, educational, and family-oriented entertainment nature. All exhibitors and concessionaires shall adhere to these general standards.
2. The power of general administration and supervision of the Thurston County Fair, including, but not limited to exhibits, entertainment and concessions is vested in the Thurston County Fair, hereinafter called the Management. All business shall be conducted through the Fair office by or his/her designee. Management reserves the right to amend and enforce rules to insure the safety and well being of patrons, exhibitors and exhibits during the fair. The exhibit and grounds area, the parking lot, and camping areas shall hereinafter be called the Fairgrounds.
3. All concessionaires, exhibitors, and the like shall have the duty to protect the public from hazards which might be caused by their respective concession, exhibit, etc. and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Management and Thurston County against all claims resulting from said concessionaires, and exhibitors, etc., acts or omissions of those of their agents or instrumentalities within their control.
4. Thurston County Fair will in no case be responsible in any way for any loss, damage or injury of any person or property while the same is on the grounds.
5. No person shall incur any obligation whatsoever against the Management without first obtaining the written permission of the management. Any person so acting without such permission shall be personally liable for the same.
6. Overnight sleeping on the Fairgrounds is prohibited except in designated areas.
7. At 10pm the Fairgrounds officially closes at which time everyone must be off the fairgrounds (exception: camping areas for registered campers) by 11pm. Security officers will direct people towards the gates prior to 11pm; anyone found on the grounds after 11pm will be approached and escorted off the grounds; anyone escorted off the grounds will have their name and fair involvement (visitor, 4-H exhibitor, etc) noted and reported to the Fair Office with the daily security log; all gates will be locked at midnight and a security officer will be stationed at the campers gate until 6am; all security officers will have a cell phone with them with a number that is readily available to people on the fairgrounds; everyone shall be treated equally, whether they are an exhibitor or general public; only persons designated by the management will be allowed to remain with animals after 11pm.
8. Food consumption is prohibited in the barns and adjacent tack areas. Club potluck meals and banquets should be conducted only in designated areas.
9. Any person shall be removed from the fairgrounds for:
   1. the use of a controlled substance;
   2. being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
   3. disorderly conduct.
10. Violation of any of these rules or regulations after an initial warning from the management will be cause for forfeiture of all fees, premiums, and deposits paid and for expulsion from the Fairgrounds for the duration of the Fair, under the power of the Management to maintain and manage the Thurston County Fair, pursuant to Chapter 2.48 of the Thurston County Code.
11. No pets or other animals, except those on exhibit or assisting physically impaired persons are allowed on the fairgrounds during the Fair.
12. The Thurston County Fair Board may adopt additional rules pertaining to, but not limited to Fair Board meetings and procedures, entries, premiums, parking, fees, tickets, judges, calendar of events, and areas necessary and pertinent to the governing of the General Rules of the Fair Board as approved by the County Commissioners.
13. Services and/or materials that are donated on behalf of the Fair become the property of the County and the Fair, and shall be administered by the Management.
14. The Management has final decision on the location of displays. Any recommendations will be given complete review and consideration.
15. Disabled persons interested in exhibiting at the Thurston County Fair and who would require assistance to do so, should contact the Fair Office at (360)786-5453.
16. Raffles: Raffles are limited to a maximum of ) twelve (12) per fair. Four (4) are allowed to the 4-H program, four (4) to FFA, and four (4) for the Open Class Department. 4-H requests shall first be approved by the 4-H Office prior to being submitted to the Fair Board for approval. FFA and Open Class requests may be submitted directly to the Fair Board. The requests need to include information regarding who will be conducting the raffle and where the raffles will be held. Prizes may not include: animals, tobacco products, weapons or alcohol. All raffles shall comply with the requirements and restrictions for raffles as published by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Requests will be reviewed and approved at the February Fair Board meeting. Requests after that date will be approved on a space available system

B. EXHIBITS

1. Any group may request to sponsor Open Class exhibits by applying to the Management. The sponsoring group is responsible for all arrangements including securing the judges and entries. The Management provides space, ribbons, and will assist whenever possible. Management will evaluate all exhibits and displays annually, and shall determine if exhibits should be continued, combined, or dropped from the Fair.
2. Protests of any judge’s decision must be in writing, signed and addressed to the management and received by management within forty-eight (48) hours of the alleged violation and be accompanied by a deposit of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars which shall be forfeited if the protest is not sustained. Written protest must state rule violated and what relief is sought.
3. Exhibitors must supply their own tools for the set up of their exhibit and provide own hay and grain. Exhibitors are responsible for feed and care of own animals every day. Animals must be fed and stalls, pens, cages cleaned by 10am. Youth are responsible for fitting of own animals.
4. LIVESTOCK TRUCKS AND TRAILERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN ON THE FAIRGROUNDS OR IN PARKING LOT DURING FAIR.
5. All exhibitors and concessionaires must keep their premises clean at all times (10am - 10pm).
6. One (1) adult and two (2) exhibitors per species need to be present Thursday through Saturday 10am - 10pm and Sunday 10am - 7pm.
7. Exhibitors are responsible for the behavior and safety of their animals at all times. Animals must remain under the direct control of a capable handler. Any animal displaying unsafe behavior, aggression, or an inability to be managed will be removed from the Fairgrounds immediately. All decisions regarding animal removal are final and at the sole discretion of the Department Superintendent and Fair Manager.
8. Exhibits and animals must remain on display until the official close of the Fair. Early withdrawal is strictly prohibited. Exceptions will only be granted by Fair Management in the event of an animal health emergency, documented by a licensed veterinarian, or via special written permission for unique circumstances.
9. The Thurston County Fair will pay for initial inspection of livestock, horses, poultry, rabbits, cavies and dogs upon entry to the Fair. (Equine vet check will be conducted within 30 days of Fair, at either the 4-H Pre-Fair Horse Show, or the 4-H Horse Western Games Pre-Fair).
10. Animal Health Requirements: Thurston County Fair will designate the official fair veterinarians. All animals are required to come to fair in show condition, go through vet check as scheduled by management and be disease and parasite free.
11. SPECIES RULES
    1. Cattle
       1. Cattle must be tied with an acceptable halter. Rope halters preferred, not show halters. All cattle must be double tied at all times.
       2. No horned animals allowed. No scurs more than 1 inch.
    2. Sheep and Goats
       1. Scrapie Rule WAC 16-89: All goats and sheep are to be tagged, tattooed, or microchipped with Scrapies identification in accordance with the USDA Scrapies Eradication Rules. All exhibitors are required to bring their Flock ID papers as proof of compliance.
       2. Horned animals in 4-H must have the horn tips covered at all times as a safety precaution. See 4-H Animal Science General Rules for specific 4-H rules.
    3. Poultry

       1. All exhibitors shall certify on their entry form that they have read WAC 16-54-155 Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Emergency Quarantine. The rule is available at the Thurston County Fair Office and is published on the Fair’s Web site: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/fair

          To get a  Premises ID Number online, click here:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-disease-traceability-(adt)/premises-identification-number

          For further information on registration, call USDA (360)753-9430.

          Pullorum Testing for Fair Season
          The Washington State Department of Agriculture is now requiring all exhibitors of chickens and turkeys to provide certification of testing within 90 days of exhibiting a chicken or turkey that is younger than one year of age. Below is the specific citation of requirements:

          In accordance with WAC 16-59-030 (external site) all poultry going to public exhibit, including exotic and game birds, but excluding waterfowl, doves, and pigeons must:

          Come from U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or equivalent flocks, as defined in the National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions. Title 9 CFR 145.53; (external site) or have had a negative Pullorum-Typhoid test within 90 days before going to exhibit.

          Exhibitors can meet these requirements by:

          Purchasing birds through the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) participating flock; or

          Purchasing birds through a feed store; or

          Purchasing birds through a hatchery

          Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) recommends that exhibitors keep receipts or other documentation that verifies that the birds are from an approved source (you must have it available when exhibiting the birds)

          OR:

          Blood can be drawn by the owner, vet tech or private practitioner and tested by the vet; or

          Tested at the Puyallup extension service.

          These test results are good for 90 days and you must present the test results when exhibiting the birds. If drawing the blood yourself, please contact WSDA for information on submission of lab samples.

          If you would like more information about NPIP in Washington State please contact the Avian Health Program Avian NPIP | Washington State Department of Agriculture

12. When a new class is added, the first year the exhibit will be for exhibition only, the second year, ribbon only, and the third year it will be eligible for premiums.
13. If requested, exhibitor must stall animal. Failure to comply with this request will result in forfeiture of right to exhibit. Arbitration on this matter will be decided by superintendent.

​C. ENTRIES

Prior to the opening day of the Fair, an exhibitor is responsible for registering their exhibit via Fair Entry. No premiums will be issued without a properly assigned exhibitor number.

1. Please refer to Division Rules for the closing date for all entries.
2. Livestock, poultry and rabbits must be in place before 9pm on day prior to the Fair.
3. The Thurston County Fair officially opens at l0am Thursday, July 30, 2026. All exhibits and display booths must be completed and open by that time.
4. The Management reserves the right to limit exhibits because of the space available.
5. The Thurston County Fair officially closes at 8pm on Sunday, August 2, 20265. All exhibits are to be checked out through class or department heads. The premises are to be left clean. All manure/bedding in livestock barns must be pitched out to aisles prior to Sunday departure. Those removing exhibits before designated times may forfeit premium money. Entry stubs must be presented
   to claim entries.
6. Livestock, horse, poultry and rabbits will be released Sunday night after 7pm as scheduled by the superintendents. Other exhibits may be removed at times specified in the EXHIBITOR’S Guide under each division. NOTE: Fourteen (14) days following the close of the Fair all remaining exhibits become the property of the Thurston County Fair and will be disposed of.

D. PREMIUMS

1. The judge’s decision is final except when an exhibit is found to be ineligible.
2. While judging is in progress, communications with judges and attending clerks shall not be allowed. Any necessary communication shall be made with the superintendent or other designated person.
3. In Open Class, first premium will be designated by blue ribbons, second premium by red ribbons, third premiums by white ribbons, and anything below will not place unless otherwise specified in the Exhibitor’s Guide under each Division.
4. Special awards must be presented to the Fair Board for approval prior to printing of Exhibitor’s Guide. Detailed specification of award and sponsors needs to be printed in the Exhibitor’s Guide. Points allowed may not be changed without prior approval of the Fair Board.
5. Management may withhold premiums and awards from any exhibitor found in violation of Fair rules.
6. THE FAIR SHALL NOT PAY ANY PREMIUM IF TOTAL IS LESS THAN FIVE DOLLARS ($5.00) PER EXHIBITOR. All exhibitors have the option to waive premiums earned.
7. Premium money will be paid by check and will be mailed as soon after the closing date of the Fair as possible.
8. Where there is no competition, or where there are fewer entries in a class than the number of premiums offered, judges at their discretion may award premium of such grades as the exhibit deserves.

E. JUDGES

Contracts for payment of judges are available at the Fair Office. They must be completed, signed and presented at the Fair Office for payment. 

​F. CONCESSIONS

1. No person shall engage in vending or solicitation, nor operate any side show,amusement, game, device, ride or offer for sale any item on the Fairgrounds without obtaining permission from the management. Any person receiving permission will be issued a contract and shall be hereinafter called a "concessionaire".
2. Management will issue a non-transferable contract on a first come, first serve basis taking into account the record of previous concessionaires and the number of similar types of concessionaires applying for space at the Thurston County Fair.
3. Every exhibitor, concessionaire and agent shall work only in front of his/her own concession and shall not be over four (4) feet from his/her own concession while working at the Fair (Exception: Roving food concessionaires as approved by Management). Vending and soliciting by those who are not concessionaires is strictly prohibited and such individuals will be expelled from the Fairgrounds for the duration of the Fair.
4. The posting of advertising matter on the buildings, trees, or other places in the Fairgrounds by concessionaires, exhibitors, or other persons is prohibited; except that concessionaires may post such matter within the confines of their respective booths.
5. Any concession, exhibition of animals, machinery, or other items, or the like, shall be operated in a manner which does not present a hazard to the safety of a patron or the public in general; or shall any equipment or supplies be used which might pose similar dangers.
6. All concessionaires or exhibitors serving any food or drink shall comply with the State and local health laws and regulations applicable to the same. They shall hold Thurston County and the Thurston County Fair harmless from any and all claims for loss or damage, costs and expenses arising from or out of serving adulterated, tainted, or impure food or drink. Only products listed in the concessionaire’s application may be sold on approval of the management. Any revision to this list must be in writing and approved by the management.
7. Concessions shall be open and staffed at all times during Thurston County Fair hours, opening at 10am and must not be closed before the closing hour each day of the Fair unless otherwise directed by Management. (Staffing requirements may be waived if approved during the application process, and if unmanned booth fee is paid in full. Booth must still be open and orderly during fair operating hours.) Violation of this rule will result in denial of contract in succeeding year and/or possible forfeit of deposit. Commercial exhibits may not be removed or dismantled before closing on the final day of the Fair. AND vendors will not be allowed to drive on grounds until 8:30pm on Sunday evening to load up for move out. A refundable deposit is required to insure compliance.
8. Food concessions will submit their menu with a listing of the retail prices to the Fair Office no later than 30 days prior to the beginning of the Fair. No price changes will be allowed after that date. The prices listed and submitted will remain in effect for the duration of the Fair.
9. Free Food. The distribution of free food to Fair employees or the exchange of food for services and/or tickets is not allowed.
10. Contract cancellations must be in writing and received by the Thurston County Fair office no later than the first business day in July or fees will be forfeited.
11. All exhibitors and concessionaires must keep their premises clean at all times

THURSTON COUNTY FAIR RAFFLE POLICY

To be in compliance with the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Thurston County Fair Board has written a policy that covers all raffles occurring during the course of the county fair. 

Each Department of the Fair can offer two unlicensed raffles to the public each year, IF the combined gross revenue from the two raffles does not exceed $5,000 in a calendar year. If it does exceed $5,000, the applicant is required to get a license from the Washington State Gambling Commission. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 1) 

1. The applying individual-club-organization must complete the necessary raffle form and submit no later than the May Fair Board meeting. Requests after this date will not be honored.
2. Maximum price of ticket is $100. (WAC 230-11-014).
3. Tickets must be consecutively numbered or printed with letters or symbols that don’t repeat. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 2)
4. Tickets must only be sold by the organization’s members. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 2)
5. Tickets must be paid for in full by cash, check or credit card. No IOU’s. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 2)
6. Tickets cannot be sold over the Internet or telephone. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 2)
7. Individuals under the age of 18 may sell tickets only if your organizations primary purpose is to develop youth, and at least three members of your organization, age 18 or older, supervise the raffle and a member 18 years or older manages the raffle. (WAC 230-06-010)
8. The following information must be clearly printed on each ticket OR available in writing.
   1. Cost per chance.
   2. Date, time, and location of the drawing.
   3. Name of the sponsoring organization
   4. Whether or not winners must be present for the drawing.
   5. Description of all prizes to be awarded. (WAC 230-11-015)
9. Individuals must be 18 years or older to purchase tickets. (WAC 230-11-006)
10. Liquor and firearms cannot be prizes. (WAC 230-11-065)
11. Ticket stubs from all sales must be placed into a receptacle and selected randomly to allow an equal chance of winning. (WAC 230-11-065)
12. Proceeds must be used towards your organization’s stated purpose. (Washington State Gambling Commission Raffles, Page 1)
13. Two individuals will count tickets and money and make sure they match after each day/shift and sign off that are in agreement.
14. Money should be deposited each day in a bank account (not a personal one).
15. Records must be kept with the group and a copy of the report sent to the fair board (no later than September 1^st) after the event for the following:
    1. Gross receipts
    2. Documentation of expenses
    3. Cost of prizes paid out
    4. Documentation of how the proceeds were used.(WAC 230-11-095)
16. All records must be kept for one year. (WAC 230-11-105)
17. Departments holding a raffle may sell tickets ONLY within their Department’s area.
18. Two members of the fair board will review submitted records by the January Board Meeting.
19. The raffles during the fair are restricted to:
    1. Four raffles for 4-H
    2. Four raffles for FFA
    3. Four raffles for open class.

2026 THURSTON COUNTY FAIR RAFFLE APPLICATION FORM.pdf

Raffle Report Form 2026.pdf

Thurston County Fair Superintendents Standards of Excellence

I. Purpose and Core Values

As the "heart" of the Thurston County Fair, Superintendents are primary representatives of Fair Management. The purpose of these standards is to ensure departmental operations reflect the Fair’s goal of promoting agricultural, educational, and family-oriented excellence. Superintendents are expected to lead by example, and foster an environment rooted in Integrity, Safety, and Fairness.

II. Professionalism & Integrity

• Representation: Act as a courteous and competent ambassador for Thurston County. Your conduct should always reflect positively on the Fair Board and Management.
• Neutrality: Maintain a professional distance from exhibitors and judges during the evaluation process. Ensure communication with judges is handled only through official channels and that no person interferes with a judge’s deliberation.
• Honesty: Provide truthful information to the Fair Office and the public. Do not incur any financial obligations against the Fair without express permission from Management.

III. Operational Duty & Compliance

• Rule Enforcement: Familiarize yourself with and consistently enforce all General Rules and Regulations. This includes verifying that stalls are cleaned by 10:00 am, enforcing "no food in barns" and biosecurity policies, and ensuring all exhibits remain in place until the official release time.
• Departmental Oversight: Supervise the orderly check-in and check-out of exhibits. Ensure that all exhibitors have a valid exhibitor number and that animal health requirements (Vet Checks, Scrapies IDs, Pullorum testing) are strictly met before entry.
• Facility Care: Ensure your department and the surrounding premises are kept clean and hazard-free. It is important for people to be able to easily walk around in your barn. Animal departments must verify that all manure and bedding are properly pitched to aisles prior to Sunday departure.

IV. Safety & Respect

• Public Protection: Proactively identify and mitigate hazards within your department to protect the public, exhibitors, and property.
• Zero Tolerance: Enforce the Fair’s strict prohibition on the use of controlled substances, alcohol, or disorderly conduct. Report violations to Management immediately for potential expulsion.
• Respectful Environment: Treat all volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees with dignity. Bullying, intimidation, or discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
• Animal Welfare & Temperament: Ensure all livestock are handled safely and humanely. Superintendents have the authority and responsibility to evaluate the behavior of any animal. Animals exhibiting aggressive, uncontrollable, or overly stressed behavior that poses a risk to the public or other exhibitors must be removed from the grounds immediately.
• Behavioral Assessment: Superintendents must proactively monitor all animals within their department for temperament issues. An animal is considered "unsuited for fair" if it displays persistent aggression, creates a safety hazard during handling, or cannot be safely managed by the exhibitor.
• Removal Authority: Superintendents must not allow animals that are not suited for the fair environment to remain on the premises. If an animal is deemed a safety risk, the Superintendent shall:
  1. Direct the exhibitor to secure the animal immediately.
  2. Consult with the Barn Vet if necessary.
  3. In coordination with the Fair Manager, oversee the orderly and immediate removal of the animal from the fairgrounds.
• Public Interaction: Because the Fair is a high-traffic, public-facing event, Superintendents must ensure that animals in "petting" areas or aisle-facing stalls maintain a calm demeanor. Any animal showing signs of extreme distress or "flight" behavior should be relocated to a quiet area or sent home to prevent incidents.
• Exhibitor Capability: Superintendents shall ensure that exhibitors (particularly youth) are physically capable of controlling their animals. If an exhibitor cannot maintain control, the Superintendent must intervene to ensure the safety of the barn.

V. Animal Temperament & Public Safety

VI. Fairness & Conflict Resolution

• Impartiality: Apply project guidelines and competition rules consistently. Your primary goal is to provide a level playing field for all participants.
• Conflict of Interest: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to Management immediately, such as having a family member competing in the department you supervise.
• Grievance Handling: Address disputes professionally. Remind exhibitors that protests of a judge’s decision must be submitted in writing to Management within 48 hours, accompanied by the required $25.00 deposit.
• Equal Treatment: In accordance with Fair policy, ensure that all individuals—whether exhibitors or the general public—are treated respectfully, equally, and fairly.

VII. Ethical Conduct & Restrictions

• Substance Policy: Remain sober while representing the Fair.
• Raffles & Awards: Ensure any departmental raffles are pre-approved by the Board and do not include prohibited prizes such as animals, tobacco, weapons, or alcohol.
• Property Rights: Remember that any materials or services donated to your department become the property of Thurston County and the Fair.
• Fair Hours: Respect the official closing times (10:00 pm). Ensure only designated personnel remain with animals after 11:00 pm.

Thurston County Fair Superintendents Standards of Excellence.pdf

RISING STAR VOLUNTEER AWARD

• This award shines a spotlight on our up-and-coming stars!
• We're looking for volunteers with 2+ years of dedication (this year counts if they're already committed!).
• They've made a real, positive impact on the fair.
• And yes, youth members can be nominated! We're looking for those who go the extra mile to help others, not just focus on their own projects.
• More than 1 winner can be named each year, so apply for as many people as you see fit to recognize!

2026 Deadline: June 2

Complete the nomination form, and send to Thomasina Cooper: Thomasina.cooper@co.thurston.wa.us

Rising Star Nomination Form.pdf

Vet Check Expectations

Please come to vet check with your form completed and ready! 

•  Only bring animals to the fair that are healthy and free from any parasites. Leave any animals that become ill at home.
• Vets are checking for external parasites (lice), and communicable diseases (sore mouth, pink eye). 

• All animals will go through appropriate vet checks prior to entering fairgrounds (small animal / large animal).

  No exceptions.

• Vets may enter trailers.
  • All livestock trailers hauling animals must be accessible for vets to enter and have room to examine all animals.
  • For the safety of the vets and animals, vets will not be entering stock trailers with cattle.  Cattle will be examined from outside of the trailer. If there is a concern about a specific animal the trailer will pull up next to the Simons barn. The animal will remain in the trailer until a vet is available to examine the animal outside of the trailer.
• Please be patient. Public and animal safety is our foremost concern.

TCF Vet Check Form for web.pdf

Instructions:
• Review your judging needs for this year’s fair.

• Confirm that the individual(s) you would like to have for judge(s) are properly qualified.
 

• Contact the individual(s) to find out if they are available and willing to judge on the day(s) and time(s) you need, and for the price the Fair can pay.
 

• After you confirm commitment from a judge, please complete the entire form below and return it to the Fair Office by the required date.
 

• Let the Judge know they should expect a confirmation letter and contract from the Fair Office by the middle of May

Judge Request Form 2026.pdf