Hello all.

Fair season is coming up, and I've been contemplating entering some things in the local fairs around here.

What suggestions do you have for me? ANy advice for a first time fair entry? Do you even recommend fairs?

Thanks trying to cover all the bases before I decide one way or the other!

I say go for it! Most fairs have multiple categories, pick one or more and have fun entering :D:D:D

Be sure to check with your fair board as to when Entries forms need to be made. Some are just before fair while others can be a MONTH ahead, as in my local county fair :?

Have fun

And also find out about any rules, like how wide the sleeve needs to be. Don't want to be disqualified for something simple. Good luck!

sounds like fun, best of luck to you.

Have you been to the quilt buildings at these fairs? How are the set-ups? Clean? Secure? What are the rules and times for drop off and pick ups? See what paper work needs to be filled out. Do you have your name on all your pieces? Do they require the name to be covered...Good for you and I hope you win lots of ribbons/money!

i enter quilts in the fair every year- it is great fun! and i have quite a fun collection of ribbons!

pick up a (fair book) it will tell you the requirments, the drop off pick up times...and what if anything you might win--(i've been lucky enough to win the Viewers Choice award 2 years in a row---the (prize) was a gift donation in my name to the area food bank (manna)- a nice certificate and the ribbons...

go for it-it is a good experience.

All of the above and carefully read the description of each class. If you enter in the wrong class you will not be judged. Did that once, what i called machine embroidery the committee called machine quilting. Not a big deal, just disappointing for me. it's a lot of fun, i don't care if/what i win, it's the satisfaction of having something at the fair.

I've shown in Fairs before only on the livestock side of things!
Having learned from many experiences from that I was hoping to get a lot of good advice! Which you all gave me! Have a list of things I haven't thought of before!

Having judged quilts at fairs my suggestion is to:
Read the rules carefully and enter accordingly
Also you might check the prizes given to decide the category you want to make a quilt and enter.
Try and find out who the judges are. Knitters may be judging the quilts.
Are you familiar with the specific fair. Is there a lot of good competition. What is the overall quality.
Why are you entering - for the prize, ribbon, to have your quilt critiqued etc. Some fairs are prestigious while others not.
Will your entry be displayed appropriately or are the uilts just hanging over a rope stretched between two poles.

Thanks for asking the question. I was thinking of trying to enter my local fair as well but have cold feet.

I think fair books should be coming out soon, so I'll definetly check them out.

As far as how the quilts are displayed I'm not sure. It was too hot last year when we went and didn't know we were on the wrong side of the fair grounds till I got sick and we were leaving :(

I'll keep you all posted and keep the suggestions and tips coming!