Horticulture/Ag Building adds new class for first-year exhibitor in vegetable division

Sew It – Grow It – Show It. This is the theme for the 2015 South Dakota State Fair. Are your vegetables and fruits GROWing and looking like they will be ready for SHOWing in the Horticulture/Agriculture Building?

For 2015 we are offering a class for the first year exhibitor in the vegetables division. Compete only against those who have never entered vegetables at the fair. Did you plant some garlic in the fall or onions this spring? Try a braided garlic or onion rope or even a pepper ristra as a new exhibit class. Does your eggplant usually look really nice around fair time? Plant one in a pot and enter it! There are similar classes for tomato and pepper plants too.

Other new classes include a conifer patio garden, an herb wreath, a native plant arrangement, a decorative item made of straw, cornhusks, seeds or grains, or a native plant arrangement.

A unique division that does not require any growing is the table and place settings division. Some themes for this year’s entries include a “Wine Tasting Party,” “Eclectic Taste” (a no match design) and “Wheel Jam.”

In the Ag Divisions, there will be six $50 cash awards given for the best exhibits in certain grain and plant categories. When you bring your livestock to the fair on Sept. 1 and 2, bring along your grains to enter as well. You will have to do a bit of planning. The exhibit entry deadline is July 31. Check out the options at www.sdstatefair.com. You’ll find the Horticulture & Agriculture Premium Book under the static exhibits tab.

This year’s people’s choice award, sponsored by Huron’s Runnings, is a holiday wreath contest. You may use live or artificial materials in this exhibit. Ballots are provided for everyone’s vote.

Contests being held in the Horticulture/Agriculture Building include a pumpkin carving contest judged by Huron’s Mayor Paul Aylward and his wife, Mary, on Sept. 3, and a best tasting tomato contest on Sunday, Sept. 6. No early entries are required for these events. Refer to the online exhibit book for details.

Get ready for the most fun event of the year – the South Dakota State Fair!