​​​​​1. All exhibitors (excluding commercial exhibitors) must have an exhibitor number prior to entering any exhibit. This number is assigned once and remains the same for all future entries. New exhibitors may obtain a number at the Record of Exhibits Office before the Fair opens. This number must accompany every entry.

 

2. All animals exhibited must be entered and shown in an appropriate class.

 

3. Hookstown Fair Inc. reserves the right to accept or refuse any entry.

 

4. All livestock exhibitors (Departments 1–11) must pre-register animals. Entry forms are available online, at the Record of Exhibits Office, or from department chairpersons. Entries must be postmarked by August 1, 2026. Applicable stall/pen fees must accompany entries. Entries may be refused once capacity is reached based on postmark date.

 

5. All cattle must be double-tied using proper rope (no baler twine). Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of prize money.

 

6. Exhibitors must supply their own feed, hay, and bedding. Supplies may be delivered between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM through Gate 6.

 

7. Exhibitors must maintain clean and sanitary spaces, accept assigned stalls, assist with manure removal, and cooperate with department heads.

 

8. Exhibitors are responsible for knowing judging times. Animals must be present promptly or risk disqualification.

 

9. Animals deemed unfit or unsafe must be removed immediately. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions National Code of Show Ring Ethics will be followed.

 

10. Previously won ribbons may not be displayed until after judging is complete.

 

11. The use of drugs to alter animal behavior or performance is prohibited. Hookstown Fair Inc. reserves the right to draw blood, collect urine, or check hair from any animal.

 

12. All animals entered in breeding classes must be recorded or accepted for registry in the recognized books for their respective breeds. Exhibitors must have registration and transfer certificates available for inspection by Hookstown Fair Inc. at any time until the judging of the breed is completed. Only original registration papers will be accepted when checking entries. A photocopy is required for the department chairman to keep. If an animal is being shown in a non-registered grade class, no registration papers are needed.

 

13. All horses and ponies brought onto the fairgrounds for any events during the Fair must follow all health requirements of Hookstown Fair Inc.

 

14. Animals intended for slaughter must not receive drugs within 21 days prior to August 23, 2026.​

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15. Livestock Entry Times:

 

Sunday, August 23

 

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Open Youth Market Swine may be entered

1:00 PM – 6:00 PM   Open Youth Market Animals (except swine) may be entered

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM   Horses may be entered

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM   Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle & Sheep may be entered

 

Monday, August 24

 

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Horses may be entered

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Goats may be entered

12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dairy Cattle, Beef Cattle & Sheep may be entered

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Rabbits may be entered

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Open Youth Backyard Poultry may be entered

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Goats may be entered

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16. All Open Youth Market Livestock animals are to arrive on Sunday, August 23, from 10 AM – 6 PM. These animals will be weighed at the time of arrival. All such animals shall remain on the grounds until released at 10:30 PM on Saturday, August 29. No exhibitors’ cars or trucks will be permitted through gates or on the grounds until midnight unless prior arrangements have been made. EARLY REMOVAL WILL FORFEIT PREMIUM PAYMENT.

 

17. Hookstown Fair Inc. will exercise every care in the protection of exhibits but will not be responsible for loss or damage from any cause.

 

18. Hookstown Fair Inc. will accept entries only for the classes published in the premium listings, as long as space is available.

 

19. Hookstown Fair Inc. may, at any time, order the removal of any exhibit, or any part of an exhibit, that is in poor condition; exclude any entry deemed unfit for show; or withhold premium payment. Food products must not be contaminated with any substance or chemical that causes them to become poisonous or unfit for consumption. Failure to comply will constitute dismissal from the fairgrounds. The decision of Hookstown Fair, Inc. is final.

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20. Hookstown Fair Inc. will not assume responsibility for premiums offered by outside parties.

 

21. Hookstown Fair, Inc. agrees to pay all premiums in full, provided the receipts are sufficient after deducting necessary operating expenses. If receipts are not sufficient, Hookstown Fair, Inc. reserves the right to pay premiums on a pro-rata basis.

 

22. Hookstown Fair Inc. reserves the right to withhold premiums for lack of merit.

 

23. The decision of the judge is final.

 

24. Duplicate ribbons may be obtained at the Record of Exhibits Office if originals are lost or destroyed if available.

 

25. All entries for Departments 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 23 will be accepted from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 23 only. All 4-H Club entries (Department 10, Sections A-13 through A-29) will also be accepted during that time. Special Baking entries will be accepted from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Monday, August 24.

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26. All exhibits will be released at 10:00 PM on Saturday, August 29. EXHIBITS MUST REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL RELEASED TO QUALIFY FOR PREMIUMS. All exhibits must be picked up by 11:00 PM on Saturday, August 29.

 

27. All premium checks must be cashed within 90 days from the date of issue. After 90 days, checks will be voided and no replacements will be issued.

 

28. Exhibit halls will be closed to the public during judging on Monday, August 24 at 9:00 AM and will remain closed until the opening of the fair on August 25, 2026.

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29. $10 discounted admission tickets and $25 no-frills weekly admission tickets will be available from July 11 through August 24 online, at the Fair Office, or at participating local stores (see website for locations and hours). The no-frills weekly admission ticket does not include mechanical rides. Gates will open daily from Tuesday, August 25 through Saturday, August 29 at 9:00 AM. Daily gate admission is $12 and includes mechanical rides, main stage entertainment, and main arena events.

 

30. Children 24 months of age and younger will be admitted free (does not include rides). If a child wishes to ride, a ride wristband is required. Most rides require a minimum height of 36 inches.

 

31. Senior citizens age 60 and older will be admitted free all day Tuesday, August 25 with proper identification (Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Card, West Virginia Mountaineer Card, Ohio Golden Buckeye Card, or state driver’s license). Wednesday through Saturday, regular admission rates apply.

 

32. All unauthorized persons must be off the grounds by midnight.

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33. In the event of inclement weather, no admission refunds will be given.

 

34. The use of alcoholic beverages or drugs is prohibited on the fairgrounds.

 

35. Recreational scooters, hoverboards, and similar devices are not permitted on the fairgrounds.

 

36. No dogs, leashed or unleashed, will be permitted on the fairgrounds, except for service animals, dogs on exhibit, and performing dogs.

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37. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted on the fairgrounds. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

38. Hookstown Fair Inc. reserves the right to amend or add to these rules and regulations as deemed necessary.

 

39. Hookstown Fair Inc. has the authority at any time to remove any vendor, exhibitor, or spectator. The decision of Hookstown Fair Inc. is final.