EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
Look for your department or talent in the bold headings across the top. Many DIVISIONS offer Skill Levels. 
Many CLASSES offer "any other", when, what or how you create is not an exact class.  Our goal with the 
exhibitor handbook is to increase competition and interest while making it easy for EVERYONE to enter, 
even FIRST TIMERS! Competing at Madera Fair is fun for all.
Look through the book and find the areas that you are 
interested in entering.  WHAT you do and  HOW you do it! OR, 
HOW you do it and WHAT it is! This book is published yearly 
and lists all of the departments, divisions and classes that are 
available for entry.  Notice the YOUTH CONTEST section!  If 
we do not have a comparable contest in youth, then youth 
are welcome to enter the adult contest section.  Please note:  
Livestock entries are online only.
SECOND, Fill out your entry form.
Go to maderafair.com/entry and click the link to enter. 
ONLINE ENTRY will require you to create a user name 
and password OR sign-in with your existing one.  Follow 
instructions to enter. Review your cart and confirm that all 
items have been entered. Select “check-out” to continue to 
payment screen.  ALL STILL and FLORICULTURE ENTRIES ARE 
FREE until August 1st, 2026. PAPER ENTRY forms are available 
in the handbook, at www.maderafair.com or from the Fair 
Office.  Youth must include their age, grade and have a parent 
or leader sign.  Please include phone number, complete 
address and email.  Make sure both the division number and 
class number are clearly listed on the form. Enter the classes 
you feel are best suited for your exhibit.  The Fair will attempt 
to enter exhibits in the proper classes when entries are made 
®n error. However, the Fair will not be liable for entries made 
in error. Refer to rules listed in the department you are 
entering for further information.  If you need help, call the 
Fair Office at 1 (559) 674-8511 or come in and see us Monday 
through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Complete online or bring 
your entry form and fees, by 8 PM on Tuesday, August 25th, 
2026. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!
THIRD, Bring your exhibits to the 
Fairgrounds.  
Be sure you have noted the receiving days as listed in the 
Exhibitor Handbook.  Bring your exhibits between the hours 
listed, to the building indicated.
NOTE:  All exhibits must be picked up on the date 
listed, in most cases the Tuesday following the closure 
of the Fair.  The Fair is not responsible for items not 
claimed on or after the claiming date.  Any remaining 
exhibits not claimed by October 30th may be donated 
or discarded.
GLOSSARY OR TERMINOLOGY
ADULT EXHIBITOR - Persons that are age 19 years & older.
ADVANCED/PROFESSIONAL - Exhibitor who has achieved a 
marked degree of expertise in the division or who has sold or 
made money from their work.
AMERICAN SYSTEM OF JUDGING - The judging process to rank 
exhibits against one another and award one first place, one 
second place, one third place, etc
BEGINNER -  Exhibitor who has two years or less experience in 
the division.
CLAIMING - The dates and times that an exhibit is to be 
claimed (picked up) by the owner.  Prize checks and ribbons 
are issued at the same time, except for livestock and special 
contests. 
CLOSING DATE - The last date on which entry forms can be 
accepted. The forms can be delivered to the Fair office or 
postmarked by midnight on closing date.
DANISH SYSTEM OF JUDGING -  The judging process to 
compare each exhibit on its own merit against a scorecard or 
recognized standard and award as many first place, second 
place, etc., as merited. 
ENTRY FEE - The amount to be paid for each item entered, if 
required (always listed under the prizes offered).
EXHIBIT - The animal or item, which will be judged.
INTERMEDIATE -  Exhibitor who has two years or more 
experience in the division.
JUDGING - Date and time of the judging. When judging is 
listed as open or live, it means that special arrangements have 
been made for a public audience.
POP-UP CONTEST - Exhibit contests that will be announced 
during FAIR TIME and on the grounds!  Follow on Social 
Media for daily schedules and contests, times and locations, 
September 10th-13th, 2026.
PRIZES OFFERED - The amount awarded for a judged category. 
Also called PREMIUMS.
RECEIVING - The date and time when the exhibits will be 
accepted by the departments in which they have been 
entered.  Items are received in the building or area where they 
will be shown.
UNIQUELY CHALLENGED EXHIBITOR - For persons with 
learning, developmental or physical disabilities and enrolled in 
a group facility or Adult Day Program.
YOUTH EXHIBITOR - Persons age 18 years and younger. 
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