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Rules & Eligibility

Participation Agreement

By entering the Benewah County Fair, exhibitors agree to follow all published rules, deadlines, and code of conduct requirements.

Eligibility
  • Exhibitors must meet age or residency requirements listed for each department.
  • Entries must be the original work of the exhibitor and completed within the current fair year.
  • The fair reserves the right to refuse entries that do not meet quality or safety standards.
Conduct
  • Treat judges, staff, fellow exhibitors, animals, and facilities with respect at all times.
  • Follow posted barn hours and quiet times for the well-being of livestock and exhibitors.
  • Violations of the code of conduct may result in removal from competition without refund.
Premiums & Payout
  • Premium amounts and payout schedules will be published once budgets are approved.
  • Premium checks must be cashed within 90 days of issuance.
  • Lost or damaged checks require written notification to the fair office for replacement.

Mission Statement

The Benewah County Fair Board is committed to plan, coordinate, and produce the annual Benewah County Fair, which shall include youth and adult competitive exhibiting, commercial exhibit opportunities, 4-H and Junior Show & Sale competition, a forum for local organizations, livestock, agricultural and educational exhibits, as well as quality entertainment and food concessions for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors.

The Fair Board also recognizes the responsibility to plan for new construction and grounds improvements allowing for planned growth, as well as best utilization of current buildings and grounds.

The Benewah County Fair Board extends appreciation to the community for the support of the County Fair. It takes time, effort, and funding to execute a successful fair—hope to see you there!

Fair Board & Leadership

Fair Board Members - Kenny Moore — Chairman - Celia Sibert — Vice Chair - Nancy Malensky - Heath Moore - Robin Applewhite

Secretary/Treasurer - Jodi Dundas

Grounds & Maintenance - Jamie Nitcy - Craig Law - Donna Janssen

Benewah County Commissioners - Phil Lampert - Bob Short - Mark Reynolds

Junior Show & Sale Officers - Nancy Malensky — Chairman - Kenny Moore — Vice Chairman - Jackie McGregor — Secretary - Kami Law — Treasurer

Fair Mission

Showing Our Best

An educational display of skills that provides a setting for new and recommended methods, materials, varieties, and high-quality livestock. Premiums are paid to help defray the expense of exhibiting and to enhance the spirit of competition so that the best produce, animals, and materials are showcased.

Community spirit and county pride are developed through working together on this constructive community project. The fair is organized by the people of Benewah County, mainly through the efforts of organizations, community leaders, 4-H Clubs, local businesses, the Fair Board, Junior Show & Sale Committee, and the Junior Rodeo Committee.

General Information & Rules

  1. The Fair Board will provide attendants and watchmen to take all possible precautions for the safe preservation of all articles on exhibit but will not be responsible for loss, damage, or injury to property or persons while on the grounds.
  2. All exhibits will be under the control and direction of the Fair Board and the Superintendent of that division while on exhibition. The Board reserves the right to censor controversial or objectionable exhibits or materials.
  3. All exhibits shall remain on display until 9:00 a.m. Sunday, August 17, 2025 and must be checked out by 12:00 p.m. the same day. Any exhibit removed before the official checkout time will forfeit award money. Superintendents will be on hand during checkout to answer questions. Buildings will be locked at 12:00 p.m. on August 17.
  4. Anything entered in community displays cannot be entered in competition in other classes but will be judged as part of the community exhibit.
  5. Community organizations are responsible for entering, arranging, and removing community exhibits in a timely manner. Booth construction may be done on Sunday, August 10 or Monday, August 11, but must be completed by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
  6. All exhibits must bear entry tags provided by the fair.
  7. Open Class Adult exhibits will be judged by the American method of judging, awarding one 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize in each class in the superintendent’s entry book.
    • Open Class Youth exhibits will be judged by the Danish method. Every project will receive a ribbon—one entry per category only.
  8. Exhibits will be entered in their proper class. Exhibits for a new class will not be judged unless approved by the Fair Board. Judges will determine whether entries meet qualifications.
  9. Premiums will be paid by the Benewah County Fair Board to bona fide residents or taxpayers of Benewah County and portions of Kootenai and Shoshone Counties.
  10. Unless otherwise stated, exhibitors are not limited to the number of entries in a class, but no exhibitor will receive more than two awards in any one class and no two identical entries.
  11. Disrespect shown to any judge or award, or any violation of these rules, will result in forfeiture of all premiums. Judges’ decisions are final.
  12. All judging protests must be in writing and accompanied by a $25 deposit, which will be forfeited if the protest is not sustained. Protests must plainly state the cause of complaint and be delivered to the Building Superintendent within six hours after the cause of protest. The protest will be filed with the Fair Secretary and reviewed at the next Fair Board meeting.
  13. Premiums may be requested at the close of the fair at the office. To have checks mailed, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. The fair office will be open August 19 & 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Checks may also be picked up during these times.

Special Exhibits & Displays

Judged Danish Method

Please provide your own table and supplies for booth setup, including hammers, staple guns, tape, push pins, and similar tools. Ladders are limited, and fans are recommended if you will be manning a booth.

Community Educational Booth Displays - Theme: exhibit tells a story useful to the community — 10% - Educational Value: illustrates useful and practical ideas — 30% - Effectiveness: draws and holds attention — 30% - Appearance: pleasing and simple — 20% - Originality — 10%

Awards - Blue: $15.00 - Red: $10.00 - White: $5.00

Educational Booths Non-competitive; ribbon awards only. Exhibits in this category must be educational in nature and may include organizations such as Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Wildlife, Soil Conservation Service, Forest Service, or Weed Control.

Commercial Booths Ribbon awards only.