The Bedford County Fair has gone to the birds ... and rabbits!

Beginning on July 25, the separate shows will feature entries from around the county, in the county, and, as rabbits are bound to do, will be popping out all over.

Karl Pyrdum and Fred Pimentel have joined together as chairmen of the shows. Pyrdum has been involved with poultry showing and judging for over a decade. Pimentel enjoys the competitive side of poultry and rabbits, too.

Each year the duo combine their expertise and efforts to produce a show any champion would be proud of -- and the Bedford County Fair has produced it's share of winners.

"Last year we had about 180 birds," said Pyrdum. "Each bird must be tested according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules. That begins as a part of the check-in for poultry on July 25."

Though no testing for rabbits is required, they, too, are received by Fair Rabbit show officials on that day, beginning at 11 a.m.

"We go to school every two years," said Pyrdum, "to be up-to-date on testing procedures."

Pimentel said, "We've been doing the testing for the last four years. In that time, we've never had a reactor. The USDA simply wants to keep the breeds in check and know there is no harm that can be done to other flocks."

Both Pyrdum and Pimentel shared concerns regarding the diseases birds can carry including typhoid and Asian influenza.

"These diseases are not something that humans can catch," Pyrdum said. But something other flocks can carry."

Pimentel explained further, "The diseases could cause harm to the productivity of other birds. An infected chicken could effect the livability of other birds. With all the chicken houses in this area, you can never be too careful."

Over 400 different breeds and colors of chicken contestants have been verified in the U.S. The Bedford County Fair pays tribute to a great number of these varieties. Classes will include Standard breeds, Bantams, Turkeys, Pigeons, Standard Ducks and Geese.

Each of these division have sub-categories that further breakdown those level of competition. For example, the standard duck can have up to three entries by one owner. A single duck, a single drake and a trio of one drake and 2 ducks can comprise the entry which is $1.50 per bird.

Geese entries may only be one gander and one goose in each breed from one exhibitor. More than 10 breeds are noted in the program for competition. These include (heavy class) Toulouse, Embden, African, (medium class) Sevastopol, Pilgrim, American Buff, Saddleback Pomeranian, (light class) Chinese, Tufted Roman, Canada and Egyptian.

"Each exhibitor is restricted to a total of 15 poultry," said Pyrdum. "Once they arrive on that Wednesday, they stay until Saturday night."

Early removal of any animal during the Fair must be approved by the Fair director, according to Fair rules. If any poultry is removed before the appointed time, awards are forfeited.

The Rabbit show is just as intense as the poultry judging, according to Pyrdum and Pimentel.

"Both sectors are judged by breed standards," said Pimentel. "These are national judging requirements by individual breeds of rabbits."

Bucks and does will be graded separately in each of the breed classifications. Over 22 separate breeds are available for rabbits six months of age and over as well as those younger than six months. A separate contest notes 15 variety that can be entered.

"Does with young are not eligible to enter," said Pimentel. "An exhibitor is restricted to 15 total entries at $1.50 per entry.

A class called showmanship is designed to allow the exhibitor, regardless of age or experience, the opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability to prepare and show rabbits. The animal shown doesn't have to be owned by the exhibitor and no consideration of the animal will be given outside of the grooming it received by the contestant.

Grade rabbits and purebred rabbits will compete on all days during the event. Like the poultry, awards are forfeited for early animal removal.

"We're excited about the shows," said Pyrdum as Pimentel nodded his agreement. "It's always exciting to see the entries arrive. We're already received written entries for the Fair so the shows should be competitive."

The Bedford County Fair, celebrating it's 10th anniversary, opens on July 23 and runs through the following Saturday. Admission is $5 with children under six admitted free. Family admission prices are $30.

Carnival rides during the Fair begin on Tuesday night and run through the duration of the event.

All livestock must follow Fair rules for veterinary inspection.