Entering County Fair easier than you think
BY TONI HOPPER
Entering a hand made project in a county fair can seem intimidating for many first timers, but it’ s really easy. We went to a few experts who can answer any questions, with hopes of encouraging Stephens County residents to enter this year’ s annual fair.
OSU Extension FCS Educator Megan Monteith, DrPH, stepped into the role that was held by Brenda Gandy for nearly three decades. Gandy retired earlier this year.
“ From my position, if someone asked how to get involved or enter items in the Open Class exhibits, I would tell them the first step is to look through the fair book,” Monteith said.
That fair book is available at the fairgrounds offices.
Monteith said the book lists all the categories and divisions. This includes everything from canned and baked goods, to handmade items, whether it is wreaths, unusual crafts, sewing and embroidery, or even plants. Photography and quilts are also popular entries. And then there is the pie contest.
There are even divisions for those unique items that don’ t fit into the regular categories, so no matter what you make, as long as it is family friendly, there’ s a place for your item to maybe win a ribbon. Open Class has divisions for both adults and youth and is separate from the 4-H exhibits.
“ It( the book) helps people see where their items might fit,” Monteith said.
“ Once they know what they want to enter, they’ ll need to stop by the fair office on entry day to get a master number. This number is used instead of their name when entering items, which keeps the judging process anonymous.”
Once an individual has obtained
10 FREE FAIR FUN | 2026