🐰 2026 Manatee County Fall Rabbit Show

December 5, 2026
Manatee County Fairgrounds – Cook Arena, 1303 17th St W., Palmetto, FL

Check-in/Registration: 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Show Begins: 9:00 AM

Get ready for a day of rabbits, competition, learning, and fun!  In addition to the regular rabbit show, exhibitors can participate in Showmanship, the Favorite Snack Costume Contest, and Rabbit Facts Trivia.

📋 Registration

Registration deadline: November 30, 2026 at Noon

https://ManateeRabbitShow.4honline.com

The show is open to: 

• Manatee County 4-H youth (Sign in under your 4-H profile for the discount rate)

• FFA students

• 4-H members from other Florida counties

Rabbit Entry Requirements

• Purebred rabbits only recognized by ARBA.  A purebred rabbit must demonstrate the characteristics of its breed but may have minor imperfections.

• Each exhibitor may enter up to 5 rabbits for judging.

• Any rabbit showing symptoms of sickness or disease cannot be exhibited.

Classes

Rabbits 6 months and under on the day of the show 

• Junior Buck

• Junior Doe

Rabbits over 6 months on the day of the show

• Senior Buck

• Senior Doe

💵 Entry Fees

Active 4-H Member: $6.00 per rabbit

Non-Active 4-H Member (FFA):

• $7.00 for the first rabbit

• $6.00 for each additional rabbit

Payment may be made online or on the day of the show.  Credit cards are accepted online only.

Payment at the Show

Cash: Exact change is appreciated.

Check: Make checks payable to Manatee County 4-H Association and write “Rabbit Show” in the memo/“For” line.

🧺 What to Bring

This is a carrying cage show.  Leak-proof carrying cages are required.

Please bring everything you will need for the day, including:

• Water bottles

• Grooming supplies

• Show supplies

• Lawn chair

• Folding table (recommended)

Table space is limited.  Exhibitors may bring their own food and drinks.

A responsible adult must be on the grounds with each exhibitor.

🎤 Showmanship

Showmanship competition will be available.  Judge's decision is final.

Showmanship Attire is Required

4-H Official Attire:

• White, long-sleeve collared shirt (4-H logo optional)

• Long black pants or black skirt

• Closed-toe shoes

• 4-H jacket is optional

• 4-H club shirts are not acceptable unless they meet the attire requirements above

OR

FFA Official Dress

Showmanship Questions

Showmanship questions will be taken from the showmanship material located below.

The tie-breaker questions will be taken from the Florida State Fair Rabbit Skillathon section on Nutrition.  The tie-breaker material will be posted on this page once it is released by the State Fair.

Showmanship Judging Scorecards and study materials below

🍿 Costume Contest – Favorite Snack

Get creative! Exhibitors may compete in the costume contest using one rabbit.

The theme is:  ⭐ Your Favorite Snack! ⭐

Rabbits should be dressed as a favorite snack.  Exhibitors are encouraged to be creative with their designs.

Important: No dye or paint may be used on the rabbit.  The use of dye or paint will result in disqualification from the competition.

Judges will award up to 10 points in each category:

• Creativity

• Handcrafted

• Attention to Detail

• Theme

• Color Choice

🧠 Rabbit Facts Trivia

Think you know your rabbit facts?  Exhibitors will test their knowledge of rabbits using questions from all categories of the rabbit showmanship information.  This fast-paced competition will challenge exhibitors to see who can answer correctly the fastest!

⚠️ Important Show Information

The show management will take all reasonable precautions against loss but will not be responsible for any accident, loss, or damage from any cause whatsoever.  The Manatee County 4-H Rabbit Committee reserves the right to evict from the grounds anyone exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct or otherwise unacceptable behavior.  Show management also reserves the right to cancel or combine classes.

📞 Questions?

Please contact the Show Secretary:

Sara Sasada
📱 941-565-5656
📧 ssasada81@gmail.com

🐰 Start preparing now, study your showmanship material, practice your rabbit facts, and start dreaming up your favorite-snack costume!  We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Manatee County Fall Rabbit Show!