Updated for 2025

1. All livestock must be on the Fairgrounds Wednesday between the hours of 8 a.m.–8 p.m. – no late entries.
2. All livestock must have a Certificate of Health Inspection and a signed self-evaluation form to enter the grounds.
3. Livestock tack may arrive on Tuesday.
4. Release times for livestock are as follows: Open Class Beef and Swine and 4-H Breeding Beef and Swine will be released Saturday between 10 p.m. and midnight and Sunday between 6
   a. m. and 8:30 a.m.
5. Open Class Swine, Beef and Dairy Cattle will be shown on Saturday. Open Sheep and Goats will be shown on Sunday.
6. Exhibitors may only enter 2 exhibits per class. No exhibitors in any class can win more than (2) two premium in individual classes.
7. Participants must comply with the Rules and Regulations listed for each department, division and class. Animal Health Regulations for Livestock: Cattle, sheep, swine and goats are subject to inspection for general health upon arrival at the Fairgrounds. Animals originating in herds or flocks where any infections or transmittable diseases are not eligible for show. Exhibitors must have an approved “Certification of Veterinary Inspection” from your veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian or Maryland Department of Agriculture, Animal Health for policy and procedures. https://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/Pages/Fairs-Shows.aspx
8. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS AND EXPOSITIONS (IAFE) National Code of Show Ring Ethics: Exhibitors of animals at livestock shows shall at all times deport themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their conduct in this competitive environment shall always reflect the highest standards of honor and dignity to promote the advancement of agricultural education. This code applies to junior as well as open class exhibitors who compete in structured classes of competition. This code applies to all livestock offered in any event at a livestock show. In addition to the “IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics,” fairs and livestock shows may have rules and regulations which they impose on the local, county, state, provincial and national levels. The National Code of Show Ring Ethics can be found at: https://www.fairsandexpos.com
9. All exhibitors will be required to sign a Charles County Fair Show Ring Expectations. The form can be found on the website: https://charlescountyfair.com/
10. Open Class Livestock Exhibitors not showing in 4-H will receive (2) two arm band passes to the fair per family. 4-H Livestock exhibitor will receive (1) one band pass for each child in a family exhibiting livestock at the fair and (1) one for each adult per family.
11. All Livestock exhibitors are to park in the designated livestock parking area. All livestock trailers are to be parked in the area designated by the fair board. Exhibitors area asked if trailers are not needed during the fair are encouraged to take them home. NO LIVESTOCK TRAILERS ARE TO BE PARKED IN THE LIVESTOCK PARKING AREA.
12. Livestock Exhibitors are requested to park in the livestock parking area; each exhibitor will receive 2 parking passes per family.
13. All registration papers will be checked by the department superintendents.
14. Any Registered Breed with 2 or less animals will be shown in other recognized breeds.
15. All animals shown in pair classes must have been shown as an individual and only one pair per class.
16. In all cases, the decision of the judges is final.
17. All Livestock are subject to blood, hair and urine testing and the fair has the rights to all results.
18. All exhibitors are responsible for daily feeding and cleaning their stalls and pens of their animals each day by 9 a.m. Any exhibitor that does not take proper care of their animal may be asked to leave and will not be allowed to exhibit the following year. Final clean-up must be completed by 7 p.m. on Monday.
19. Awards for the Herdsman’s contest for livestock department will be presented on Saturday evening prior to the 4-H Auction.
20. All rules will be enforced by the superintendents and reviewed by the Livestock Oversight Committee.
21. All males used in the market division must be castrated and healed prior to the fair.
    

2025 MARYLAND ANIMAL HEALTH – FAIR AND SHOW REQUIREMENTS

GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITORS ENTERING LIVESTOCK IN COMPETITIVE EVENTS