06/09/2026
Marion County Junior Fair Exhibitors and Families,
As we prepare for the 2026 Marion County Fair, we want to remind exhibitors and families of the grooming and fitting requirements outlined in the Marion County Junior Fair Rule Book.
Per Junior Fair Livestock Rule #19:
Junior Fair livestock exhibitors must be directly involved and actively participating in the grooming of their exhibit during all grooming activity on their animals. No professional fitting and grooming permitted. Only these people can physically assist: Marion County 4-H or FFA advisors, and any 4-H and FFA member in Ohio, immediate family or another exhibitor. ("Family" means the immediate family of an exhibitor, including but not limited to the exhibitor's parent, stepparent, foster parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, foster grandparent, brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, half-brother, half-sister, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, aunt, uncle or guardian (per ORC 901-19-01; Q).)
Individuals who may physically assist with grooming are limited to:
• Marion County 4-H Advisors
• Marion County FFA Advisors
• Any Ohio 4-H or FFA member
• Immediate family members as defined by Ohio Administrative Code
• Another exhibitor
The purpose of this rule is to ensure that Junior Fair livestock projects remain educational experiences that reflect the exhibitor's own efforts, learning, and skill development.
In addition, exhibitors should be aware of the Prohibited Grooming Practices outlined in the Marion County Junior Fair Rules and Ohio Administrative Code.
The following grooming practices are prohibited in junior market livestock shows unless specifically permitted under Ohio Administrative Code Rule 901-19-33:
A. Using any substance to enhance or change the color of livestock, including the livestock's hide or hooves.
B. Adding any substance externally to build up, change, or alter the shape or conformation of livestock, including but not limited to rope, false hair, graphite, h**p, and powders.
C. Using pigmented grooming aides or materials.
D. Slick clipping or body shaving of market hogs except on the ears and tails.
Exhibitors are encouraged to carefully review all livestock exhibition rules before arriving at the fairgrounds.
Please note that violations of Junior Fair Livestock Rule #19, including the use of unauthorized assistance, professional fitting, or prohibited grooming practices, may be considered a violation of Livestock Exhibitor Rule #11, which requires ethical conduct from exhibitors.
As outlined in Livestock Exhibitor Rule #11, violations may result in:
• First Offense – Warning (from the Junior Fair Superintendents and Department Committee)
• Second Offense – Notice (from the Junior Fair Superintendents and Department Committee to appear at a meeting to develop a corrective action plan)
• Third Offense – Suspension (from the Junior Fair
Superintendents and Department Committee suspending the junior fair exhibitor from all premiums and the Junior Fair Livestock Sale)
The responsibility for complying with all Junior Fair livestock rules rests with the exhibitor and their family. If you have questions about whether a product, grooming practice, fitting activity, or exhibitor assistance is permitted under the rules, please contact Tom Crawford or Randy Bennett of the Marion County Senior Fair Board before proceeding. Obtaining clarification in advance can help avoid potential rule violations and any resulting disciplinary action.
Thank you for helping maintain a fair, educational, and positive Junior Fair livestock program. We appreciate your cooperation and wish all exhibitors the best of luck at the Marion County Fair.
