Have you grown some prize peppers, created outstanding artwork or hand-knitted an awesome quilt?
These are just a few of the categories in which the public can enter exhibits for the upcoming Gilmer County Fair.
The Ellijay Lions Club will present the 2022 county fair Aug. 16-21 at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Times are 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2-8 p.m. Sunday. Rides will again be provided by Peachtree Rides.
The Lions Club also needs competition entries to fill its exhibit hall inside the Lions Barn.
The exhibit competition has long been a mainstay of the local county fair, but the amount of entries has fallen off during the COVD-19 pandemic, noted Susan Harden, Lions Club member. The fair did not take place in 2020, and fewer entries than normal were submitted when it returned last year, she noted.
“We just need more of everything, especially fruits and vegetables and baked goods. We have been sadly lacking in those (categories),” said Harden. “We’re also lacking in the art categories.”
There are specific guidelines for many of the categories, and a copy of the guidelines can be requested by calling 770-851-4334.
“The guidelines for fruits and vegetables and baked goods are very stringent. If it says five beans or three tomatoes, it means five beans or three tomatoes. If it says three biscuits or half a pound cake, it has to be three biscuits or half a pound cake,” Harden said. “If you have more or less than what the guidelines say, the judges will disqualify them.”
It’s free to enter the competition in which ribbons and cash prizes are awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category. Kids and teens in grades 1-6 and 7-12 can enter exhibits in a number of categories that are judged separately from adult division entries.
There are several artistic categories in the elementary, youth and adult divisions in which the Lions would like to see more participation.
“It’s supposed to be original work and not something you bring year after year. They don’t have to look like a pro did them,” Harden said.
Exhibit items must be brought to the Ellijay Lions Club, 1729 South Main Street, or for registration Sunday, Aug. 14, from 1-5 p.m. That will be the only time entries are accepted, Harden confirmed.
“We’ll have tables set up for each division, and they’ll fill out a card that will be attached to the items. After 5 p.m., the Lions will place all the items where they need to go,” she added.
The Lions also welcome more “old-timey” exhibit items, which will be set up for viewing in back of the club building. Those items include antique housewares, farm equipment, vehicles, tools and other treasures of the past.
“If people want to bring in things like that to display, that would be wonderful. Those (displays) don’t get judged or get ribbons,” said Harden. “We’ve already got several vehicles this year, so we probably have all we can handle with that.”
Live music will also return to the fair schedule this year. “We’ve had a lot of requests and comments that people missed the entertainment, so we’re bringing it back (this year),” Harden said.
The entertainment lineup includes Jerry Sorn Wednesday, Aug. 17, 5-8 p.m.; Double B Bar Band Thursday, Aug. 18, 6-9 pm.; and Riversong Band Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19 and 20, 6-9 p.m.