As the Lake County Fair approaches, it’s time to start preparing your rabbits for the event. By April, your rabbits should be well-handled and ready for the fair.
Two Weeks Before the Fair
- Ear Check: Check your rabbit’s ears for ear mites or canker. See page 25 in the Lake County Fair premium book for recommendations on preventing disqualifications.
- Record Book Turn-In and Skill-a-thon: Monday, March 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. This is for the Youth Rabbit Show.
- The last day to modify rabbit entries is March 14, 2025.
Weekend to Two Days Before the Fair
- Grooming: Brush your rabbit regularly to prevent mats in the coat. If your rabbit has mats, use a gentle brush and remove any mats carefully with a comb. Trip your rabbit’s nails.
Lake County Fair Check-In
- Check-In: Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. During check-in, your rabbit will be examined. Remember that sick, diseased, rabbits under 12 weeks of age, or a pregnant rabbit will be permitted to show.
During Fair:
It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to feed, water, and clean under their pens daily. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of premiums. Refer to the premium book for more information: Lake County Fair Livestock Premium Book
Rabbit Show
- Show Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
- Showmanship: Immediately after the rabbit show.
Fair Check-Out
- Check-Out: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 9:00 PM. Rabbits are not released until 9:00 PM. After the fair, quarantine your rabbit for four weeks to prevent exposing your barn to potential illnesses.
For Parents
A solid understanding of your child’s 4-H experience and the program’s goals can guide your participation. At the heart of the project, whether it’s a rabbit project or something else, is the 4-H pledge:
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
Support your children, but only when needed, as they work hard on their projects. Each child’s project experience is different, so let them enjoy their time in 4-H and have fun with leaders and peers. Be there to help the leaders, as being a 4-H and fair volunteer is a big job.
At the fair, remember that your child is being graded on their abilities and animal husbandry skills. This is a time to relax a little. It’s okay (and often required) that only the kids care for their birds.
As you prepare for the fair, remember all the life skills your child is developing. They are setting goals, keeping records, problem-solving, and being responsible. During the fair, your child will be inspired to use their hands, hearts, and health to live better for their club, community, country, and world.
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