From hogs to honey: State Fair registration open to Blue Ribbon seekers
The North Carolina State Fair is gearing up for its myriad Blue Ribbon competitions and officials want Randolph County artisans and farmers to take part.
Officials with the North Carolina State Fair announced that competition registration is now open and will run through Sept. 15.
"If you think your artwork, honey, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers or decorating skills are prize-winning, then don’t miss this year’s deadlines to enter," reads part of the competition announcement.
Competitions run the gamut, from livestock showcases to arts and crafts. Registration and a full list of categories can be found at the State Fair's competition portal.
This year, the fair is offering new competitions which include decorated seashells and floral arrangement artwork.
“It is exciting to announce new competitions to go along with categories that are always so popular, like decorated cakes and quilts,” said Competitive Exhibits Coordinator John Buettner. “We have competitions to appeal to a wide variety of individuals from seashell painting, painted rocks, terrarium building, shoe decorating and even coloring sheets. I encourage everyone, and all ages, to check out the competitions because just like the N.C. State Fair itself, there is something for everyone.”
In 2021, more than 36,000 items were entered in competitions at the fair. Among those competitors was Allison Walker, who entered a competition last year to highlight the state's Christmas tree industry.
"I did a North Carolina agriculture themed Christmas tree," Walker said, adding that she placed 3rd among a handful of other competitors.
Walker is the 4H youth Developmemt extension agent for Randolph County's Cooperative Extension. Like others, Walker said used the competition as a chance to showcase the state's agricultural offerings.
"I took part in the competition because agriculture is the number one industry in North Carolina, it's the top industry in Randolph County," Walker said. "My passion is advocating for agriculture."
It was Walker's first time participating in a State Fair competition but it probably won't be her last. Though she has no plans for the immediate future, she does hope to, eventually, try again for a Blue Ribbon.
Fair officials hope those who are interested in this year's competition register online.
“Exhibitors can enter at the website or by downloading the ShoWorks app," reads information provided by fair officials. "This will help streamline the process, report results quicker and be a way that exhibitors can manage multiple exhibits at a fair or even several fairs. Since this is new, we have provided instructions for entering each competition on our website as well.”
This article originally appeared on The Courier-Tribune: Registration for North Carolinas State fair kicks off
