The Mower County Fair Creative Arts Group has announced special contests for the 2008 Fair.

The Creative Arts Division is looking for entries for the 2008 Mower County Fair August 5 through 10.

Entries will be accepted Sunday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday, August 4 from 8 to 10 a.m.

The building is going to a computer registration system this year, so pre-registration is encouraged by July 23.

Following are the special contests:

Runners/Toppers The 2008 Mower County Fair Challenge Quilt Contest is sponsored by Calico Hutch, Hayward.

Entries will contain at least three challenge fabrics from the Full Sun line of fabric. This print will be on display at Calico Hutch and available for purchase.

A minimum purchase of three fat quarters is required.

There is no limit on the use of additional fabric, but the additional fabric must be from the Full Sun line of fabric.

One entry per exhibitor will be allowed.

Pattern of choice is acceptable. Exhibitors should attach sales receipt to finished entry as proof of purchase will be required. Judging emphasis is on creative use of a recognizable amount of challenge fabric as It relates to other fabrics used, visual impact and workmanship. Entry may be either hand quilted or machine quilted, but needs to be work of exhibitor.

Premiums will be awarded by Calico Hutch: First place – $20 gift certificate; Second place – $10 gift certificate; Third place – $5 gift certificate

Scrap Booking

No more than two pages per lot (no complete albums) will be allowed.

A layout consists of either a one-page layout or a two-page layout. Each page should be in a sheet protector. Pages can be no larger than 12 x 12 inches.

The contest will be divided into three age groups: Children, Youth and Adults.

The different categories will be as follows: Family, Baby, Heritage, Vacation, Nature, Special Events, and Any Other.

Sterling Main Street will award a $10 gift certificate for scrap booking supplies to the first-place category in each age category .

Lego Contest

New this year is a Lego contest with two age categories: 7 and under and 8 and over.

It must be a creation of the exhibitor and made within the last 6 months and no larger than 2 by 2 by 2 feet.

A note of 100 words or less describing the exhibit is required.

A $10 cash award will be given to the first-place winner in each age category.

Carrot Cake

Open to any Minnesota resident, the contest will be divided into two age groups (Ages 8 through 18 and over 18).

Entry must be a baked cake with a minimum of two cups of shredded carrots.

Cakes can be frosted, unfrosted or have a streusel topping. (No fillings, cream cheese frosting, custard, puddings, or whipped cream).

The recipe listing the ingredients and preparation instructions must be submitted with the entry.

Bring a four-inch square of the cake.

Premiums awarded to winners in each age group from Applebee’s: First-place – $10 gift certificate, Second-place – $5 gift certificate.

Special bars

Sponsored by American Dairy Association, there are special rules.

This contest features butter.

Entries must use only butter as the fat ingredient. Each exhibitor will receive one (1) pound of butter donated by the Mower County ADA.

Exhibitors will need to bring four bars along with a copy of their recipe printed on one side of the page.

Only baked products accepted – no cream cheese frosting, custard, puddings or whipped cream.

Entries must not require refrigeration.

Enter a favorite bar. All entries will be judged in one class; one entry per person.

Premium first-place prize: A basket/gift of assorted dairy related items donated by the Mower County ADA.

Red Star Yeast will be giving all participants in the baking division Red Star Yeast products and coupons.

The winners in the yeast bread categories will receive an apron, a flexible cutting board and a measuring cup given also by Red Star Yeast.

In the preserved foods division, Super Fresh Bakery, Produce and Garden Center will be giving gift certificates.

A new contest this year offered by Kraft Foods is a jelly and jam contest.

The winner will receive a gift basket from Kraft.

The jellies and jams must be shelf stable.

The freezer jams are also allowed.

Sweet Celebrations is also sending gift certificates that will be distributed to winners in various baking classes.

A complete listing of all articles that can be exhibited are listed in the 2008 Mower County Fair book available at various businesses throughout the county. They can also be picked up at the Fair administration office.

The information can also be found at the Mower County Fair’s web site, www.mowercountyfair.com.

Anyone who has more questions or who needs help with pre-registration may contact the superintendent, Virginia Bissen at 582-3518.