Livestock

Where else can watch cows being milked or have a chance to witness the live birth of a farm animal? With over 12,000 entries each year, the Durham Fair takes great pride in the variety of exhibits and showmanship displayed throughout our livestock barns and exhibit halls.

Take a stroll through our three large livestock barns and you’ll come face to face with the best premium animals around. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep, swine and even a fiber exhibit – the Durham Fair has it all! Check our daily schedules for times of Showmanship competitions, Battle of the Barns, Every Animal has a Story, and the ever popular Animal Costume Parade.


Animal Costume Parade

At this annual Durham Fair event, rosettes will be awarded for the categories of funniest, prettiest and most original. Dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and rabbits may participate.

  • Entries must be submitted to the Dairy Committee by Sunday of the Fair at 11:00 AM.
  • Judging will take place in the Cow Palace Show Ring later that day at 2:00 PM.

There are 3 classes:

  1. Kids up to 11 years
  2. Juniors 12 – 15 years old
  3. Adults and Young Adults 16 years old and up

For questions or additional information, please contact Carol Zanelli at 860-345-4885


Battle of the Barns

Who will display the illustrious banner in their barn this year? Exhibitors of all ages are encouraged to participate in these traditional farm-type games and assist in your barn’s triumph. Be certain to sign up on Thursday with your barn Superintendent and get the game rules.

The “battle” happens in the Cow Palace Show Ring on the Saturday of the Fair at 7 PM. The winning barn will get a pizza party on the Sunday afternoon of the Fair.

For questions or additional information, please contact Stacey Finch at 860-985-4091.