Registration for the 4-H Rabbit Showmanship Contest at the State Fair is open until Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:59pm.

THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR YOUTH ONLY.

DO NOT REGISTER ADULTS OR ANY ADDITIONAL SPECTATORS.

2025 Instructions for Rabbit Showmen

4-H State Rabbit Showmanship Contest
Saturday, October 11, 2025 • 10:00 AM
South Carolina State Fairgrounds – Columbia, SC
Show Location: Grassy area between the Swine Barn and adjacent to the Horse Arena

Important Participant Information:

Parking Pass & Entry Details:
All exhibitors will receive a parking pass and should enter the fairgrounds through Gate 1, located on Rosewood Drive off Assembly Street.
Parking passes will be mailed the week of the show. If you have not received your pass by the end of the day on Thursday, October 9, please contact Laura Haddon at lhaddon@clemson.edu.

Check-In & Contest Start Time:
Check-in opens at 8:30 AM
The contest begins promptly at 10:00 AM

Rabbit Preparation:
Bring your rabbit in a clean, secure cage or crate with plenty of fresh bedding. All rabbits must be free of parasites, or any contagious condition. A health check will be conducted before any rabbit may be kept on the premises.

Showman Preparation:

The show judges will score participants based on the ARBA scorecard. You may review that scorecard here.

Things to bring:
You are responsible for providing food, water, and proper containers for your rabbit throughout the day. Also, be sure to bring a carpet square to use only for your rabbit at the judge's table.

After the Contest:
Rabbits will be housed in a safe, secure area until 6:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the fair if you wish to stay longer.

Spectator Info:
Seating is limited — spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs.

SHOWMANSHIP DIVISIONS (age as of January 1, 2025)

Cloverbud Division: Ages 5-8

Junior Division: Ages 9-13

Senior Division: Ages 14-18

*These classes may be divided differently at the discretion of the show superintendent after registration is complete.

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Custodial Care: Please note that this event and its coordinators do not assume custodial care of youth in attendance. Adults (parents, guardians, volunteers, coaches, or chaperones) must be present for the supervision of youth participants.

Civil Rights Statement