Giant Pumpkins, Hordes of Vegetables, and Fruits Galore

The Puyallup Fair Agriculture and Horticulture Department to Accept Entries for Fair

Puyallup, WA – August 19, 2009 – The 2009 Puyallup Fair, Sept. 11-27, welcomes local farmers, gardeners, and anyone with a green thumb to submit their best fruits, vegetables, and vegetable critters for a chance to win a cash prize.

The Fair’s Super Pumpkin weigh-in is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m., and always draws a crowd. First Place winners can expect a reward of $1 per lb., with Second receiving $500, and Third receiving $400. Last year’s winner, Dean Biss of Sedro Woolley, took home top honors with his 1,034 lb. giant pumpkin.

Other popular contests include the Bountiful Harvest competition, which challenges contestants to use edible produce from their garden and place it in an eye-catching display either in a cornucopia, large shallow basket, or shallow tray. First Place winners can expect a $100 reward.

Keeping with the Fair tradition, the fruit and vegetable contests will still recognize the talented farmers and growers in western Washington. Produce in these divisions must be submitted on Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Sept. 9, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Agriculture Department on the west end of Americraft ShowPlex.

Pumpkin carving and vegetable critters contests provide a fun focus for junior and adult green thumbs. Entries for these categories will be due on Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The pumpkin or critter will act as admittance to the Fair through the Gold Gate and judging will take place after 10 a.m. on Sept. 19.

For more information on contest entry and rules, visit www.thefair.com. Click on Puyallup Fair, and proceed to Exhibit Entries followed by Agriculture and Horticulture. For further questions contact the Puyallup Fair Entry office at (253) 841-5017 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 The Puyallup Fair first started in 1900. This Pacific Northwest tradition is one of the top ten fairs in the world in attendance, and features big name entertainment, the PRCA Rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers, and animals. For further information about the Sept. 11-27, 2009 Puyallup Fair, visit www.thefair.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (253) 841-5045.

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