FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015

2015 N.C. State Fair Premium Book released online

RALEIGH — Thousands of participants of all ages battle it out each year to win prize money, blue ribbons and bragging rights through the N.C. State Fair competitions. This year, with the addition of several new competitions, there are more opportunities to be a winner.

The 2015 contest lineup includes a new rabbit hopping competition, rabbit photo competition, youth rabbit quiz competition and a cavy show. There will also be a new heritage tobacco harvest competition.

“Tobacco has always been an important part of our state’s economy and heritage,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “North Carolina continues to rank No. 1 for tobacco production in the U.S., with the crop generating more than $754 million in farm income in 2012. This competition will educate North Carolinians about tobacco production and leaf quality.”

The 2015 State Fair Premium Book is now available online at www.ncstatefair.org for interested participants. The Premium Book is an important instructional guide for contestants, containing the rules, deadlines and entry forms for each competition, and explaining the judging criteria, contest changes and additions for the season. People without Internet access should contact the entry department at 919-839-4515 for assistance.

Online registration for competitions begins Aug. 1. Entry forms may also be submitted starting on that date. Paper entry forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. and online registrations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date for the individual competition. Check the online 2015 Premium Book for individual competition deadline dates.

Contest listings will be broken into three areas – livestock, general entries and horse shows. This year there will be horse shows all 11 days of the fair, as well as 28 general and 28 livestock departments offering competitions.

With contest categories ranging from baked goods and horticulture, to poultry and graphic design, there is sure to be something for everyone. This year more than $600,000 in prize money will be offered. In addition, the State Fair has increased the premiums for some competition categories in the bees and honey, and culinary departments.

In an effort to encourage more participation in competitions, the State Fair is also adding “Almost” Anything Goes competitions to the following departments: arts and photography, clothing, handicrafts and hobbies, and home furnishings departments.

For more information about State Fair competitions, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

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