Mother Lode Fairgrounds

The 2019 Mother Lode Fair is coming July 4-7!!

Latest News

Junior Livestock Exhibitor Information

Mandatory preweigh dates have been confirmed for Junior Livestock Exhibitors.

  • Market Beef:  Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 8-10 AM at Gardella’s Ranch/Montezuma Angus
  • Market Swine, Sheep, and Goats:  Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Fairgrounds
    • Swine from 7 – 11 AM
    • Sheep and Goats from 11 AM – 1 PM

Exhibitors of market animals must be present for preweigh and fair weigh-in to be eligible to show and sell.  Exceptions must be requested in writing from the Mother Lode Fair CEO and have prior approval.

All independent exhibitors are required to print and fill out the Independent Exhibitors packet available here and return the appropriate forms to the Fair Office by the species ownership dates.  Independent Exhibitors are also required to complete a project record book and may use the forms available here.

2019 Mother Lode Fair Poultry Show Cancelled

January 28, 2019

The Mother Lode Fair has received notification from the State Veterinarian regarding poultry shows at 2019 California fairs.  Due to a continuing outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease in the state, all fairs with opening dates prior to July 1 have been advised to cancel their poultry shows.  We have made the decision to cancel the 2019 Mother Lode Fair Poultry Show as well.

Even though the Mother Lode Fair opens after the deadline, our concern is for Public Safety as well as the health of our local commercial poultry flocks.  We have made this decision early enough to hopefully allow our poultry exhibitors to join another project of interest; exhibitors are encouraged to contact their 4-H Leaders or FFA Advisors for assistance.

The Fair is restructuring our Small Livestock Displays into species-specific classes and are in the process of organizing an Avian Bowl to allow our poultry exhibitors to participate at Fair.

On behalf of the Mother Lode Fair Board of Directors, I thank you in advance for your understanding.

Ken Alstott

CEO

2019 Junior Livestock Information

The following are the mandatory ownership dates for Junior Livestock Exhibitors at the 2019 Mother Lode Fair.

  • Market Beef (120 days):  March 6, 2019
  • Breeding Beef (60 days):  May 5, 2019
  • All Swine, Sheep and Goats (60 days):  May 5, 2019
  • All Poultry and Rabbits (30 days):  June 4, 2019

Every Junior Livestock Exhibitor will be required to complete the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification in order to exhibit at the Mother Lode Fair.  YQCA certification must be completed by June 10, 2019.  Livestock entries will not be accepted without certification.

For more information, please contact Kim Helmbold, Livestock Superintendent, at livestock@mlfair.com.

2019 Outreach Program

Each year the Mother Lode Fair chooses five (5) organizations through its Outreach Program to hold events at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds for free or for a reduced rate. It does not include your supplies, propane, or use of the fairgrounds staff for labor.

Criteria to be considered for the program are:

  • Non-profit status
  • Funds will not be generated by the activity
  • The request must be made in writing each year

In 2019, your organization can apply to be part of the Mother Lode Fair’s “Outreach Program”.

If you are interested in being considered, please download and fill out the application form and return by January 15, 2019 to the Fair Office:

220 Southgate Drive
Sonora, California 95370

Late applications will not be accepted. Your application will be considered at the January meeting on January 23, 2019.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the fairgrounds office at 209-532-7428.