Guidelines for Fair Evaluation
The following five areas of fair operation have been identified as the most important characteristics to consider in evaluating fairs. Fairs will be evaluated by official visitors based on this criteria. Information from both the Official Visitor Reports and the Merit Award Application will be used by the Merit Award Committee to rate a fair based on the criteria as outlined below in order of importance.
1. Agriculture/Livestock/Exhibits/Exhibitors
- Cleanliness in barns and exhibit buildings
- Number of entries (information provided on application)
- Quality and manner of displays
- Diversification of breed shows
- Preparedness
2. General Appearance
- Cleanliness of grounds and buildings
- Appearance of employees, volunteers and board members
- Rest Rooms
- Concession areas
- Trash containers
- Decorations
- Lighting
- Flags
- Streamers
- Signage
3. Community Participation
- Educational exhibits (information provided on application)
- Commercial exhibits (information provided on application)
- Volunteers
- Civic clubs/church groups
- Rescue Squad/Civil Defense/Red Cross
- National Guard
- Youth groups/band boosters
- Law enforcement agencies
- Senior citizens
- Prison labor/juvenile court offenders
4. Programs
- Entertainment areas and stages (location)
- Variety of events
- Appeals to all age levels
- Daily attractions
- Directional signs to entertainment areas
- Fairgrounds map
- Information board
- Secondary stages
- Roving acts
- Major acts such as thrill shows
5. Carnival
- Appearance/lights/painting
- Cleanliness
- Employee's appearance
- Promotions
- Prices