Open Class Building features some new events and activities for 2012 Allamakee County Fair; More entries encouraged for Open Class exhibits

The 2012 Allamakee County Fair will take place July 18-22 in Waukon. In addition to the grandstand, the midway, the 4-H and FFA livestock and project exhibitions, and other activities involved with this year's fair, there will also be special events occurring in the Open Class Building throughout the weeklong event.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in these Open Class events. Those who would like more information about any of the events being outlined below are asked to contact the Allamakee County ISU Extension office in Waukon, pick up a Fair Book at local banks or the Extension office, or access a fair book online at www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee or www.allamakeecountyfair.org/open_class_book.html.

NEW CONTESTS AND EVENTS
There are several new and exciting contests and events planned at the Open Class Building for the 2012 Allamakee County Fair, including the following:
• Farm and Home Gadgets Handmade by the Exhibitor - Anyone who has created a gadget that makes a task easier can bring it to the fair to have it exhibited and judged. Entrants are asked to bring their creation to the Open Class Building Wednesday, July 18 anytime during the project entry time of 1-8 p.m.
• Perennials for Allamakee County - Learn about the plants that will thrive in a garden in this area Thursday, July 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Flower Pounding for Kids by Bob Hauer - An interactive presentation for kids Friday,  July 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Beading for Kids by Tara Reisinger - Children can learn to decorate and create all types of items with beads Friday, July 20 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Any Allamakee County student who would like to enter an art project is welcome to participate in this year's Open Class competition. Any art project created for school or for personal goals is eligible, just bring the art projects to the Open Class Building Wednesday, July 18 between 1 and 8 p.m. Ribbons will be awarded.
All of these events are coordinated by the Allamakee County Master Gardeners organization in cooperation with the Allamakee County Fair Board.

OPEN CLASS ENTRIES
Open class entries will be accepted for:  amateur flowers, flower arrangements, silk flower arrangements, vegetables, art, photography, agricultural products, baked goods, textiles, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles. Event organizers would like to see more entries in the Open Class competitions, especially in the floral and vegetable divisions.
Anyone who would like advice on preparing entries may call the Extension Office, and if help can't be found there, they can suggest a Master Gardener member who may be able to provide assistance. Organizers advise, "Don’t be the person who walks through the building thinking that you could have brought something… but didn’t!"
Requirements for entries are included in the information provided on the websites listed above. Volunteers will be present to assist with any questions about entries during the time that entries are accepted, between 1 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 18. All entries will be released back to their exhibitors at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 22.

OPEN CLASS BUILDING EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, July 18
• Entry Day, 1-8 p.m.
 
Thursday, July 19
• Entries will be judged in the morning, and the public will be admitted when the building opens at noon.
• Special Event: Ugly Cake Contest - Bring entries to the Open Class Building before 3 p.m.
• Special Event: Growing Perennials in Allamakee County - This educational and informational presentation will be offered between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Open Class Building. Anyone who would like to learn more about the perennials that will grow and thrive in gardens in this area can come and learn about all the different plants that can be grown and used in this area. Plus, there will be some special surprises for the audience.

Friday, July 20
• Special Event: Flower Pounding for Kids presented by Bob Hauer from ISU Extension, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - An encore performance by Bob Hauer, who has presented programs at many events. Kids will enjoy learning about new ways to preserve the beauty of flowers.
• Special Event: Beading for Kids presented by Tara Reisinger, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. - Tara Reisinger is back with a new activity this year, and materials will be provided for children to work with and create their own bead projects.
• Children’s Cookie Decorating Contest sponsored by Kitchen Krafts, 2 p.m.

Saturday, July 21
• Build a Scarecrow Contest conducted by Mary Trebbien, - Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome to participate. Materials will be supplied, but participants are encouraged to bring their own additions for their entries. Scarecrow building will begin at 2 p.m., and judging will be open for all fair-goers to cast their vote beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 22
• New Event: T-Shirt Quilting presented by Mary Kay Winke, 1-2 p.m. - This will be an introduction to a popular method for using old shirts.
• Craft Demonstrations, 2-3:30 p.m., including:
- Flower Arranging by Julie Thompson
- Chair Caning by Les Kerndt
- Tatting by Ada Marie Kerndt
- Crocheting by Jessica Howe
- Knitting by Pam Kerndt.