The Great NYS Fair
August 23 - September 4, 2023
New York youth have the opportunity to participate in many activities at the New York State Fair. There are both youth and open animal shows for species such as goats, dairy cows, and poultry where youth can show off their project animals and demonstrate showmanship skills. There are also state-level 4-H contests held during the Fair where youth demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in different areas. For some of these activities, youth must participate and qualify at a county or regional level to be eligible to show at the State Fair. Contact your local CCE office for more information. These contests and shows offered during the Fair can vary from year to year, so always check the rule book linked below for the most up to date information.
4-H events and activities at the New York State Fair are an extension of educational programs conducted by 4-H youth development programs in counties throughout New York State. 4-H participation at the State Fair is designed to complement and supplement county, district, and other state activities, for some events there are also related Regional and National programs following the fair. 4-H programs and activities at State Fair are under the supervision of 4-H Program Coordinators, campus specialists, and county Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Staff, with assistance from volunteer leaders and parents.
New York's 4-H Animal Science programs at the State Fair strives to provide youth 8-19 years of age with opportunities to:
- Be recognized for their accomplishments by displaying what they have learned, enhancing individual learning and skill development, learning and recognizing standards for quality project work, and applying research-based subject matter to everyday life experiences.
- Present an accurate, contemporary image of 4-H as a relevant, year-round non-formal educational program for youth of all backgrounds and interests.
- Attract youth and adults to become involved in the 4-H program.
- Educate the public about selected subject matter and issues, particularly those related to the expertise of Cornell University and the 4-H Animal Science program.
- Provide opportunity for volunteers to develop and demonstrate their leadership abilities through planning and conducting activities the Fair.
New York State Fair Information and Entry Procedures
New this year - all entries must be submitted separately online on both the NYS Fair and NYS 4-H Animal Science websites by 12:00 midnight on August 4, 2023.
*NYS Fair Youth Livestock Show Entries must be completed on the NYS Fair "How to Enter" webpage.
*In addition, all NYS Fair 4-H and Youth Animal Science entries must be submitted using the appropriate entry form found below in order to submit additional species specific entry information and supplemental materials that is not included on the NYS Fair entry form.
*Review specific animal entry requirements before completing these entry forms.
*When registering different species, it is necessary to submit separate NYS Fair 4-H and Youth Animal Science entry forms.
*All Youth Exhibitors must receive endorsement of a county 4-H Educator, FFA Advisor or other breed organization to compete at the NYS Fair. Any entry that does not receive endorsement may be scratched. Exhibitors should contact their local CCE Association before entering to verify eligibility and carefully follow any instructions provided.
*Official NYS Fair contest rules, information, schedule and Premium books are updated regularly and posted on the Fair website. Exhibitors should regularly consult the links below for the most recent changes and deadlines.
- The Great New York State Fair
- Youth Dairy Cattle Entry Form
- Youth Dairy, Meat & Working Goat Entry Form
- NYS Fair Competitions - How to Enter
- 4-H Horse Show Entry Form
- Youth Livestock and Companion Animal Entry Form
- NYS Fair Premium Book
- NYS Fair Youth Animal Science Schedule
- Educational Contests at the NYS Fair
- 2023 Livestock Arrival & Departure Schedule
- 2023 Livestock Arrival and Release Zone Maps

Animal Science Youth at State Fair
New York State 4-H youth have many opportunities to participate at the New York State Fair, including showing project animals, participating in educational contests, and performing hands-on demonstrations.
The rules governing youth activities at the State Fair and the activities offered are subject to change each year. Youth exhibitors should contact their local CCE Association before entering to make verify eligibility to participate at the State Fair and follow carefully any instructions provided.