Get planning now for the N.C. State Fair competitions
What could be finer than winning a blue ribbon at the N.C. State Fair? How about also helping neighbors in need. The new Shawls for a Cause and Hats for a Cause competitions in the Clothing and Home Furnishing departments will do just that by helping people fighting cancer. All entries will be donated to local cancer treatment facilities, and contestants will have the opportunity to sign cards for the recipients of their handiwork.
“I noticed other fairs would adopt social causes and attach them to their competitions,” said Denise Walker, competitive exhibits director. “It’s a chance to give back to the community and revitalize categories that haven’t had a lot of entries rather than doing away with them.”
Other new contests include a Cavy Costume Contest, the Pre-Apprentice Pre-Engineering Mobile Robotics Contest, the Commissioner’s Favorite Cookie Award and a new coffee roasting competition open to licensed N.C. coffee roasters. Also, new “on-the-spot” contests have been added, including the Kids Sugar Cube Building Contest for ages 4 to 12 and the Team Cake Decorating Contest for ages 13 and up. Competitors will sign up for the on-the-spot contests the day of the contest. Spaces are limited.
Two competitions have been expanded. The Egg Art Competition added a Young Artists Category for ages 18 and under in the Handicrafts and Hobbies Department. There are also new Group Home categories under the Exceptional/Special Needs Category in the Culinary and Handicrafts and Hobbies departments.
Competitors can visit www.ncstatefair.org to find the 2016 State Fair General Premium Book and Livestock Premium Book, which are only available online. The Web pages have instructions, rules, entry forms and deadlines for each contest. Those without Internet access can contact the entry department at 919-839-4515 for assistance.
Entry forms may be submitted online. Paper entry forms must be submitted by 5 p.m., and online registrations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date for the individual competitions.
For more information, visit www.ncstatefair.org.
