By Amy-Lynn Albertson
N.C. Cooperative Extension

Sept. 16-21 is “Fair Week” in Rowan County. The Spencer Jaycees sponsor the Rowan County Agricultural and Industrial Fair.

We are excited to bring back the exhibit hall and fair entries again this year and hope it will be better than ever. The 2024 Fair Book is available at http://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu. People wishing to enter items in the fair must download their fair book to learn what division and class their item should be entered into. There will be printed books available at the Cooperative Extension Center. If you need help entering your items, our staff can assist you. All entries must be entered online at www.rowancounty.fairentry.com. The competition is open to all Rowan County residents and must be entered by Sept. 3.

Gardeners of flowers and vegetables, the fair is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and be recognized for your hard work. If your entry is judged the best, you get a blue ribbon, a $5 prize, and, most importantly, bragging rights.

This year has been great for watermelons and peppers, and I expect the competition to be fierce, especially if you have been irrigating. There is good reason to water, too, because we have new categories with new premiums. The tallest corn stalk has been added with first place bringing you $50 second place $30 and third place is $20. The biggest watermelon and pumpkin over 25 pounds wins you $50 for first place from our sponsor, Rowan County Farm Bureau.  All vegetable categories are judged on uniformity, smoothness, trueness to type and freedom from blemishes. The honey categories will be judged on density, absence of crystals, cleanliness, flavor, accuracy in filling and uniformity, and finally, container appearance. I hope to see lots of entries from our junior beekeepers. The flower department is one of my favorites at the fair. If you are an amateur florist, take those skills to the fair. There is a list of categories in flower arrangements, including special seasons, miniature bud vases and centerpieces larger than a bud vase. We have added the largest dried Sunflower head (in diameter) with a premium of $50 for first place. Back again this year, the decorated artificial Christmas tree category with a $50 first place premium. In the adult division, the bakery goods department entries are always tasty. The best bakers in the county are invited to exhibit their best and strut their stuff. All entries must be made from scratch except in the “decorated cake” category. This year, the best decorated cake will be its own category with a $50 first-place premium. We have young bakers who can enter their goodies in the youth division. There are youth baked goods categories for 18 years old and younger; crafters, woodworkers, knitters, photographers and artists can showcase their skills in the home furnishing, clothing, and arts and crafts departments.

Remember, all entries for the fair must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 5 p.m. Please ensure that your entry forms are submitted online at www.rowancounty.fairentry.com before the deadline.

Remember, entry forms must be submitted before the articles are brought to the exhibit hall. No entries will be accepted at the fair unless approved by the directors’ office. Any alterations to records that do not match the entries on file will result in the withholding of the premium. If you have questions about fair entry exhibits at the 2024 Rowan County Agricultural and Industrial Fair, please call the Rowan County Extension office at 704-216-8970.

Amy-Lynn Albertson is director of the Rowan County Extension.