Battle of the Bookcliffs – 2026 Show
March 19–21, 2026 • Mesa County Fairgrounds • Grand Junction, COShow Information
Welcome to the 58th Annual Battle of the Bookcliffs! While the name may be newer, this show has a long and proud history. Originally founded by Mr. Appleton, as a local spring beef show, later continued by Richard White as the 4-H & FFA Spring Beef Show, it has since grown into the multi-state jackpot event we know today. This show is open to all states and exhibitors ages 4–21. Exhibitors have traveled from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, and Arizona—and we look forward to continued growth. Bring the kids, the cattle, and the whole family for a great weekend of competition and community.
Location: Mesa County Fairgrounds, 2785 US-50, Grand Junction, Colorado 81503
Facilities: https://www.mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/fairgrounds/equestrian-and-livestock
Questions: Call or text Lexi Hill at (970) 644-0018 or Katia Voloshin at (970) 756-6281.
There will be signs showing you where to go and what to do when you arrive.
Schedule
March 19–21, 2026 • Grand Junction, CO
Mesa County Fairgrounds • United Companies Arena
Thursday, March 19, 2026
● Cattle may begin arriving.
Friday, March 20, 2026
● 10:00 AM All cattle must be in place.
● 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Check-in & Weigh-in
● 12:00 PM Showmanship Clinic hosted by Battle of the Bookcliffs
● 2:00 PM Team Fitting Contest
● 4:00 PM Showmanship (Peewee, Senior, Intermediate, Junior)
Saturday, March 21, 2026
● 10:00 AM Show begins with Prospect Market Cattle
● Prospect Breeding Heifer show will follow approximately one hour after conclusion of the prospect market cattle show and champion photos are taken.
Important Notice: Once cattle are in place, they must remain on the grounds until the conclusion of the show.
Show Rules
Last Updated: 12/11/2025
The show will be held in the United Companies Arena.
Full fit show.
Battle of the Bookcliffs Code of Conduct
The Battle of the Bookcliffs strives to provide a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for all participants, exhibitors, spectators, and staff. To uphold the integrity of the show and ensure a respectful environment, all attendees are expected to follow this Code of Conduct.
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Respect for Others
○ All participants, exhibitors, spectators, judges, and staff must be treated with respect and courtesy.
○ Harassment, bullying, or abusive language towards others will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
○ Spectators and exhibitors must respect the decisions of judges and refrain from unsportsmanlike behavior, including arguing or interfering with the judging process. -
Animal Welfare
○ The health, safety, and welfare of all animals are a top priority. Any form of neglect, mistreatment, or abuse of animals is strictly prohibited.
○ Exhibitors must adhere to all animal welfare standards and ensure their livestock is handled humanely at all times.
○ Any indication of animal abuse will result in immediate removal from the event and potential future bans. -
Integrity and Fair Play
○ Honesty and integrity are essential to a fair competition. Participants are expected to provide accurate information and follow all event rules.
○ Cheating, tampering, misrepresentation, or attempts to manipulate results dishonestly will result in disqualification and potential banning from future events. -
Dress Code
○ All participants are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate, safe, and professional for the event.
○ Exhibitors: Required to wear clean, well-maintained attire, including closed-toe footwear for safety. Western-style attire, including button-up shirts, jeans, and boots, is recommended but not required.
○ Spectators: Encouraged to dress in attire that is respectful to the agricultural nature of the event. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety in livestock areas.
○ Attire with offensive language, logos, or inappropriate imagery is not allowed and may result in removal from the event grounds. -
Substance Use
○ The use of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances by participants or spectators is strictly prohibited on the premises.
○ Violators will be asked to leave and may face a permanent ban from future events. -
Compliance with Event Rules
○ All participants and exhibitors are expected to familiarize themselves with and follow the rules set forth by the show management. Ignorance of the rules is not an acceptable excuse for non-compliance.
○ Participants must cooperate with event officials and promptly follow any directions given. -
Safety and Cleanliness
○ Maintaining a safe and clean environment is essential for everyone’s safety. Exhibitors are expected to keep their areas clean and take care of their belongings responsibly.
○ No dangerous or disruptive behaviors will be tolerated, including tampering with equipment, facilities, or the property of others. -
Consequences for Violations
○ Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, removal from the event, disqualification, or a temporary or permanent ban from Battle of the Bookcliffs events.
○ Severe infractions, including animal abuse, harassment, or intentional rule-breaking, may lead to immediate ejection and a permanent ban from all future events.
○ The Battle of the Bookcliffs management reserves the right to make final decisions regarding enforcement of this code and is not required to provide appeals or refunds to those removed for misconduct.● Thank you for helping make the Battle of the Bookcliffs a positive, fair, and respectful event for all!
● Participant Ban Policy
To maintain a safe, respectful, and fair environment for all participants, the Battle of the Bookcliffs reserves the right to ban any individual who violates the show’s code of conduct or engages in behavior deemed inappropriate or disruptive to the event. A ban may be temporary or permanent and applies to all event locations and activities.○ Grounds for Ban
■ Violations of Show Rules: Any actions that are in violation of established show rules and regulations.
■ Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Includes, but is not limited to, disrespectful behavior, harassment, verbal abuse, or physical altercations toward other participants, staff, judges, or spectators.
■ Animal Welfare Concerns: Any abuse, mistreatment, or neglect of animals.
■ Substance Use or Possession: The use or possession of prohibited substances or intoxicants at the event.
■ Intentional Misrepresentation: Providing false information during registration or judging, or attempting to deceive officials or judges.
■ Interference with Event Proceedings: Engaging in actions that disrupt or obstruct the event, including tampering with equipment, interference with judges, or influencing outcomes dishonestly.○ Ban Process
■ An individual who violates any of the above policies will receive a warning when appropriate.
■ In cases of severe or repeat violations, the show management has the authority to issue an immediate ban without warning.
■ The duration of the ban will be determined based on the severity of the offense, ranging from a temporary suspension to a permanent ban.
○ All decisions regarding bans are final and not subject to appeal. The Battle of the Bookcliffs management team reserves the right to modify, expand, or interpret these rules as necessary to maintain the integrity of the show.Battle of the Bookcliffs Team Fitting Competition
The Battle of the Bookcliffs will coordinate a team fitting competition. The objective of the contest is to gain the ability to work with a team to enhance the showring performance of the groomed animal. Each winning team member will receive an award.Team Fitting Competition Guidelines
● Each kid may enter one team. Each team will consist of three or four individuals. Participants must be an exhibitor of the Battle of the Bookcliffs show.
● One team member must be from each age division, as of Jan. 1 of the current year: Junior (8-13), Intermediate (14-17) and Senior (18-21). The additional team member may be from any of the three age divisions or be a Peewee (4-7). In the occurrence of a team not having three or four members present for a team, they may ask to be placed on a team.
● Teams must sign up prior to or during the contest registration period.
● Each team will be responsible for bringing in a heifer or steer to use in the competition. Heifers and steers are not to be groomed; but, should be washed and dried. Animals will be checked before entering the competition area.
● Each team must provide their own fitting equipment. Once the contest begins, no team member may leave the area and no additional equipment may be brought into the fitting area.
● Note: Teams in Heat 1 will be required to provide chutes to be used in all heats.
● Once the fitting area is designated for each team by the contest officials, the team may set up their grooming chute and supplies in their designated area. These items should be in place at least 5 minutes prior to the announced starting time of the contest.
● Each team will be allowed 30 minutes to fit their animal.
● Each team member must fit a leg, use the clippers, and blower.
● All fitting and grooming techniques must be within the accepted practices of your state 4-H and FFA programs.
● Judges will circulate and question participants during the 30 minutes, and while the animal is in the chute. Once the animal has been groomed and time is called participants must stand at the front of the chute until released.
● Points will be awarded as follows:
○ Ability to fit - 25 points
○ Organization of supplies & equipment - 5 points
○ Participation of each team member - 10 points
○ Overall effect - 5 points ○ Knowledge & Response to Questions - 5 points
● Judging will be by a three-member panel of judges based on 50 points maximum from each judge.
● Each judge shall total their score and rank the contestants in numerical order on the basis of their score. (Highest score first, lowest score last.)
● Animals may be watered, but no feed or hay will be allowed.
● The rankings (not the score) of the three judges shall be added for each team, and the final placings determined by the lowest composite rankings. Actual scores will be used only to break ties. In the event the participants are still tied, they shall be named co-winners and two awards will be given for that placing and none given for the following placing.
Entry Information
Heifers must be born after January 1, 2025. Heifers will be shown by age and by breed. Breed registration papers will be checked, so please have them. The exception is if there are not enough heifers to justify showing by breed, they will show by age only.
- All animals must be born in 2025.
- Generators are recommended.
- No refunds on entries.
- Follow all in-state and out-of-state brand and health requirements.
- Entries – Enter online only through the Showman App.
○ Market and Breeding Early Entries: $50/head before March 8th.
○ Late Entries: $65/head due March 19th.
○ Showmanship will be $20 per exhibitor.
○ Showmanship Divisions Include: Peewee (4-7), Junior (8-12), Intermediate (13-16), and Senior (17-21). Age is as of January 1, 2026.
○ Showmanship is blow-n-go.
Stalling
- $25 per stall.
- Reserve and pay for your stall(s) when you enter, otherwise they will be on a first come first serve basis. There are 200 horse stalls available.
- You can stall off your trailer too.
- You must clean your stall area before you leave.
- Tie-outs are not offered anymore. Exhibitors must tie-out of their trailers or purchase overnight horse stalls.
- Onsite trailer parking available.
Maps
Vendors
Places to Stay
- Airbnb’s and Vrbo’s nearby.
- Courtyard by Marriott Grand Junction (from $95)
○ Call and ask for the Battle of the Bookcliffs special rate. Rooms are based on availability. - Residence Inn Grand Junction (from $119)
○ Call and ask for the Battle of the Bookcliffs special rate. Rooms are based on availability. - Tru by Hilton (from $105)
○ Call and ask for the Battle of the Bookcliffs special rate. Rooms are based on availability. - Hampton Inn (from $117)
○ Call and ask for the Battle of the Bookcliffs special rate. Rooms are based on availability. - SpringHill Suites (from $166)
○ Call and ask for the Battle of the Bookcliffs special rate. Rooms are based on availability. - HolidayInn & Suites ($83)
- Double Tree by Hilton ($103)
- Candlewood Suites ($112)


