Online Entries Made Easy

There has been a lot of confusion about online entries. Like anything else, in its initial year, there are some bugs to be worked out.

First of all, WHY did we start online entries? Well- for a few reasons-- its more convenient for exhibitors, it saves money (no gas, no stamps!) and a big one is that it saves staff hours. Someone has to input all of that information into our Blue Ribbon program so that it can print exhibit tags, judges sheets, etc. Our staff member who typically does data entry is no longer working with us (and boy, do we miss her!) so it really expedites the processes if exhibitors enter online and we can download entries, rather than inputting them!

Secondly, WHERE do you go to enter online? This is the link to the Blue Ribbon Program. This is the company website that the Fair contracts with for our entry program. (Why do we contract with them? Its so much easier on our exhibitors, superintendents and staff-- and it helps get things done FAST!) https://www.BlueRibbonFair.com/BRFairProd/BlueRibbonStart.aspx?ID=1919

Next, HOW MUCH will it cost to enter online? The exact same. $3.00 per exhibitor. If you are an open class exhibitor with more than 25 entries, you are actually saving money to enter online. How do you pay? This is a recent (today) change. Rather than debit cards, you'll be able to print an invoice and you can pay when you pick up your entry tags (at the Extension Office or at the Fair). What about your parking pass? You'll be eligible for a $5.00 parking pass when you bring in your invoice.


And finally, the big one. HOW do I enter online?
First, go to the link provided above. You will have to create an account (each exhibitor will need a separate account, but can use the same e-mail address). Select "Create New Account" and fill out the information that is asked for.

If you are entering livestock, be sure to enter your "farm name" if you are not stalling your animals with a Club or Organization.

Be sure to read and accept the terms and conditions.

Now, from here there are two ways to enter. Select “Premium Book” and you can go through each department and “Add” each item.

If you select “Quick Entries” you can type in the Department number, Class letter and Item number and it will add the items that way. My recommendation would be to highlight your items in your fair book and just go through the book and enter information that way.

When you are finished entering, “Check Out” and be sure to read and accept the Fair Rules. You’ll notice the “Online Convenience Fee.” That is your $3.00 entry fee—the same fee that you would pay if you filled out paper forms.

Dairy Exhibitors: Dairy exhibitors must enter their animal identifications online by July 10th. The reason for this is that for the past many years, we have had over 700 dairy entries. Inputting all of that information caused a lot of wasted time for everyone—it was a waste for exhibitors to enter all of the classes, it was a waste for the staff to input all of that information and print tags and judging sheets and it was a waste for the superintendents to have to track down all of the “no shows.” No one is at fault for that—it just happens sometimes that a system doesn’t work, and we all adapt to it, but it just ends up costing precious time.

So what will dairy exhibitors do, especially if they don’t know what they will show? By June 15th, all dairy exhibitors need to do is sign up for Department 1 or 101, Class 1 and Item 1. That will get your name on the “list” (Like a livestock exhibitor signing up for “Market Steer,” its mostly a placeholder.) Sometime before July 10th, exhibitors will need to go in and enter exactly what animals they are taking. When you do your entry, a bunch of information will come up—sire, dam, animal’s name, tattoo number, etc. Fill this out to the best of your ability, as this will serve as your animal identification sheet as well.

What if you sign up Susie, your spring calf and she gets hurt the day before the show? Well, you can make substitutions for a $5.00 fee. You still won’t be able to add a winter calf that day, but we can substitute. What if you sign up Susie, the spring calf, and realize that she’s actually a winter calf? As long as she is signed up, you will be able to change classes.

What about at the fair? Well, it should make check-in easier, because you won’t have to go through a huge list for just a few animals. It will make it easier for superintendents to check you in, and it will be easier during judging—no one will have to wait for animals who aren’t there. Also, when you come to get your backtag number, you’ll be able to check over your sheet and sign it to be sure that all the correct animals are on it, then sign your name and get your sheet.


Online entries sound confusing and a little difficult, but it the end, it will work out for everyone’s benefit! Good Luck!