AGRONOMY AND HORTICULTURE
Pumpkin Decorating Contest Special Awards Sponsored by Benton County Master Gardeners Grand Champion Pumpkin( Youth & Adult) $ 25 and Medallion
1. It is open to individuals, with both adult and youth( 19 and under) awards, both adult and youth will be awarded ribbons. 2. Must use real pumpkins not to exceed 12 inches in diameter. 3. Youth and Adult Overall winners will receive $ 25 and a medallion. 4. This is a DECORATING contest, not a pumpkin carving contest. Why? Because a carved pumpkin will not last a week in a hot metal building without shriveling and drawing flies. 5. Decorations may be painted, glued, taped or draped over the pumpkin. Pipe cleaners, wire and string may be used as well. 6. Do not puncture the pumpkin skin with toothpicks, nails or anything that breaks the skin of the pumpkin.
7. Decorations can include anything that will remain in place in the heat. Recommended: test makeup like mascara or waxy Halloween makeup to see if it runs or melts in the heat before decorating your pumpkin.
8. Entries can include natural materials such as cornstalks or pinecones. Googly eyes, jewelry, hats, clothing and wigs are examples of what else you can use, but feel free to surprise the judges with more!
9. Finished pumpkins will be displayed on tables, sitting on 12-inch paper circles. The pumpkin should not be larger than that. Be sure your pumpkin will sit in place without rolling away or needing to be propped up— AND please name your creation when you fill out your entry form. 10. Pumpkins will be judged on creativity, originality, visual appeal and attention to detail. 11. Pumpkins must NOT include any firearms or weapons( not even fakes) nor depictions of moonshine or other items not suitable for families of all ages. BCMG reserve the right to refuse any entry not deemed to meet this requirement.
12. One entry per exhibitor.
Scarecrow Contest Special Awards Sponsored by Benton County Master Gardeners Overall winner( Group or Individual) will receive $ 25 and a medallion.
1. Open to any group, club, church, family or individual. 2. Scarecrows should be no more than 8 ft. Tall and no less than 30 inches tall. 3. Must be able to stand or sit on their own or lean against the wall without falling. 4. Scarecrows will be judged on creativity keeping with a fall harvest theme.
5. Entries should include natural material such as hay, cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds, etc.
6. Entries may include manmade material such as clothing, props, and accessories. NO firearms or weapons( real or fake) nor depictions of moonshine or other items not suitable for families of all ages. Benton Co Master Gardeners reserve the right to refuse any entry not deemed to meet this requirement.
2025 BENTON COUNTY FAIR 72 121 Years • 1904-2025