Montgomery County Fair officials held a meeting for new exhibitors on Jan. 27 at Montgomery City Public Library to provide information about the big event that is scheduled for July 20-25 at the fairgrounds.

It was the first time fair officials held a new exhibitor meeting. Fair secretary Chasity Lichtenberg said the meeting drew a big turnout.

“I would estimate that over 90 percent of those in attendance were new exhibitors, which is very exciting for the future,” she said.

The people in attendance learned about some of the changes that will happen in the livestock events this year, such as the Monday livestock check-in and the rabbit showmanship.

A mandatory livestock meeting and a weigh-in for all species is scheduled in the late afternoon of July 20, which is the first day of the fair.

“The Monday livestock check-in will remain largely the same as last year, including the 4:00 p.m. start time,” Lichtenberg said. “However, we are working to fine-tune the animal drop-off and vet check process. Since last year was our first time implementing the updated format, it gave us a valuable opportunity to see what worked well and where improvements could be made. We are currently finalizing those adjustments to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for everyone.”

The market rabbit show will be at 9 a.m. on July 22, which will run at the same time as the market chicken show. Lichtenberg said the rabbit show will be moved to a nearby location in order to keep it running in a timely manner.

“This will allow the main show to continue without delays while still giving exhibitors the attention they deserve,” she said. “Final details are still being confirmed.”

The schedule for the buyers reception and the livestock ceremony will remain the same as it was in the past. On July 23, the buyers reception will start at 4:30 p.m., followed by the livestock awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and livestock auction at 6 p.m. Lichtenberg said all of that could change, however.

“The schedule is tentative and is based on the number of entries we receive,” Lichtenberg said. “Once weigh-ins are completed and we have a confirmed number of exhibitors and animals, we will be able to better determine timing and make any necessary adjustments at that point.”

There is a steer weigh-in from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. on Feb. 21. Hogs will be weighed in on March 21 and goats and sheep will be weighed in on April 25. Rabbits will be tattooed and chicken will be branded on June 24.

The sale order for this year’s livestock auction will be goats, chicken, steer, hog, sheep and rabbits. Last year, the order was chicken, sheep, hogs, steer, rabbits and goats. There were 85 hogs that were sold in last year’s fair, more than any other animal.

Last year’s livestock auction had 215 exhibitors and sold a record $638,027.

Participants also found out at the meeting that shade will be added to the rabbit barn and electrical work will be done in steer, goat and sheep barns.

Lichtenberg said shade was needed at the rabbit barn – which was completed last year – to help reduce direct sunlight during those hot summer days at the fair.

“While the building itself was a great addition, the intense afternoon sun created extra heat inside,” she said. “Last year, we utilized a temporary shade solution, which worked well as a short-term fix. This year, we are exploring a more permanent option that will still allow for proper airflow while effectively blocking direct sunlight.”

Lichtenberg said the electrical work for the steer, goat and sheep barns will include moving more electrical lines underground, adding additional outlets and increasing power capacity.

“These upgrades will allow exhibitors to safely run more fans to keep their animals cool and comfortable during fair week,” Lichtenberg said. “We are working closely with Ameren, Gilbert Construction, and Lumix Electrical to complete Phase 2 prior to this year’s fair.”

Besides the completion of the rabbit barn in 2025, other livestock projects that were done to the fairgrounds within the last several years included the steer barn expansion in 2023 and the hog barn construction in 2020.

“Thanks to the support of the Livestock Fund and our community, we’ve been able to modernize all of our livestock facilities in recent years,” Lichtenberg said. “These projects not only enhance fair week but also support our exhibitors and their families for years to come.”

Lichtenberg said fair officials have planned to add more livestock facilities in the future such as steer barn electric and wash bays, frame hog panels, a hog alleyway and stalls for livestock.

“We continuously maintain and update a list of improvement goals for our livestock facilities and the fair as a whole,” Lichtenberg said. “Whenever we identify a need — whether through exhibitor feedback, safety considerations, or general wear and tear — it gets added to that list. Projects lists are all part of that long-term improvement plan.”