By Michelle Lewis
michellel@newsroom.byu.edu
If you have a great squash, a beautiful quilt or a handsome cow, the time is now to prepare for the Utah State Fair competitions in September.
The competitions are divided into four categories -- living arts, cook-offs, livestock and family fun contests. Participants are not required to win at a county level before entering a contest at the state fair.
'There are many different guidelines and rules for each contest and division. We advise participants to contact the state fair as soon as possible to obtain a handbook for more information,' said Patricia Kremers, marketing coordinator for the Utah State Fair.
Living arts competitions include departments and categories for home arts, creative arts, photography, floriculture, agriculture/horticulture and fine arts.
The entry deadlines for the living arts are Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2. Participants must bring their entries to the State Fairpark on these days.
Cook-offs are divided into two categories, indoor (Tex-Mex, cakes, etc.) and outdoor (chili, Dutch oven, etc.). The outdoor cook-offs require pre-registration and the indoor cook-offs do not.
'I think the competitions sound cool - I would consider participating,' said Sammy Schilling, 18, a freshman from Phoenix, who has not declared a major.
A Utahn's favorite cow or pet pig could win this year's blue ribbon at the livestock competition.
Utah 4-H/FFA members must submit their prized beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine, dairy goats, boer goats, poultry or rabbits by Aug. 19. The deadline for the general public is Aug. 21.
For the people who do not have a green thumb or charming chickens, the family fun contests will be every day at the fair.
Participants can hula-hoop, stack Keebler Krackers or try to eat pie the fastest. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of these activities.
'I'd rather go see the concerts. I really do not care about the contests,' said Brigham Christiansen, 23, a junior from Pleasant Grove, majoring in communications.
Over 275,000 people viewed the entries in the competitions at last year's state fair. Prizes are also given to the best entries.
'Prizes for the competitions range from ribbons to monetary rewards. Traditionally, participants are after the blue ribbons,' Kremers said.
The Utah State Fair will be at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City from Sept. 7-17.
For more information, contact Renee Thomas at 801-434-4440 or visit the fair's Web site.