Rabbit Expo – Sun Sept 13th  1pm to 3pm (Mosaic Arena) 

Visit the Rabbit and Poultry Expo to learn more about how to handle your rabbit, some important rabbit facts, showmanship expectations, fair rules, and more.  Rabbit will also be available for purchase (cash only) for Manatee County exhibitors looking for a new rabbit for their rabbit project this year.   

Mrs. McGonegal's showmanship clinic starts in October.  Every Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6pm until fair.  Exhibitors may come for 30-45 mins to learn showmanship.  Parents must be present for 12 years old and under.  Only exhibitors participating in the showmanship clinic may be in the rabbit barn.  Other siblings must stay out of the rabbit barn during the clinic.  Held at her house - please check the 4-H weekly update for more information. 

4-H Sponsored Spring Rabbit Showmanship Event TBD (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Manatee County Fair Information 

New exhibitors ethics class Saturday October 31st 9 am to 11am 

All new exhibitors must have an ethics class to participate in the fair.  See registration link under Florida State Fair Information below. 

CLOVERBUDS ARE EXCEPT! 

Mandatory Rabbit Meeting - Sat. Oct 10th 9am to 1pm 

Mosaic Arena 

Must bring: 

~ Rabbit for inspection 

~ Rabbit Health Affidavit 

~ Notarized Manatee County Fair Exhibitor Liability/Photo Release Form 

~ Manatee County Fair Code of Conduct Form 

~ Parent or legal guardian (even if exhibitor is 18 years old) 

~ Sales Contract for meat pen (if applicable) 

ShoWorks on-line registration for the 2027 Fair - October 10th (2pm) through October 31st (11:59pm) 

Entry Fee $5                     Meat Pen Entry Fee $10             1 Rabbit Exhibitor Pass $30 

You will be able to begin registration after the mandatory meeting.  You will receive a form at the Mandatory Meeting to use to sign up for the fair.  Incorrect registration may cause a disqualification. Do not wait until the last hour to register, as the transaction must be finalized in ShoWorks prior to midnight. 

Barn Set Up - Sat Jan 9th at 9am (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Fair Rabbit Check-In - Wed Jan 13th from 2-6pm (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Must bring your Rabbit Care and Feed Book up to date 

Fair Rabbit Teams Quiz Bowl – Thurs Jan 14th starting at 6pm (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Fair T-Shirt or club shirt recommended – official dress not required 

Fair Rabbit Show - Fri Jan 15th starting at 6pm (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Must be in official dress 

Fair Rabbit Showmanship - Sat Jan 16th starting at 11:30am (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Must be in official dress and in the barn 45 mins prior to sign up time 

Fair Rabbit Meat Pen Auction – Sat Jan 16th approx. 4pm (Mosaic Arena) 

Must be in official dress 

Fair Rabbit Check-Out and Barn Clean Up – Sat Jan 16th 8:00 to 8:30pm (Cook/Powell Arena) 

Fair Award’s Ceremony – Sat Jan 23rd at 7:30pm (Mosaic Arena) 

For more Manatee County Fair information, go to: manateecountyfair.com 

Florida State Fair Information 

Rabbit Educational Clinic – Sept 26th  

Registration is now open: Educational Seminars 2026 

Exhibitor ethics class – All exhibitors must have taken the ethics class within the past three years to participate in the fair.   

Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4FADA62EA7F4C34-49540921-20242025#/ 

Saturday October 31st 9 am to 11am (Manatee County Fair Grounds – Veteran’s Hall) 

CLOVERBUDS ARE EXCEPT! 

Youth Registration Deadline: December 11, 2026  

State Fair Show Information coming soon. 

For more Florida State Fair information, go to: 2026 Rabbit Show Information - Florida State Fair (https://floridastatefairgrounds.com/competition/rabbit/)