What You Need to Do to Register and Show at BCYF!

Step-by-step guide to registering, entering, and showing at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Step A: Choose Your Classes

  • View the Exhibitor Handbook online or, after May 1st, pick one up at the Fair Office or local library.

  • Choose your classes carefully.

  • Read the Department rules at the start of each section.

Step B: Register for the Fair

  • Submit entries online, in person, by mail, or in the Fair Office Drop Box.

  • Use the Drop Box available 24/7 near the Fair Office (stocked with forms).

  • Online Entry Opens: May 1st (except Equine, which must be paper entry).

BCYF Registration Deadlines

Date Registration Deadline
February 1st Market Beef and Beef Carcass Registration
February Market Beef Weigh-In (8 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
June 1st Large Animal Registration (Horses, Dairy, Beef Breeding, Sheep, Swine, Swine Carcass, Llamas, Goats)
July 1st Small Animal Registration (Rabbits, Poultry, Cats, Dogs, Pocket Pets)
July 17th King & Queen and Prince & Princess Applications Due
August 1st Still Exhibits Registration (Crafts, Home Economics, Flowers, Horticulture, Variety Classes)
August 1st Baked Fruit Pie Contest Registration (open to youth 12–21 and adults 22+)

Reminders:

  • Registrations may be turned in anytime prior to the listed deadlines.

  • Equine Registration must be done on paper only — not online.

Step C: Entry Day Instructions

Entry Day: Sunday, August 11th
  • Still Exhibits: Enter between 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM*
  • All Animals: Enter between 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM*

*See each department for full details.

Step D: Entry Office Check-In

  • After dropping off your animals or exhibits, go to the Entry Office.

  • Bring your Entry Sheet.

  • Pick up your Exhibitor Pass for Fair Week.

  • Equine Exhibitors: Check-in at Equine Entry Office before 12:30 PM.

Step E: Awards and Trophies

  • If you win Champion or Reserve Champion, check if a trophy is available.

  • Visit the Trophy Room to claim awards.

  • Award schedules are inside the Handbook cover.

Step F: Premium Checks & Exhibit Release Times

Saturday, August 17th:
  • Premium Checks Available:
    2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Entry Office (no Equine)
    (We can cash them on-site!)
Saturday Night, August 17th:
  • Animal Release (Rabbits, Dairy, Market Animals Only):
    11:30 PM (claim check/yellow sheet required)
Sunday, August 18th:
  • Livestock Release:
    7:00 AM – 10:00 AM (lineup may begin at 6:00 AM)
  • Rabbits & Poultry:
    All animals must be picked up by 9:00 AM
  • Still Exhibit Release:
    9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Premium Checks Available:
    8:00 AM – 1:30 PM (can be cashed on-site!)

Important Notes and Reminders

  • BCYF is not responsible for exhibits left after 1:00 PM on Sunday.
  • The Fair Board reserves the right to withhold all premiums if rules are not followed.
  • If you have questions, call the Fair Office or email entry@bcyf.org.