RALEIGH – 2013 marks an important year for the North Carolina State Fair Premium Book, which is in its final print edition. The Premium Book contains the rules, deadlines and entry forms for each competition and explains contest changes and additions for this season.
“With nearly 30,000 entries and more than $600,000 awarded in premiums, the N.C. State Fair is an exciting venue for North Carolinians to showcase their talents,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Participants will find plenty of contests that cover everything from graphic design and quilting to livestock and horticulture.”
After receiving requests for a special needs culinary category, the State Fair added it to the Premium Book for 2013. The category is divided by developmental age groups, with entries for breads, cakes and cookies. Participation ribbons will be awarded to all contestants in the 4-8 age group, and the other age divisions will compete for first-, second- and third-place awards. This is the second category for people with physical and mental handicaps. The Special Livestock Shows have been a popular division for many years.
The Handicrafts and Hobbies division has a new breakdown in age groups and new themed categories. This year features an Adolescent Class, ages 10-14, and a Youth Class, ages 15-18. Also, the woodworking, scrapbooking and Lego divisions have a new N.C.-themed category to celebrate the state’s history and traditions.
Competitors are encouraged to read the rules and criteria in the premium books carefully, as rules and categories in some departments have changed.
Similar to 2012, there are two premium books this year. One lists livestock entries, the other is for general entries.
In an effort to “go green” and encourage the use of online entry forms, the N.C. State Fair is printing fewer copies of the premium books. Books may be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis in the Administration Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Residents outside Wake County can contact the Entry Department to receive competition information and forms by mail. All information found in the premium books is available online at www.ncstatefair.org/2013.
The entry department is prepared to help those without Internet access. Interested participants can request printed rules and entry forms for certain departments to be mailed to them. Requests can be made by calling the N.C. State Fair Entry Department office at 919-839-4521.
Entry forms and online registration will be available on Aug. 1. Check the 2013 Premium Book for deadlines for each individual competition.