Scheduled to happen Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, and kicking off with horse show events the weekend before, the 2016 San Benito County Fair is just around the corner. Now is the time to decide what you would like to enter. There are many opportunities for local youth and adults to showcase their talent.
The most obvious that the general population thinks of for entries is livestock. This is the arena where our youth truly test their competency in showmanship and raising animals. The planning for livestock entries was well underway months ago as youth began selecting their animals, getting them tagged for fair entry, and spending time feeding and grooming their investments. Certainly there’s nothing more exciting at the Fair than watching young people in the show ring as they maneuver their livestock and then successfully put them up for auction to raise funds, in most cases, for their college endeavors.
Fair entries go well beyond livestock with too many categories to mention. The entry guidebook is available on our website and provides all of the details you’ll need to participate in one or more of the many offerings. Entries are accepted online, by mail, and through drop-off at the fair office at Bolado Park Event Center.
The Fair Horse Show & Rodeo activities take place in the Grandstand Sept. 23-26. Scheduled events include; Stock Horse, Cutting, Junior Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo, Dummy Steer Roping, Pee Wee Rodeo, Junior/Adult Open Horse Show, and 4-H/FFA Light Horse Show. Entries for all of these events are online.
“I might note there are some very awesome awards up for the taking thanks to the generosity of sponsors and contributors,” Fair CEO Donnette Carter said in a press release, adding that Robert Litton Productions will feature Jackpot Roping both on the 24th and on the final day of fair, Oct. 2.
“Entering an exhibit is a great way to become involved in the fair and share your talent with the community,” she said. “Whether it is growing produce or creating personal masterpieces, there’s a category for everyone. Quilts, crafts, baked goods, beer and wine, apparel, paintings, literary art, photography, plants, floral designs, woodworking, clothing, jams and jellies, scrapbooks, Lego creations, and ornamental art are just a handful of the entry options. Also, commercial wine is a new entry and the fair hopes to see local wineries exhibit their favorite selections. Get creative, share your projects, and you just might take home a blue ribbon.”
The entry book is online at www.sanbenitocountyfair.com. All entry paperwork is due in the fair office by 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 and will also be received online no later than midnight that day. All 4-H and FFA still exhibits and livestock entries, except rabbits, must be submitted online. Those needing assistance are encouraged to call or visit the fair entry office, which is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch noon-1 p.m.).
Fair representatives will be available at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce office on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 3-6 p.m. to assist with entry paperwork during the Downtown Farmers Market. The fair board and staff look forward to helping you create “Blue Ribbon Memories” at the 2016 San Benito County Fair at Bolado Park Event Center.