Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule
This year, the 122nd San Luis Valley Fair will run from August 1-August 10, 2024.
The barn is open from 8am to 9pm, or 30 minutes after the end of the last show of the day, whichever is later.
Admission Cost
Attending the San Luis Valley Fair is FREE! There is no charge for coming in to watch the shows, view exhibits and support the youth. Occasionally, there are Special Events that may have an admission cost. Those events will be clearly marked and advertised with their admission cost. The cost is only for that event and admission to the grounds will remain free.
Bikes, Scooters & Pets
For the safety of all exhibitors and project animals, absolutely NO PETS are allowed on the grounds or in the barns. Service dogs are allowed but must not chase, bark or disturb any animal project. Poorly behaved or dangerous service dogs will be asked to leave for everyone's safety. NO BIKES, SKATEBOARDS or SCOOTERS allowed on the grounds at any time.
Mentor Team
Feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start? We are in the process of forming a mentor team to walk along side new 4-H members or 4-H members that are new to either County or State Fair. The mentors are breeders and exhibiting families that have shown for years, at both county and state fairs. We have a set of national level show families as well for those of you who want to step up and aren't sure how to do it! Please call the Extension Office at (719)852-7381 to be connected to a mentor!
Vendors
We love our vendors! They play a part in making our fair incredible. Educational/Outreach vendor spots are available at no cost as well as food and retail vendor spots! Prices are exceptionally reasonable and cover your spot for the entire ten days of fair! These spots are highly sought after and are limited in number, so click below to learn more about becoming at vendor at the San Luis Valley Fair.
Camping Information
Camping
4-H & FFA Exhibitors are welcome to camp on-site, free of cost, during the SLV Fair. Plan on "dry camping" as hookups of both water and electric are extremely limited and are not guaranteed.
New to 2024, all campers need to register with the Fair Office. Before unhooking your camper, you will need to go to the Fair Office and receive a permit. Permits are free and are only available during office hours. After you receive your permit, you will be shown where you will be allowed to park your camper. Permits need to be displayed in plain sight, on the outside of your camper.
Adult supervision is required and one parent or guardian must stay with the exhibitor. Curfew is at 10 pm and quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. Both curfew and quiet hours are strictly enforced. Those who are unable to be considerate of others will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to camp on-site for the remainder of the fair.
4-H Record Books
Wait, what?
A record book is compilation of the detailed records that you have kept throughout your project. Any costs or expenses are recorded as well as any income you may have earned. That's not all that goes in the book though! Recording leadership opportunities, public speaking events and community service time are also noted in the record book. Your victories, learning opportunities and struggles are reflected too!
All 4-H members, with both Indoor and Livestock projects, are required to complete and turn in a record book to have their project considered complete. Without a completed project, 4-H members will not be allowed to participate in that same project the next year.
Where do I get one?
All 4-H record books are available to download on the Colorado 4-H Project page. Click through the divisions to find your specific project. If your project requires supplements, like a breeding or companion animal insert, you will also find those there too.
If you prefer, you can also pick up a record book at the San Luis Valley Area Extension Office. Keep in mind that the office is closed during Fair Week as all Extension staff are over at the Fairgrounds.
When are they due?
INDOOR PROJECTS: The record book for your Indoor Project is due when you check-in your project for Fair. This year, your check-in time is August 5, 2024 from 9am-11am. Your record book needs to be fully complete and ready for judging when you check-in your project. Don't forget to check for other requirements that are needed for check-in: manuals, display boards or additional books.
LIVESTOCK PROJECTS: You have a little more time for your record book as you need some information from your experience from fair to be able to complete the book. Your record book is due to the SLV Area Extension office, no later than September 13, 2024 at 4:30 pm. No late books will be accepted. Make an effort to complete your book as soon as possible so you don't miss the deadline!
Passing Books
For a record book to be accepted, receive a passing grade and marked complete it needs:
- Turned in by 9/13/24
- Signed by your 4-H Leader
- Correct dates on all signatures, including the beginning page that you and your guardian signed when you started your project
- Pictures included and properly attached in your book, clearly labeled
- Complete story with the minimum length met
- No blank spaces! Make a dash or write n/a in a box if it doesn't apply to your project
The Extension Office will accept all books, in any condition, when you turn them in. The list above are tips to help increase your chance to receive a passing grade on your book! Reach out to your 4-H Leader or the Extension Office with questions or if you need clarification.
Whoops! I didn't pass. Now what?
Mistakes happen and that's how we learn! If you did not earn a passing grade on your record book, the Extension Office will contact you. You will be given a chance to re-do your book and make the needed changes to receive a passing grade. In your record book will be a note from the grader with the changes you need to make. When you pick up your book from the Extension Office, you will be given the date and time your book needs to be returned with the needed changes. If you choose not to make the changes needed for a passing grade or choose to not return your book, you will have to wait one year before you can enroll in the project again. Don't give up and finish strong!