UT Extension News: “Home Grown Fun at the Fair”

June 21, 2018

There will be some noticeable changes at the Smith County Fair this year, among them a new carnival and a new date. James Gang Amusements will be bringing a wide variety of fun rides and attractions during the fair which will be held July 2-7.

With the earlier date of the fair, several folks have asked if we will still have our agriculture crop entries, and the answer is yes! Classes are available for youth and adults in categories such as field crops, fruits, vegetables, garden displays, and more.

Although it might be early in the season for some produce, plenty of other fruits and vegetables such as beans, potatoes, cabbage, blueberries, and much more will be in season. Field crop entries are also available for corn, soybeans, and tobacco. Not to mention the hay show, which pays $25 for best of show.

Entries for the agriculture show will be taken Monday, July 2 from 7:00 am until noon. No pre-registration is needed, and entering is as easy as bringing your item(s) and giving us your name and contact information. After all, we want to make sure your name is spelled correctly on the check you will receive for all those first place ribbons.

More than the blue ribbons and premium money though, we hope to promote good fun competition and support our agriculture community. Whether you grow hundreds of acres of row crops, have a small container garden, or fall somewhere in between, I hope you’ll show up and get involved in the fair this year.

If you do decide to bring in entries, here are a few tips:

  1. Pay attention to the fair book, which lists what you should bring. If it says 3 peppers, make sure you don’t bring just one. Fair books are available at the UT Extension office and online at net
  2. Produce should be uniform. If your category calls for 6 salad tomatoes, make sure they are 6 that look as close to identical to each other as possible.
  3. Pick out produce that is clean and free of defects from insects and disease. Also, remember that biggest isn’t always best.

If you have questions about the Agriculture Show, give us a call at the UT Extension office at 615-735-2900. We are looking forward to a fun week at the Smith County Fair and hope to see you there!

 

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