Prepare Now to Participate in the
 South Mountain Fair

There will be a lot going on at this year's 88th South Mountain Fair beginning August 17 at 4 pm. It's never too early to think about entering the fair.

You can win prize money for your winning entries of specimen flowers, potted plants, floral arrangements as well as home grown veggies, baked goods, canned fruits, jellies and jams, needlework, clothing, quilts, crafts and even photography at the Fair. Most departments have separate youth and adult divisions.

Of special interest to flower gardeners are entry requirements for potted plants, cut branches, specimen flowers, and floral arrangements. Potted plants must be exhibited in pots in which they have been grown for three months by exhibitor and not exceed 10" in pot diameter. In the specimen flowers category, the exhibitor must grow all entries. Uniformity of height, color and size are important. A dwarf zinnia entry, for example, should be six flowers of the same height, size, and same color. Flowers should be gathered in the morning or in the evening, not during the heat of the day. Pick several of each planned entry so the best can be selected upon arrival at the Fair. Remove any leaves which would be under water when displayed; however, some leaves must remain above the water line for judging. Specimens having no leaves lose judging points.

Those entering artistic floral arrangements should be aware that those classes have specific size and type of flowers requirements. Complete information about these, and all other department entries, can be found in the premium book available in paper form at the Adams County Extension Office, local fruit stands and markets, banks, library, other public places, and on-line at southmountainfair.com.

Entries can be pre-registered on-line at southmountainfair.com by downloading or printing the pre-registration form. Of course, you can still register entries in person on Sunday, August 15 from 2-4 pm, and on Monday, August 16 from 4-8 pm. Judging begins the morning of Tuesday August 17.

The 88th South Mountain Fair also features 4-H exhibit and judging beginning noon Thursday, August 12, for entry registration. Winning baked goods and other such entries will be auctioned Tuesday, August 17, starting at 7:30 pm in the auditorium. This year's auction beneficiary is the Adams County Red Cross. Entertainment at the Fair this year includes a battle of the bands

on Wednesday, August 18, at 7:30 pm, country music act Tall in the Saddle on Thursday at 7:30 pm, bluegrass act County Music Sunshine on Friday evening at 7:30 pm, Fireworks display Friday at 10pm, country act Colgate Country Showdown Saturday at 6:30 pm. All of this entertainment is free of charge. Other featured events at the Fair include a Horse Pulling contest on Wednesday evening,4-H and FFA steer judging on Thursday afternoon, a parade of Antique Farm Equipment on Saturday afternoon, the Open Draft and Light Horse show Saturday morning, and the 4-H and FFA livestock sale on Saturday afternoon. Exact times are in the premium book and on-line web site.

Plan now to enter the Fair and be sure to attend to see all of the exhibits and experience the fun of the 88th South Mountain Fair.