FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009

Race for blue ribbons begins: N.C. State Fair announces release of 2009 Premium Book

RALEIGH — One competition at this year’s N.C. State Fair is all about thumbs, and not just the green variety. TXT-O-LYMPIX, a texting challenge of speed and accuracy, makes its debut this year. The winner earns a blue ribbon and boasts the title of “Fastest State Fair Thumb” for the remainder of the Fair.

Thousands of North Carolinians compete every year for the chance to win one of the prized ribbons. This year’s race for the ribbons begins now with the release of the 2009 Premium Book, the source for all information related to competitions at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 15-25. The Premium Book includes rules and regulations, entry deadlines, premiums and judging criteria.

TXT-O-LYMPIX is not the only new category this year. There is an Artisan Bread category for home bakers and professionals with a love for artisan breads. New additions will be part of the Flower and Garden Show category as well. The Garden Show contests will focus more on home gardens, and include divisions for easily maintained flowers that the average gardener can grow.

Competitors can begin registering in these categories and others after they have received a copy of the Premium Book. In addition, the State Fair will continue to offer online registration beginning Aug. 3 for the following categories: Agronomy Exhibit, Forage Crops, Flower and Garden Show, Horticulture, Arts and Photography, Bees and Honey, Poultry, Domestic Rabbits, 4-H Hay Bale Contest, Culinary, Clothing, Home Furnishings, TXT-O-LYMPIX and Handicrafts and Hobbies.

The 2009 N.C. State Fair Premium Books are available in the lobby of the State Fair administration office at 1025 Blue Ridge Road. You can request a mailed copy by contacting the administration office at (919) 733-2145. The book is also available online at www.ncstatefair.org.

Competitions are open to the public, and a completed entry form must be submitted to the N.C. State Fair Entry Department by the deadline. Livestock entry forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. All other entry forms, whether submitted online or by mail, are due Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. unless otherwise printed in the premium book.

For more information about the competitions or the State Fair, go to www.ncstatefair.org.

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