Age Categories Youth under the ages of 19 (as of January 1, 2026) are eligible to participate.
Ages 14 -18 will be considered Senior exhibitors.
Ages 11-13 will be considered Intermediate exhibitors.
Ages 8-10 will be considered Junior exhibitors.
Ages 5-7 will show in noncompetitive classes only.
Youth under the age of 5 are not eligible to participate.
Rules and Regulations
Entries Close August 14, 2026
Birds will be entered in single classes only.
All birds will be cared for and fed by the exhibitor.
The fair will furnish cages and cups for food and water. Please bring a quart sized zip tight plastic baggie of food per bird.
All birds must be entered in the name of the bona fide owner who must have owned the birds for at least 30 days prior to deadline.
All birds are entered at the risk of the owner and the Swain County Fair will not be responsible for any loss or damage but will exercise all possible vigilance in the care of the birds. No one will be allowed to handle birds on display except the owners and officials of the show.
Judge will not award premiums to any animal because of its mere presence. It must be individually worthy. The judge has the right not to award a first place ribbon/premium if the item does not merit the placing.
Decision of the judge will be final.
Exhibitors may not accompany judge during his/her deliberations.
Birds must remain on exhibition for the duration of the fair.
Awards
Cock: Male Bird, 1-year-old or over
Cockerel: Male Bird, less than 1-year-old
Hen: Female Bird, 1-year-old or over
Pullet: Female Bird, less than 1-year-old
Best of Show: Standard Chicken, Bantam Chicken
***Health Requirements: Birds will be blood typed by N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Veterinary Division at the time of check-in.
Poultry Competition Entry Form - Coming 2026 Email completed entry form to: [email protected] by Friday, August 14.
