BERRIEN SPRINGS — Any questions about being a Berrien County Youth Fair exhibitor can be answered on Tuesday, May 20 when the fair offers a First Time Youth Exhibitor’s open house.

“We don’t want anyone to feel intimidated or overwhelmed about entering an exhibit at the fair, so we’re offering this open house to walk kids and their parents through the process. We are excited to offer this ninth annual open house,” said Karen Klug, fair secretary and executive director.

The open house is a free event, held at the Berrien County Youth Fair in the Youth Memorial building at 6:30 p.m on May 20.

A short orientation will kick off the program with information on where to get exhibitor handbooks and entry forms, deadlines and how to fill out entry forms and entry tags. Participants will learn about documentation entry requirements that may be necessary, such as registration papers, identification numbers and health regulations. Each animal species is different, and superintendents for each animal building will be on hand to answer specific questions.

“Community members want to know how and where to purchase animals, and whether you need to be in a 4-H club to exhibit (you don’t!), and this open house will be able to answer those questions and hopefully get even more kids involved,” said Gail Holmes, office coordinator. Some benefits of being an exhibitor include receiving a free week-long pass to the fair, the possibility of winning ribbons and prize money and creating lifelong memories and a sense of pride.

The open house will focus not only on animal exhibits, but will also have information regarding still exhibits in floral, horticulture, home economics, and crafts.

Entry-day procedures will also be explained at the open house.

Call the fair office at (269) 473-4251 by May 19 to RSVP to the open house.

Important registration deadlines to know include: June 1 large animals; July 1 small animals; August 1 still exhibits.

Exhibitor handbooks are available online at the fair office and all public libraries in Berrien County. Entry forms are available at the libraries, and the fair office, and registration is now available online as well. Youth age 5-20 can exhibit in all exhibit areas at the fair.

Age is determined as of January first of the current year. For more information, see www.bcyf.org or contact the fair office at (269) 473-4251.