Kids will have chances for ribbons at fair

AUGUSTA — There are lots of ways kids can get involved as exhibitors at the Fair.

Many of the different divisions have child-specific classes, or judge children’s entries separate from adults. Visit www.njstatefair.org and click on Agriculture & Exhibitor Info for rules and entry forms.

Vegetable Show: There are nine classes specifically for children, including a veggie sculpture using at least three different vegetables that do not need to be grown by the child and a children’s theme garden basket. There are no entry fees for the children’s classes.

The Vegetable Show also features a Scarecrow Contest. Scarecrows are to be dressed and accessorized to fit this year’s theme of “Dream Job”. Families or organized groups may enter. Scarecrows are constructed in the greenhouse on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 5-8 p.m. This contest also has a People’s Choice award.

Flower & Garden Show: This year’s theme is ‘Welcome to Broadway’. Rules for children will be under the Junior Division [under 16]. Entries are $5 per division and pre-registration must be received by Friday, July 18. There is a horticulture division for flowers and plants grown by children. The artisitic division has five classes for children including ‘Beauty & the Beast’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Seussical.' The dates for submission vary, so check the rules.

Art Show: Art in Sussex County welcomes art by children 1-18 years old. One painting and one sculpture may be entered. There is no entry fee. Artwork other than sculpture must be framed with screw eyes and wire. Prizes are $25-$75. Drop off is Wednesday, July 31st from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Richards Building on the fairgrounds.

Photography: Photography in Sussex also welcomes children’s work. Students younger than 18 may enter two photos and there is a $1 entry fee. Photos must be matted and information concerning this is on the entry form. Drop off is Sat., July 19, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. or Sunday, July 20, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Administration Building. See the entry for other drop off options.

Creative Arts for Home and Hobby: Children may enter any class and are judged according to age: 13-17 years, 9-12 years and younger than 9. Three entries are allowed in each class except for baking classes. There are no entry fees for children. There are canning, baking and handcraft classes with different requirements and drop off days and times.

Besides entering specific classes, there are other activities open to children during Fair week such as the Edy’s Make and Take Sundae, the Vegetable Show’s Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Veggies and the Creative Arts for Home and Hobby Cupcake Decorating Contest.