The Putnam County Fair is a "true" county fair in that many of our divisions are open to adults or anyone else who is interested. Below you will find some information on entering open class items at the fair. Remember, premium money is paid on the first three places.
Field Crops and Horticultural Exhibits
Entry Times: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Judging Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (no one allowed in the building)
Release Time: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12th
This division is open to entries grown in Missouri. Field crops include corn, soybeans, small grains, legume and grass seed, and special crops such as popcorn and sunflower heads.
The horticultural portion includes all types of vegetables grown here as well as apples, grapes, peaches, pears and plums. This area also includes gourds, honey and beeswax, homemade soap, and a scarecrow contest. The fair book contains all the information on this.
Flower Show Exhibits
Entry Times: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Judging Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (no one allowed in the building)
Release Time: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12th
This division is open to all flower growers. Ribbons and premium money are awarded to the first three places in each class. This division includes a horticultural portion, which includes all types of flowers grown here. Containers are furnished for this portion of the show. Exhibitors must grow their own specimens!
There is a design division also. In this division exhibitors must arrange their own entry but do not have to grow it (no commercially grown items, however). Containers and accessories are furnished by the exhibitor at their own risk!
There is a junior division as well. The fair book has all the information on these as well.
Home Economics (Fancy Work)
Entry Times: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Judging Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (no one allowed in the building)
Release Time: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12th
This division is open to anyone. Any exhibits that have previously won first prize will not be judged! Ribbons and premium money are awarded to the first three places in each class. All entries left after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday are the responsibility of the exhibitor!
This division includes different kinds of quilts, rugs, clothing, and other handicrafts --woodworking, pillows, dolls, wreaths, and such. There are also classes for other types of handiwork such as knitting, crochet, embroidery and others.
Home Economics (Foods)
Entry Times: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Judging Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (no one allowed in the building)
Release Time: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12th
This division is open to anyone. Ribbons and premium money are awarded to the first three places in each class. All entries left after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday are the responsibility of the exhibitor!
This division includes breads and rolls, cookies and doughnuts, candy, cakes and pies of all kinds, canned fruits and vegetables, pickles and relishes, jelly and jams, and preserves. In the food preservation classes, make sure the jars are sealed and in the proper canning jars!
Fine Arts Show (Paintings, Drawings & Photography)
Entry Times: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8th
Judging Time: 8:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (no one allowed in the building)
Release Time: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12th
This division is open to surrounding counties in Missouri and Iowa. Ribbons and premium money are awarded to the first three places in each class. All entries left after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday are the responsibility of the exhibitor!
This division includes paintings and drawings of several types as well as different subject matter areas. Several photography categories are available as well. There are display-only classes also.
The fair book has much more information on this division as well.
More Information
Copies of the exact classes are in the fair book -- the book will be the final say! Fair books will be available around August 1st at the University Extension Office here in Unionville, or we can mail them to you. The Farm Crops, Horticulture and Flower exhibits are located in the Lion's Building -- the red, white, and blue building -- while the Home Economics classes are in the 4-H Building next door to it.
Don't forget that everyone needs a ticket in order to get into the fair, including those who are entering exhibits. E-mail us at putnamco@missouri.edu if you'd like us to send you a fair book or have any further questions about these open divisions.