MERCED — Those looking to enter in this year's Merced County Fair for the market beef exhibition must register on Feb. 14 in Turlock.

All market beef exhibitors, including 4H, FFA and independents, are required to bring their animals to the livestock yard at 10430 N. Lander Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday to participate in the fair.

Merced County fair officials will ear-tag, preweigh and collect hair follicles for DNA from each animal. All independent market beef exhibitors must provide a photo of their animal and proof of ownership.

The theme of the 2013 Merced County Fair is "Thank You Veterans." The event will be June 12-16. For more information, call the fair office at (209) 722-1507 or email info@mercedcountyfair.com. The fair's website is www.mercedcountyfair.com.

Reporter Joshua Emerson Smith can be reached at (209) 385-2486 or jsmith@mercedsunstar.com.