So what’s all this business with a Junior Fair and
an Open Show? I’m Confused.
It’s simple (and it’s complicated!) so here are
some frequently asked questions:
How is the Junior Fair different from the Open Show?
 The main difference is that the Junior Fair is ONLY open to youth age 21 and under.
 The open show is open to all ages.
 There are also differences in judging, awards and premiums.
Does this mean youth can enter both?
 Yes.
 Youth cannot enter the exact same item/animal in both. So they would need have 2 of whatever they
are entering and enter one in the Junior Fair and one in the Open Show, and complete two entry forms
(example: a youth could enter a cherry pie in the Junior Fair and a cherry pie in the Open Show but
they would need to bring 2 pies).
 Youth can also choose to enter certain items the Junior Fair and other items in the Open Show
(example: a youth could enter sheep in the Junior Fair and pie in the Open Show).
Why enter the Junior Fair instead of the Open Show?
 The Junior Fair is just for youth so entries will compete only with other youth entries.
 This allows the judges to focus on the quality of the entry for the exhibitor’s age and an opportunity for
our youth to receive more recognition for their awesome entries and hard work!
 The Fair will give one Fair admission pass to each Junior Fair stills exhibitor so they can come see
their entry at the Fair! (passes are also give to Livestock exhibitors)
 There are also lots of Fun Divisions only offered in the Junior Fair like animal showmanship,
decorated cookies, decorated lunch bags, Fair Book cover contest, fashion revue, photo scavenger hunt
and more!
 There are over 35 special awards that are only awarded in the Junior Fair ranging from $10$100 each
 Win Donor Awards specific to the Junior Fair.
Can I win money in the Junior Fair?
 The Lane County Fair is offering the same per class premium amounts as the Open Show for the
Junior Fair Livestock however only one premium will be awarded per exhibitor per class (the Open
show allows for 2 per exhibitor per class)
 The Lane County Fair is offering premiums for the Senior and Young Adult age divisions in the
Junior Fair Stills departments. This means premiums will not be paid for Youngster, Junior or
Intermediate stills entries.
How come we don’t get premiums in the other stills age divisions?
 The Junior Fair is designed as a step-up program in which Exhibitors receive increased intensity of
judging and increase benefits as they grow through the program.
 All Junior Fair stills entries receive ribbons and are eligible to win donor and special
awards which include cash, gift cards, merchandise, classes and more.
How does the “step-up” program work?
Judging
Ribbons Display
ALL AGES
Junior Fair Livestock
Youngster
Junior Fair Stills
Junior &
Intermediate
Junior Fair Stills
Senior & Young
Adult Junior Fair
Stills
Open Show Stills
Open Show
Livestock
Merit (Danish
System)
Fair
admission
Yes. See
Fairbook
1 per
exhibitor
1 per
exhibitor
Rank (American
system)
1 per
exhibitor
Rank (American
system)
Rank (American
system)
Nope
Rank (American
system)
Not Judged
YES! YES!
Yes. See
Fairbook
Donor
Awards
Premiums
YES!
Same per class
as Open Show
no
no
1st $5
2nd $3
3rd $2
Yes. Amount
Varies per dept.
Yes. Amount
Varies per dept.
What is the difference between the Danish System (Merit) and American system (Rank) judging?
 The Danish System ranks entries based on the quality of the entry not how it compares to other
entries. This can mean multiple firsts, seconds, etc. per class. This means the Fair can recognize
multiple youth with high quality entries. (used for Junior & Intermediate Stills Entries)
 The American System ranks entries against one another with one 1st place, one 2nd place, etc. per
class. (used for Senior & Young Adult Stills Entries and all Livestock Entries)
I’m a 4-Her how does this impact me?
 4-H entries must be entered through the Junior Fair to be considered a 4-H entry.
 4-Hers can enter non-4-H entries in the Open Show or Junior Fair also.
 The 4-H entry deadline for all entries is June 20.
 4-H stills entry day is July 1.
There was talk about special awards for the Junior Fair. What are they?
 One per stills department in the Junior Fair:
o Department Junior Hi-point $25.00 (Based on total points in the department)
o Junior Best of Show
$10.00 (Best entry as determined by the judge/s)
o Coordinator’s Junior Choice $10.00 (Awarded by the department coordinator/s)
o Fair Board Junior Award
$10.00 (Awarded at the Fair Boards discretion)
o Jackpot
$50.00 (Drawn from all entry’s in the dept. includes Open Show.
Maybe be substituted with product or other eqqivalent)
o Junior People’s Choice $10.00 (People’s choice voted on by the public during the week of Fair
and may be limited to a special contest or area within a department. Results for People’s Choice
must be finalized by Monday following Fair)

Multi-Departmental Hi-Point Awards in the Junior Fair:
o Grand Junior Champion of the Fair
$100.00 (all 7 departments combined )
o Junior Champion of the Kitchen $50.00 (Food Pres. and Baking & Candy combined)
o Junior Champion of the Garden $50.00 (Floral and Land Products combined)
I’m still confused!
Call the Fair Exhibits Office at 541-682-7332 or email us [email protected]. We are here to help!