For the Reporter
Put your produce to the test at the Washington State Fair, Sept. 5-21.
The deadline to register your Agriculture and Horticulture Department entries is 10 p.m. Sept. 1.
Contests include fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, nuts and more.
The Super Pumpkin weigh-off, one of the most exciting contests at the fair, is Sept. 5 in the Town and Country Arena 1. The weighing of the pumpkins will begin at 5:30 p.m. First-place winners in both the adult and junior division will receive $1 per pound. Adult second- and third-place winners will receive $500 and $400, respectively. Second- and third-place winners in the Junior division will receive $300 and $200, respectively.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Department, sponsored by Aqua Rec’s Fireside Hearth and Home, is once again hosting its traditional vegetable critters and pumpkin carving contests. Registration for both contests below is 10 a.m. Sept. 11 at www.thefair.com.
• Saturday, Sept. 13: The Vegetable Critters Contest is open to four age categories: ages 5-7, ages 8-11, ages 12-15 and adults. Vegetable critters must be made from vegetables grown by the exhibitor, with a small amount of non-vegetable material used to accent your critter. Present your entry and online entry receipt at Gold Gate between 8 and 9:30 a.m. Your receipt will act as your admittance pass into the fair. The champion of each class will be awarded a trophy.
• Sunday, Sept. 14: The Pumpkin Carving Contest involves carving your own pumpkin and bringing it to the state fair. You must be able to carry it on your own. There are four age categories: ages 5-7, ages 8-11, ages 12-15 and adults. Present your entry and online entry receipt at Gold Gate between 8 and 9:30 a.m. Your receipt will act as your admittance pass into the fair. The champion of each class will be awarded a trophy.
Are your grapes the talk of the town? The Agriculture and Horticulture Department holds contests for more than eight varieties of grapes. First-place winners in each class will win $6 and second-place winners will receive $5.
Calling all gardeners ages 5-18. Enter your home-grown fruits and vegetables in the fair’s Junior Gardeners contest. First-, second-, and third-place winners in all classes will be awarded rosettes as well as various cash prizes. See the contest description for eligible fruits and vegetables. Online registration is due by 10 p.m. on Sept. 11.
For a list of entry conditions and awards, as well as online registration visit: www.thefair.com/participate/exhibit-entries.
To learn more about the contest awards and conditions, click on the Agriculture and Horticulture link under “2014 Washington State Fair.”
To register online, click on the Online Entry Registration link.
For questions or concerns contact the Washington State Fair Entry Office at 253-841-5074 or CompExhibits@thefair.com