Dress-A-Cow at the Georgia National Fair

The Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation hosted its Annual Dress-A-Cow contest at the October 2024 Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. This contest is always a good time as exhibitors 4th through 12th grade come up with creative ideas on dressing themselves and their show heifer up in costume. Costumes have ranged between Moana to deer hunter and deer, the Up movie’s balloons and character to a pair of linemen, and more. There is no limit to the students’ unique concepts.

Exhibitors are divided into three divisions across all age groups. The contest is free to enter, and the top three in each group receive cash prizes as well as exclusive cow themed ribbons. To sign up, visit the GDYF office at both the state show and state fair. So, you can brainstorm and create your costumes at home, bring them to the show, and sign up the day before or the morning of weigh in day. The contest is typically held around 4:00-5:00 PM of weigh-in day in the dairy show ring. Check out the flyers for official details or in the GDYF office.

Next up are a few tips for a successful contest.

• Begin brainstorming early so you have plenty of time to create the costume for student and heifer.

• For inspiration, view the GDYF’s Facebook page for past contests’ costumes.

• An important tip is to try on the full costume at home before getting to the show. A calm heifer used to her costume makes the show ring a lot more enjoyable.

• Spend some time in the arena after weigh-in so she has a chance to experience any spooky areas before she is dressed up.

• Leave plenty of space between heifers in the ring in case any heifer gets a little antsy in her get-up.

• Finally, give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

If you have any questions feel free to message us through Instagram or Facebook or email us at gadairyyouth@gmail.com. Have a great time and get plenty of photos!