N.C. State Fair Premium Book available

North Carolinians with skills ranging from creating house furnishings and flower gardens to raising champion livestock often seek the coveted blue ribbon at the N.C. State Fair. As with any competition, the start of their blue ribbon quest begins with the State Fair Premium Book.

The Premium Book provides detailed information regarding State Fair competitions, including rules and regulations, entry deadlines, premiums, and judging criteria.

The 2008 State Fair Premium Book is now available online at www.ncstatefair.org.Copies are also available by calling (919) 821-7400, ext. 4529.

New to the 2008 competition lineup is the Fine Dining table decorating contest. Exhibitors will be able to showcase their decorating talent and artistic concepts while conforming to a specific theme and correctly setting a table. Entry forms for this category will be accepted Monday, Aug. 11, though Monday, Aug. 25, only. Only 10 tables will be available for the competition, on a first-come first-served basis. For more about this contest, view the 2008 Premium Book online.

In addition to creating new contests, the State Fair has made competition registration easier by accepting online entries, beginning July 14. Entries for the following categories will be accepted online this year: Forage, Flower & Garden, Horticulture, Arts & Photography, Bees & Honey, 4-H, Culinary, Clothing, Home Furnishings, Handicrafts & Hobbies, Poultry, and Rabbits. Online registrations will be uploaded directly to the State Fair Entry Department. Exhibitors can add or delete entries until the deadline with no additional fees. Registration for these categories ends Wednesday, Sept. 24. Entry fees, where applicable, can be paid online, with no transaction fees.

Competitions are open to the public, and a completed entry form must be submitted to the N.C. State Fair Entry Department. All entry forms and online registrations must be submitted on the deadline by 5 p.m.