140th Guadalupe County Fair
HOME ARTS
Welcome to the enchanting world of the Country Fair Home Arts Event, where time-honored traditions and artistic endeavors converge to celebrate the importance of preserving and showcasing the beauty of handmade creations. Step into a realm where canning, pickling, antiques, homemade items, embroidery, crochet, plants, and so much more take center stage.
Chairman: April Burns (830) 534 7762
Co-Chairman: Nichole McLean (830) 265 3167
Home Arts Division Security Provided by: Sequin Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
Home Arts - General Rules
There will be no exceptions!
Each exhibitor in the Home Arts Division will receive one (1) free Exhibitor's pass for each entry. All decisions of the judges are final.
GENERAL RULES - HOME ARTS
Divisions will be:
- Adult
- High School - 9-12 grades
- Middle School (Jr High) - 5-8 grades
- Elementary - 1-4 grades
- Kindergarten & Preschool
- Exceptional
- All items, with exception of antiques, must be made by exhibitor and completely finished.
- All entries, with the exception of cut flowers, must be in the Exhibition Hall between 2-7 pm Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 All cut flowers and arrangements must be in the Coliseum by between 8 & 9 a m Thursday, Oct 09, 2025 .
- The Guadalupe Agriculture and Livestock Fair will exercise due care of all exhibits, but in no case will it be responsible for loss or damage.
- Articles which are soiled or unfit for exhibition will not be accepted.
- No article may be entered in more than one department.
- All arrangements of exhibits shall be under the control of the chairman of the department, and no one will be allowed to remove them until the exhibition is closed They will then be returned upon presentation of duplicate entry tag Items must be picked up Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 , between 4 - 5:30 pm All items not picked up will be disposed of at the discretion of the chairman.
- Items entered in previous years will not be accepted.
HOME ARTS SPONSORS
Individual Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Judge's Gift Sponsors
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE DEPARTMENT
1970 & Older
Prepare to be transported to a bygone era as you explore the antique section, where unique treasures from yesteryears come to life. Stroll amidst a sea of vintage artifacts, each telling a tale of the past, and discover the stories woven into each item's fabric. From delicate porcelain dolls to weathered farmhouse furniture, this enchanting exhibit showcases the power of nostalgia and the enduring charm of antiquities.
Chairman: Iris & Tracy Clingingsmith 830-557-2502
Ribbons Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - White
All entries in the Home Arts Division will be accepted on a merit basis and must remain in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday, Oct 12, 2025. Release time is between the hours of 4 - 5:30 p.m. ONLY. There will be NO exceptions to this rule Please refer to Home Arts Division rules.
CLASSES
Books
- Documents
- Periodicals
- Newspaper
- Catalog
- Religious
- Reference books
- Miscellaneous
Pictures
- Albums
- Autograph
- Photographs
- Oil
- Frames
- Historical
- Advertisement
- Miscellaneous
Eye Glasses
China and Crockery
- Serving bowls
- Vases
- Pitchers
- Tea set
- Chocolate sets
- Ironstone
- Slag or marble
- Jugs
- Bowls
- Miscellaneous
Glassware
- Cut
- Pressed
- Blown
- Milk
- Depression
- Colored
- Carnival\
- Hobnail
- Other
- Miscellaneous
Kitchen articles
- Coffee and spice mills
- Knives and utensils
- Silverware
- Tea and coffee service
- Iron pots
- Misc. silver
- Fruit jars
- Miscellaneous
Household
- Clocks
- Irons
- Lamps
- Lanterns
- Telephones
- Miscellaneous
Garments
- Shawls
- Hats and bonnets
- Baby clothing
- Clothing
- Miscellaneous
Leather articles
- Shoes
- Belts
- Miscellaneous
Metals
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Pewter
- Other
- Miscellaneous
Ladies' accessories
- Fans
- Combs
- Mirrors
- Powder boxes
- Ladies' razors
- Miscellaneous
Mens' articles
- Smoking pipes
- Razor straps
- Razors
- Mugs (shaving)
- Miscellaneous
Jewelry
- Rosary
- Costume
- Keepsake
- Miscellaneous
Sewing
- Embroidery
- Crochet
- Knitting
- Tatting
- Quilting
- Baskets
- Miscellaneous
Novelties
- Hobbies
- Toys
- Cameras
- Miscellaneous
Musical instruments
- Phonographs
- Radios
- Miscellaneous
Luggage and trunks
Military
- Uniforms
- Medals
- Flags
- Miscellaneous
Money
- Coin
- Paper
- Miscellaneous
Farm
- Implements
- Tools
- Miscellaneous
Tools
- Carpentry
- Household
- Auto/Mechanical
- Transportation
- Miscellaneous
Wood articles
- Hand carved
- Manufactured
- Miscellaneous
Weapons
- Rifles
- Belts (cartridge)
- Powder horns
- Pistols
- Swords
- Daggers
- Miscellaneous
Furniture
Miscellaneous
ARTS DEPARTMENT
Chairman: Brenda Sczepanik 210-269-3499
Co Chairman: Kera Carraway
Ribbons
Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - White
Art Submission Rules
-
Previous entries will not be accepted.
-
All Art Projects that have cut & pasting fall under the CLASS D Collage category.
-
Class projects must be per class and have an 8 X 10 art piece for each student in the class for the class project theme.
NO CLASS PROJECTS FOR AN ENTIRE SCHOOL.
-
All Art must be framed or matted.
-
All Art must have a wire or hooki(s) on back for hanging.
-
All pictures MUST be framed or matted, suitable for hanging
with a wire or hooks in the back with a 8x10 minimum excluding the mat or frame.
- Large entries must have wire suitable for hanging.
- Maximum size of entries will be 17"x21" including the frame or mat.
- Entries will be limited to no more then 6 entries per person.
There will be NO exceptions to these rules.
Entries will be accepted from 2-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025.
All entries in the Home Arts Division will be accepted on a merit basis and must remain
in the Exhibitors Hall until Sunday, Oct. Oct 12, 2025. Release time is
between the hours of 4 - 5:30 p.m. There will be NO exceptions to this rule.
Please refer to
Home Arts Division
rules
DIVISIONS
- Adult
- High School (9-12)
- Middle School (5-8)
- Elementary (1-4)
- Pre-School & Kindergarten
- Exceptional
Painting-Oil,
Acrylic,
Watercolor
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Paint by number
- Miscellaneous
Drawing -
Pen & Ink,
Charcoal,
Pencil,
Pastel,
Crayon,
Marker
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Miscellaneous
Mixed Media
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Miscellaneous
Collage
School class project
Clubs & Groups
Ribbons
Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - WhiteArt Submission Rules
- Previous entries will not be accepted.
- All Art Projects that have cut & pasting fall under the CLASS D Collage category.
-
Class projects must be per class and have an 8 X 10 art piece for each student in the class for the class project theme.
NO CLASS PROJECTS FOR AN ENTIRE SCHOOL. - All Art must be framed or matted.
- All Art must have a wire or hooki(s) on back for hanging.
- All pictures MUST be framed or matted, suitable for hanging with a wire or hooks in the back with a 8x10 minimum excluding the mat or frame.
- Large entries must have wire suitable for hanging.
- Maximum size of entries will be 17"x21" including the frame or mat.
- Entries will be limited to no more then 6 entries per person.
Please refer to Home Arts Division rules
DIVISIONS
- Adult
- High School (9-12)
- Middle School (5-8)
- Elementary (1-4)
- Pre-School & Kindergarten
- Exceptional
Painting-Oil,
Acrylic,
Watercolor
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Paint by number
- Miscellaneous
Drawing -
Pen & Ink,
Charcoal,
Pencil,
Pastel,
Crayon,
Marker
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Miscellaneous
Mixed Media
- Landscape
- Around the fair
- Still life
- Portrait
- Birds & Animals
- Abstract
- Fantasy
- Floral
- Miscellaneous
Collage
School class project
Clubs & Groups
Baked Foods
Chairman: Janice Gangawer 210-912-5804
- Pies (8") and pastries, tarts and puffs (1 dozen). Any variety
- Cakes - at least 9"x9". Any variety
- Cookies - 1 dozen. Any variety
- Bars - 1 dozen. Any variety
- Yeast Bread - 1lb. loaf or rolls (1 dozen) or 10"x13" pan. Any variety.
- Sweet Yeast - Coffee cakes, sweet rolls (1 dozen) or 10"x13" pan. Any variety
- Sweet Quick Breads - Full recipe or 9"x9" pan. Any variety
- Quick Breads - Full recipe or 9"x9" pan. Any variety
- Decorated Cakes
- Candy - 1 dozen pieces. Any variety
- Cake mix as an ingredient
- "Whoops!" - Any failed baked item
RULES
- All baked products must be made by exhibitor.
- No pre-packaged mixes - except where Cake Mix is shown as an ingredient
- Half of your entry(ies) may be picked up from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. Oct 09, 2025 m1` ` ONLY!
- PLEASE, all items should be on disposable plates, etc. NO LARGER THAN PRODUCT.
- NO items will be accepted containing raw eggs or requiring refrigeration.
- Recipe may be provided.
CLOTHING DEPARTMENT
Chairman: Sherry Rakowitz - 210-862-9818
CLASSES
- Formal, Party dress
- Infant miscellaneous
- Tote Bag / Purses
- Lined garments
- Unlined garments
- Sleeping or undergarments
- Pillow cases
- Accessories
- Duds to dazzle - repurposed - sewn
- Duds to dazzle - repurposed - unsewn
- Miscellaneous
- Stuffed Items
CRAFTS DEPARTMENT
Chairman: Susan Bernhard 830-832-3932
Co-Chairman: Sandy Ulrich
Get ready to showcase your creativity and craftsmanship at the Fair's Crafts exhibition. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or just discovering your passion for crafting, there's a class for everyone. From ceramics to textiles, jewelry to seasonal decorations, and everything in between, our contests offer a diverse array of categories to inspire and challenge participants.
Unleash your imagination in classes like Ceramics, Metalwork, Woodworking, Jewelry Making, Leathercraft, Seasonal Decor, Arrangements & Wreaths, Foam Products, Textiles, Paper Crafts, Rock Art, Mosaics, Sculpture, Clock Making, and even Recyclable Crafts. And for those with a flair for the whimsical, there's categories like Doll Making, LEGO Creations, Beadwork, and even Duck Tape Crafts!
Whether you're crafting for fun, relaxation, or work, join us in celebrating the artistry and ingenuity of our community. Don't miss the chance to share your talents and be part of the vibrant crafting scene at the County Fair. Let your creativity shine!
Ribbons Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - White
All entries in the Home Arts Division will be accepted on a merit basis and must remain in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday, Oct 12, 2025. Release time is between the hours of 4 - 5:30 p.m. ONLY. There will be NO exceptions to this rule Please refer to Home Arts Division rules.
DIVISIONS
- Adult
- High School (9-12)
- Middle School (5-8)
- Elementary (1-4)
- Pre-School & Kindergarten
- Exceptional
- Groups, Clubs & Class
CLASSES
Ceramics
- Stained or Painted
- Wheel-thrown
- Hand built
- Porcelain
Metal
- Hand-shaped sculpture
- Painted or decorated
- Miscellaneous
- Constructed (tools)
Wood
- Constructed (Painted or decorated)
- Carved
- Miscellaneous
Jewelry
- Metal
- Beads and Shells
- Macrame
- Miscellaneous
Leather
- Constructed (Painted or stained) - (From leather pieces or kit)
- Clothing
- Miscellaneous
Seasonal
- Christmas
- Ceramics
- Ornaments (Ceramic and other)
- Other seasonal
Arrangements & Wreaths
Foam Products
Textiles
Textiles
- String art
- Yarn
- Other
- Clothing
- Painted
- Decorated
- Plastic canvas
Paper
Mosaics
Sculpture
- Clay
- Soft
Sculpture
Clocks
Recyclable
Dolls
- Porcelain
- Plastic
- Cloth
Miscellaneous
LEGO
Beads
Duck Tape
Professional
(Anyone selling or working in a business crafting)
Note: All projects must have been sculpted/created by the participant between the dates of Oct. 1, 2023 and the 2024 time of entry. Each participant may enter up to 1 camera. Item must resemble a camera of modern or past. Size: must be at least 3 sq. inches and no greater than 1 sq. ft. in size.
CANNING
Chairman: Susan Bernhard 830-832-3932
Co-Chairman: Sandy Ulrich
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of skills passed down through generations, where the art of canning and pickling is revered for its ability to capture the essence of seasonal abundance. Marvel at rows of meticulously arranged jars, glistening with vibrant colors that transport you to a time when preserving the harvest was both a necessity and an art form. Witness the dedication and passion of individuals who honor their heritage by continuing these time-honored traditions, ensuring that flavors and memories are kept alive.
DIVISIONS
GENERAL RULES FOR CANNING DEPT PREMIUMS
Ribbons
Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - White
CANNED FOODS GENERAL RULES:
Canned foods entries must be in Standard Ball or Kerr 1/2 pint, 12 oz, 1pint, 1.5 pints, or quart canning jars,
sealed and processed using standard Ball Canning Guide's hot water process. To be considered for
Tri-Color Awards entries must be presented in 1 pint or larger size canning jar. Smaller jars or other
brand jars may be considered for blue, red or white. No colored glass jars will be considered for
Tri-Color Awards. Items will be judged following regulations provided by Jarden Home Brands and then
USDA Guide for Home Canning.
JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAD SPACES TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE JUDGES IN CANNED FOODS HEAD SPACES VARIES WITH DIFFERENT FOODS:
FRUITS
- Juices- 1/4" (except tomato juice-1/2"} Fruits - 1/2"
- Baby Foods (fruits}-1/2"
- Fruit Puree (any fruit except figs}- 1/4"
- Tomatoes with Okra or Zucchini -1"
- Mexican Tomato Sauce -1"
- Tomato Catsup - 1/8"
- Spaghetti Sauce without Meat- 1"
VEGETABLES
All - 1" head spacePICKLED PRODUCTS
Pickle, vegetable pickles, sauerkraut, fruit pickle, chutneys- 1/2";JELLIED FRUIT PRODUCTS
Jellies, jams, preserves, marmalades, butters, syrups 1/4"Release time is between 4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
There will be NO Exception to this rule.
JELLIES, JAMS & PRESERVES DEPT
Chairman: Kris Richter 830-386-9786
Co-Chairman: LeiAnn Grimm
Jellies
(Made from juices)
- Apple
- Plum (Cultivated)
- Plum (Wild)
- Grape (Tame)
- Grape (Wild)
- Dewbery
- Agarita
- Jalepeño
- Tomato
- Miscellaneous
Jams
(Made from Pureed Fruit)
- Peach
- Pear
- Grape
- Tomato
- Plum
- Fig
- Dewberry
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Miscellaneous
Preserves
(Made from Whole Fruit)
- Tomato
- Grape
- Peach
- Pear
- Plum
- Fig
- Fig (w/Strawberry Jell-O)
- Blackberry
- Dewberry
- Strawberry
- Watermelon Rind
- Miscellaneous
Butters
- Apple
- Pear
- Pumpkin
- Banana
- Peach
Syrups
- Peach
- Pear
- Misc.
PICKLES & RELISH DEPT.
Chairman: Barbara Wright 210-391-8041
Co-Chairman: Kathy Hartman
Cucumber Pickles
- Sweet Pickles
- Sour Pickles
- Dill Pickles
- Bread & Butter Pickles
- Miscellaneous Cucumber Pickles
Pickled Vegtables
- Peppers
- Onions or Shallots
- Beets
- Cauliflower
- Okra
- Green Beans
- Sauerkraut
- Piminetos
- Squash
- Mixed Vegetables
- Miscellaneous Pickled Vegetables
Pickled Fruits
- Peaches
- Cinnamon Candied Pickled Fruit
- Miscellaneous Pickled Fruit
Relishes
- Tomato Relish (Ripe)
- Tomato Relish (Green)
- Pepper Relish
- Chow Chow
- Pear Relish
- Sweet Pickle Relish
- Dill Relish
- Miscellaneous
FRUITS, VEGETABLES, SAUCES & MISCELLANEOUS DEPT
Chairman: Barbara Strey 210-812-1101
Co-Chairman: Kim Schlichting
CLASSES
Fruits
- Peaches (whole)
- Peaches (halves)
- Peaches (sliced)
- Pears (whole)
- Pears (halves)
- Pears (sliced)
- Pineapple (sliced)
- Pineapple (diced)
- Pineapple (crushed)
- Figs
- Plums
- Green Grapes
- Dewberries
- Fruit Salad
- Applesauce
- Dehydrated
- Cherries
- Blackberries
- Spiced Peaches
- Spiced Pears
- Cobbler
- Miscellaneous
Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Stewed Tomatoes
- Tomatoes (salad pack)
- String Beans (green)
- String Beans (wax)
- Blackeyed Peas
- Cream Peas
- Beets
- Carrots
- Corn
- Corn (creamed)
- Okra
- New Potatoes
- Spinach
- Squash
- Pumpkin
- Gumbo
- Dehydrated
- Asparagus
- Sauerkraut
- Vegetable Medley
- Miscellaneous
Sauces
- Tomato Catsup
- Chili Sauce
- Picante Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Tomato Sauce
- Taco Sauce
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Ranchero Sauce
- Pizza Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Rotel
- Salsa
- Miscellaneous
Juices
- Grape Juice
- Tomato Juice
- Plum Juice
- Pineapple Juice
- Apple Juice
- Miscellaneous
HANDWORK DEPARTMENT
Chairman: Sherry Rakowitz - 210-862-9818
Welcome to the vibrant world of Handwork! Delve into the rich tapestry of creativity as we celebrate the time-honored traditions of quilting, knitting, crochet, and weaving. Our contests offer a platform for artisans of all ages to showcase their skills and passion for crafting. From the intricate stitches of quilts to the cozy warmth of knitted garments, each entry tells a story of dedication and craftsmanship. Whether you're an experienced quilter, a budding weaver, or a crochet enthusiast, there's a category for you to shine. Join us in celebrating the artistry of handwork and discover the joy of creating something truly unique.
Ribbons
Tri-Color, 1st - Blue, 2nd - Red, 3rd - WhiteAll entries in the Home Arts Division will be accepted on a merit basis and must remain in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday, Oct 12, 2025. Release time is between the hours of 4 - 5:30 p.m. ONLY. There will be NO exceptions to this rule Please refer to Home Arts Division rules.
CLASSES
- Candle Wicking
- Hand Embroidery
- Machine Embroidery
- Cutwork (White or Colored)
- Cross Stitch
- Crewel Embroidery
- Hand applique
- Machine applique
- Rugs
- Christmas
- Latchwork
- Miscellaneous
QUILTS
Chairman: Dawn Bierstedt 210-862-8238
Co-Chairman: Sherry Rakowitz
QUILTS BY ADULTS
- Hand appliqued
- Machine appliqued
- Hand Embroidery
- Machine Embroidery
- Pieced - hand quilted
- Pieced - machine quilted
- Tied quitls
- Combination - hand
- Created by & quilted by
- Wall quilts & Table toppers
- Panel quilts
- T-shirt quilts
- Miscellaneous
- Quilting bee project
PROFESSIONAL / COMMERCIAL (Anyone working or selling in a quilting business)
- Hand appliqued
- Machine appliqued
- Hand Embroidery
- Machine Embroidery
- Pieced - hand quilted
- Pieced - machine quilted
- Tied quitls
- Combination - hand
- Created by & quilted by
- Wall quilts & Table toppers
- Panel quilts
- T-shirt quilts
- Miscellaneous
- Quilting bee project
QUILTS BY YOUTH
- Hand appliqued
- Machine appliqued
- Hand Embroidery
- Machine Embroidery
- Pieced - hand quilted
- Pieced - machine quilted
- Tied quitls
- Combination - hand
- Created by & quilted by
- Wall quilts & Table toppers
- Panel quilts
- T-shirt quilts
- Miscellaneous
- Quilting bee project
- Professional
KNITTING/CROCHET/WEAVING
Chairman: Jennifer Ulrich 830-237-2393
Co-Chairman: Dawn Bierstedt
CLASSES
Knitting
- Clothing
- Afghan
- Bedspreads, Tablecloths, etc.
- Household Accessory
- Fashion accessory
- Baby items
- Design (original designed work)
- Miscellaneous
- Toys
- Machined pieces
Crochet
- Clothing
- Afghan
- Bedspreads, Tablecloths, etc.
- Household Accessory
- Fashion accessory
- Baby items
- Design (original designed work)
- Miscellaneous
- Toys
- Machined pieces
Weaving
- Clothing
- Afghan
- Bedspreads, Tablecloths, etc.
- Household Accessory
- Fashion accessory
- Baby items
- Design (original designed work)
- Miscellaneous
- Toys
- Machined pieces
Other Techniques
- Arm knitting
- Tatting
- Miscellaneous
PROFESSIONAL / COMMERCIAL
(Anyone working or selling in a business)
- Knitting
- Crochet
- Weaving
- Other Techniques
ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Chairman: Nogales Garden Club
Welcome to the enchanting world of ornamental horticulture at our county fair! Explore the beauty of foliage and blooming plants in Division I, from single varieties to diverse collections, succulents, hanging baskets, and terrariums. In Division II, discover the pinnacle of horticultural excellence with adult plant specimens and arrangements, including roses, annuals, perennials, and exquisite floral compositions. Junior participants, aged 5-14, showcase their creativity in Division III with potted plants, while Division IV highlights the talents of young gardeners with plant specimens and arrangements, offering a delightful array of single varieties, mixed assortments, and charming floral creations. Join us as we celebrate the wonder of nature's bounty and the artistry of horticulture!
NOTE:
Entries Must be delivered Oct 08, 2025 between 2pm and 7pm.
All entries in the Home Arts Division will be accepted on a merit basis and must remain in the
Exhibit Hall until Sunday, Oct 12, 2025. Release time is between the hours of 4 - 5:30 p.m. ONLY.
Please be prepared to transport all items.
There will be NO exceptions to this rule.
Please refer to
Home Arts Division rules.
Guidelines (Hint, Hint!!)
All plant materials should be clean and pest free. Judging criteria include plant health (appropriate color, size, growth pattern, not "leggy", etc.) and general appearance (no dead or damaged foliage, balanced from all sides, well groomed, clean, appropriate container, etc.) Foliage should be clean, oils or sprays should not be used to enhance appearance. Cut specimens should be submitted in a plain container/vase; beverage bottles are recommended. Any maintenance of entries must be supplied by the exhibitor. A saucer placed under plants when watered will be appreciated.
DIVISION I
ADULT POTTED PLANTS (ROOTED)+
- Foliage Plants
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Blooming Plants
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Succulents & Cacti
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Hanging baskets
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Terrariums & Dish gardens
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Shrubs and Vines
DIVISION II
ADULT PLANT SPECIMENS & ARRANGEMENTS (CUT)
- Roses
- Specimen
(1 stem) - Collections of 1 variety (3 stems)
- Specimen
- Annuals
- Specimen
(1 stem) - Collections of 1 variety (3 stems)
- Specimen
- Perennials including shrubs
- Specimen
(1 stem) - Collections of 1 variety (3 stems)
- Specimen
- Arrangements
- Flowers
- Fruit or combination
- Dried
DIVISION III
JUNIOR POTTED PLANTS (ages 5-14)
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Dish garden or terrarium
DIVISION IV
JUNIOR PLANT SPECIMENS & ARRANGEMENTS
- Single variety
- Multiple varieties
- Arrangements (flowers, fruit, combination)
PHOTOGRAPHY DEPT
Chairman: Amanda Peterson - 830-221-0401
Welcome to the captivating world of photography at our county fair!
Our contest features a diverse range of categories, inviting photographers of all levels
to showcase their skills and creativity. From the charm of domestic animals to the
untamed beauty of wildlife, and the mesmerizing details of macro photography to the
graphic elements of design, there's a category for every photographic passion.
Explore enhanced images that push the boundaries of visual storytelling, savor the
artistry of food photography, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes
and nature scenes. Capture the dynamic energy of motion and action, the timeless
moments of human connection, and the delicate beauty of plant life. Dive into the
interplay of light and shadow with striking silhouettes and shadows, or master the
art of leading lines to guide the viewer's gaze through your composition. Whether
you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, join us as we celebrate the art
and craft of photography in all its forms!
Entries will be accepted and displayed in the Coliseum on a merit basis. Previous entries will not be accepted. All entries must remain in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday, Oct Oct 12, 2025. Release time is between the hours of 4 -5:30 p.m. ONLY. There will be NO exceptions to this rule Please refer to Home Arts Division rules.
Photo Categories
Color & Black & White photos are shown together:
- Animals - Domestic: Photos focusing on the various animals that have been tamed and made fit for a human environment. To be considered domestic, the animal must have their behavior, life cycle, or physiology systemically altered as a result of being under human control for many generations.
- Animals - Wildlife: Category focuses on animals not tamed or domesticated and commonly found in the wilderness or the bodies of water throughout the county and world. Photos can be of wildlife in nature, zoos, and /or petting zoos.
- Catch all: Category for photos that DO NOT CLEARLY FIT into one of the other categories.
- Details & Macro: Getting in close is the name of the game for this category. We welcome pictures of small details that suggest a larger story. Thus us also the place for Macro photographs (although a macro image of a flower might equally go into the flowers category).
- Elements of Design: Image use of graphic elements of design. Photos that showcase line, shape, pattern, form , texture, perspectives,etc.
Photo can consist of any subject matter. Category is not for graphic illustrations made in commercial programs (i.e. Adobe illustrator) nor for extreme digital creations. - Enhanced: A single photo that has been technically manipulated to be an abstract, panoramic, stitched or composite images. Other variations are allowed as well.
- Food: Category is a still life specialization of photography, aimed at producing attractive photographs of food foe use in such items of advertisements, packaging, menus and /or cookbooks.
- Landscape & nature (non-Animal): The focus of this category includes landscapes, outdoor scenes nature images, sunsets, urban landscapes, seascapes, city scapes, and farms Images focus on the beauty of the outdoors.
- Leading Line: This image composition technique features lines that draw the viewer's eye from point A to point B, which is the primary subject. Example: A river that begins in the foreground and draws your attention to a photogenic bridge in the background.
- Long Exporsure: Also known as time-exposure or slow-shutter, this technique involves using a long duration shutter speed. It can be used to sharply capture stationary elements of an image while blurring, smearing, or obscuring the moving elements. It is also used in lowlight conditions. Examples: fireworks, moving water, light trials, Milky Way, light painting, night or low-light conditions, etc
- Motion/ Action: the capture of movement within a single photo.
- People: Photos focus from all walks of life parenting and family, children babies, models/fashion, sports and couples.
- Plant/Flora: Photos of interesting p, unique and beautiful flower and flora. Photography can occur outdoors or indoors. Photo subject should be that of a single flower, plant, bush, tree, etc. Large collections of plant/flora should be considered for entry into the nature/landscape category.
- Shadow/Silhouette: A silhouette is an outline that appears dark (typically a single color) with little or no details/features against a brighter ackground. Recording patterns of light and shade for a desired effect or emphasis is the definition of a shadow. The silhouette or shadow must be the primary subject and focus of the image. Examples: shadows/silhouettes of people, plants, animals, structures, architectures, or natural structures. Not allowed: reflections
GENERAL RULES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY DEPT
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY!
- All photos must have been taken by the exhibitor between Oct. 1, 2024 and the time of entry.
- Each exhibitor may enter up to six photos in the categories of their choosing.
- Competition is open to amateur photographers both youth and adult in all categories.
- Labeling: On the back of each photo please include the following:
- Exhibitor's name and phone number
- Division
- Photo Category
- Size: Each photo must by 8" x 10" - no other sizes will be accepted.
- Mounting: All photos must be mounted on photographic foam or mount board no larger than the photo. Self-adhesive foam mount is recommended. no additional frames or mats will be accepted. if the foam photographic mount board is not cut to size in a professional manner the photo may not be accepted for competition.
- Velcro: All photos must have hook side velcro applied to the top corners of the photo to be mounted for display.
- NO Computer generated photos/images. NO AI (Artificial Intelligence) photos.images.
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
Director: Pam Younger 512-656-2322
CURRENT WINNERS (2024)
- Best of Show - Bella Jo Schultze
- Most Creative - Mandee Riley
- Most Original - GVNC
- Most Technical - Sienna Chandler
- Most Pumpkinality - Briley Strey
LOCATION: Inside Front Doors of Coliseum
SCHEDULE:
- Arrival - Entries accepted from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 08, 2025 & Oct 09, 2025.
- Judging - Friday, Oct 10, 2025 at 9:00 am.
- Calls to Winners - Friday, Oct 10, 2025 after 3:00 pm.
- Award Ceremony - Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 at 12:30 pm at the booth.
- Release - Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 from 4:00pm - to 5:30pm.
CATEORIES:
- Originality
- Creativity
- Pumpkinality
- Technicality
AGE GROUPS:
- 4-6
- 7-9
- 10-12
- 13-17
- Adults
- Seniors (75+)
AWARDS:
- Best of Show
- Tri-color winners for each of the 4 categories.
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places for each Age Group
CONTEST RULES:
- Real Pumpkins only (no Ceramics or Plastic).
- Pumpkins may be any type, size, or shape. Multiple pumpkins may be used in the entry.
- Entries may be painted, decorated, and carved (entries in the 4-6 age group MAY NOT BE CARVED)
- Pumpkins must be completed before arrival.
- Repairs may be made before pumpkins are set on the display shelf. (Glue gun, tape, and scissors will be available)
- Electric extension cords will be available in the display area.
- Contestants may come into the display area briefly to help place their entry on the shelf and take a photo.
- Director will use the electric extension cords since contestants remain outside the display area.
NOTES:
-
If your pumpkin is a winner, we will call you Friday afternoon so you can attend the awards ceremony and pick up your prize.
If you are unable to attend, we will hold your prize until Sunday Evening when the Fair closes.
-
We will not be responsible for accidents, damage, or loss of decorations since pumpkins may need to be moved,
and we cannot guard the pumpkins every minute of the fair.
- Be family-friendly, supervise your children, and conduct yourselves properly at the Fair.
- There may not be adequate space to display all entries. Entries will be displayed at the Director's descretion.
- Leave you pumpkin with us and we will distribute it to our sponsors.
