DODGE COUNTY FAIR

Exhibitor Information

Dodge County Junior Fair

  • Who may exhibit at the Dodge County Junior Fair?

    All youth who are Dodge County youth organization members (4-H, FFA, Jr. Holstein Assn, or other recognized youth organization under adult leadership, grades K-13, that has an education program appropriate to that organization and is approved by the Dodge County Fair Board) are eligible to exhibit. Cloverbuds (grades K-2) may enter the Cloverbud category ONLY.  Exhibitor grade is January 1 of the current year.

  • How to Enter Junior Fair Exhibits

    Junior Fair Entries are submitted online with Fair Entry. No paper entries are accepted. Read the general Fair Entry Rules and then the specific rules for EACH department project you’ve entered.  Exhibitors are allowed 20 total entries in the Dodge County Junior Fair. Online entries open Monday, May 12, 2025 and close on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 7 PM.


    • Junior Fair Entry Directions
    • Junior Fair Entry Online Form
    • 2025 Dodge County Junior Fair Entry Rules

    Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Dodge County Junior Fair Entry Coordinator with questions [email protected] or 920-386-3834


    Junior Fair Documents


    • 2025 Dodge County Junior Fair Fairbook
    • 2025 DATCP Animal Health Regulations
    • 2025 Dodge County Junior Fair Animal Exhibition Requirements
    • 2025 Dodge County YQCA Training
    • 2025 Exhibitor Camping Guidelines

    Other youth event information and entry forms


    • 2025 Little Britches Showmanship Contest
    • 2025 Junior Britches Showmanship Contest
    • 2025 Little Flock Showmanship Contest
    • 2025 Little Shepherds Showmanship Contest
    • 2025 Little Ponies Rodeo Contest

    Other youth event contests are open to any youth in the age category listed for that event (usually 4K through 4th grade) – kids do not have to be in 4-H to participate.


    Judging Types


    Danish Method: This is the traditional system whereby all exhibits of the same lot number are present simultaneously to the judge. The judge evaluates each exhibit but is permitted to give a maximum of 25% ribbons to each group (blue, red, white & pink). Exhibitors do not need to be present for this type of judging.

    Conference Method: All exhibits within a lot number are presented simultaneously, evaluated and awarded ribbons as in Danish judging, BUT the exhibitor or their representative must be available to present the exhibit. The judge asks questions pertaining to the exhibit and awards ribbons accordingly.

    Face-to-Face Method: This type allows for more flexibility on the part of the judge and the exhibitor. Exhibitors bring all their exhibits in that department to be judged at one time and talk to the judge about the exhibits. Exhibits are not compared with other exhibits in the same lot number but judged on their own merit. The judge may award the ribbon and premium which is appropriate without regard to Danish percentages.


    • What if an exhibitor cannot be present for their face-to face or conference judging?  Exhibitors who cannot be present for their judging must contact the department superintendent ahead of time. It is preferred that another exhibitor sits in for that person’s discussion with the judge; however, a leader or parent may sit in if necessary. There is no automatic penalty for exhibitors who are not present for their judging. It is up to each judge and superintendent to determine how the exhibitor’s absence will affect the placing awarded.
    • General Face-to-Face Questions that may be asked…
    • Where did you get the idea for this exhibit?
    • Who helped you?
    • What was the easiest part of making this exhibit?
    • What was the most difficult or challenging part?
    • What would you do differently if you made another exhibit?

    What do you like most about your project? 

    What do you like least about this project?

    What have you learned in this project?

    What would you like to learn more about in this project?


    1-2-3-4 Method: Usually used in Open Class. There is one 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd, one 4th placing. The judge does not have to give a 1st. Below 4th receives no ribbons and no premiums.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Dodge County Junior Fair Entry Coordinator with questions [email protected] or 920-386-3834

Open Class Exhibitor Fair Book

The Dodge County Fair’s Open Class Exhibits are a popular event for people of all ages and skill levels across the state. Every year, hundreds of participants enter their creations in various categories. To get involved, you can pick up a printed copy of the exhibitor handbook at most banks in Dodge County, the Fair Office, or specific grocery stores in Beaver Dam and Juneau. An online version is also available for easy access and printing additional entry forms. If you have any questions about the Open Class Exhibits or the entry process, feel free to leave a comment or contact the designated superintendent for your area.


All exhibitors and anyone interested should join the Open Class Exhibitors Facebook Group


Ready to submit your entries for the Dodge County Fair’s Open Class Exhibits? You can do it conveniently online! Click here to access the online entry system. Once you’ve submitted your entries, you’ll receive an email with a link for secure payment through the Dodge County Fair’s system. In the payment details, be sure to include “Open Class Entry” as the item description and enter the total amount from the invoice you received from Fair Entry.


If you’re paying for multiple exhibitors at once or using a credit card under a different name than the exhibitor, simply note the exhibitor names in the “Business Name” field.

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