Youth, Dept. 26: Children (Ages 5 – 13)

Youth Children


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2024 Entry Instructions

ONLINE ENTRY IS REQUIRED. To be an Exhibitor, you must click on the Online Entry link and follow the instructions. Entry deadlines are listed on the Entry Deadlines and Delivery Schedule page.

Rules

It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to read all descriptions and instructions carefully.

The Youth Department includes:

Tiny Tykes Division: Exhibitors must be at least 3 years of age as of Sept. 1, but not yet 5 years of age as of Oct. 1. They may enter in classes YT01 – YT10. The children must have had a major part in the planning and preparation of their entry. Any project that has had adult supervision should include a brief statement on a 3 x 5” card stating what help was given and what part the child did. There are no premiums for this Division, only ribbons.

Children Division: Exhibitors must be at least 5 years of age as of Sept. 1, but not yet 14 years of age as of Oct. 1. They may enter in classes Y1 – Y125. The children must have had a major part in the planning and preparation of their entry. Any project that has had adult supervision should include a brief statement on a 3 x 5” card stating what help was given and what part the child did.

Junior Division: Exhibitors must be at least 14 years of age, but not yet 18 years of age as of Oct. 1. They may enter in classes J130 – J208.

Special Needs: We welcome exhibits by special needs youth. They are eligible for all classes. If appropriate, the child’s exhibit can be displayed in a multiclass unit, using the Danish judging system but with no age consideration. All exhibit tickets will be uniform throughout the Department (no notation of special needs). Parent, teacher or adviser, please write special needs on the entry and we can discuss display.

Group: Groups may enter (any age combination). There are also 2 State Junior Contests, Baking (ages 7 – 15) and Quilt (ages 7 – 17).

Other Department Rules

  1. Please remember to enter crafts, veggies, etc. under YOUTH and not under the adult sections. Also, enter using child’s name (NOT ADULT) and date of birth & age.
  2. Only 1 entry per exhibitor per class will be accepted and only those classes listed will be judged. However, the Superintendent reserves the right to expand or delete classes if the need arises.
  3. Exhibits that have previously won a prize at the Durham Fair are not eligible for judging.
  4. Judging for the Department will be on the Danish System (all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries).
  5. All exhibits must remain in place until 6 PM on Sun. to be eligible for awards. Exhibits may be removed on Sun. between 6 and 8 PM or on Mon. following the Fair between 4 and 7 PM. Any exhibits not removed by 7 PM Mon. will become property of the Fair.

King Arthur Baking CompanyAdditional Instructions for Class YJ03: 2024 King Arthur Baking Contest: Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake


TABLE OF CATEGORIES

Class Code & Name $ Prize Amount
Youth—Vegetables
Drop-Off: Tuesday before the Fair, 12:30 – 7 p.m.
Vegetables should be of uniform size, shape, and color. Please specify variety. Gourds are not vegetables; do not mix into vegetable baskets. Gourd class is listed under Flowers.
1st 2nd 3rd
Y01 Beans (4 pods of any one variety)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y02 Beets (4 specimens)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y03 Carrots (4 specimens) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y04 Cucumbers (2 specimens)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y05 Peppers (3 specimens) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y06 Largest zucchini 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y07 Squash (2 specimens, any 1 variety)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y08 Tomatoes (4 specimens, any 1 variety)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y09 Eggplant (2 specimens) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y10 Melon (1 specimen)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y11 Sweet corn, edible, half husk removed (2 ears) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y11A Pumpkin (no Big Max or Giant) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y11B Tiniest pumpkin or gourd 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y12 Any other vegetable (1 specimen if over 5” in diameter, 2 specimens if smaller) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y13 Herb collection. To be made up of 3 stalks each of 3 different varieties, shown in 1 6 oz. container of water. Do not forget to water. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y14 Any green, leafy, thoroughly watered and potted chard, lettuce, beet greens. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y15 Nuts, no acorns (6 specimens in zip lock bag) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y15A Eggs, 6 chicken or duck in an egg carton. Must be fresh 3.00 2.50 2.00
Youth—Flowers
Drop-Off: Tuesday before the Fair, 12:30 – 7 p.m.
1st 2nd 3rd
Y16 Sunflower, best quality head. Any entry showing signs of mold or insect damage will not be accepted or judged. Deterioration before or during the Fair will have to be removed and/or disposed of. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y17 Chrysanthemums (1 specimen) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y17A Rose (1 specimen) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y18 Dahlias (1 specimen)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y19 Marigolds (3 specimens, any 1 variety) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y19A Snapdragons (3 specimens, any 1 variety) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y20 Petunias (3 specimens, any 1 variety) 3.00 2.50 2.00
In the above 6 classes, the size of the container should be appropriate to size of specimen, but the container will not be judged. A specimen is 1 mature blossom on a stem with foliage. Bring extra flowers; broken stems cannot be judged. DO NOT leave extra flowers in exhibit. DO NOT FORGET TO WATER!

Practical Suggestions
Watch your proportions. See that your flowers are approximately one and a half times the height of the vase, or one and a half times the width of the bowl. Keep in mind that the vase and flowers should have a nice relationship. Mass the heavy or dark flowers near the base of the arrangement. Keep light colors and forms at the top for balance. Try to make stems seemingly start from a central point. Where stems appear to meet, put an accent, a flower or a leaf. Avoid confusion in your arrangement. Better too few flowers than too many. Fasten flat holders to a bowl with modeling clay before you add water. This gives stability to the holder. Oasis makes a very useful holder.
Y22 Vase of flowers  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y23 Arrangement 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y24 Fairy garden. Container not to exceed 24" wide. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Youth—Baking
Drop-Off: Tuesday before the Fair, 12:30 – 7 p.m.
No packaged mixes accepted. No bananas allowed in recipes. ALL EXHIBITS MUST BE ON PAPER PLATE, IN ZIPLOCK BAG AND LABELED. NO REFRIGERATION AVAILABLE.
1st 2nd 3rd
Y32 Drop cookies (4) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y33 No-bake cookies (4) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y34 Bar cookies (4) (any) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y35 Snickerdoodle Cookies (4 on a plate in ziplock bag) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y36 Yeast Bread 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y38 Any quick bread (1 loaf) NO BANANA 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y41 Muffins (3 on a plate) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y42 Any candy (4 pieces) (taste and appearance will be judged)  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y43 Decorated Cake pops (3 in a block of florist foam or other suitable stand/container. Decorating ONLY will be judged. Optional: see Y43A for decorator’s icing recipe 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y43A Decorated cakes. Decorating ONLY will be judged. Optional Decorator’s Icing—1 C. Crisco, 3-4 TBS cold water, 1—1 lb. box sifted powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt (optional) 1/2 tsp. flavoring (optional). Beat until incorporated. Salt and flavoring may be omitted as taste will not be judged. This should keep the bee situation under control. Finished entry not to exceed 9 x 13” or be larger than a standard character pan. No larger than 12” in height. Cakes must be on a suitable board 2” to 3” larger than your cake, not to exceed 12 x 15” (NO CARDBOARD).  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y43B Decorated cakes using fondant. Finished entry not to exceed 9 x 13" or be larger than a standard character pan, No larger than 12" in height. Cakes must be on a suitable board 2" to 3" larger than your cake, not to exceed 12 x 15" (NO CARDBOARD). 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y44A Decorated or Dipped Apple (1) Apple must not be pierced or punctured except for lolly pop or popsicle stick. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y44 Decorated cookie (1 cookie 6" max) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y45 Special project: Rock candy crystals
Ingredients: 1 cup water / 2 cups sugar / white cotton twine
Bring water to boil in saucepan. Slowly add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Carefully pour into a heatproof jar. Tie the end of a piece of twine around a pencil and a paper clip to the other end. Dangle string in jar (paper clip will weigh it down). Crystals will form along the string. Do not disturb the jar except to carefully break the crust that forms on top of the syrup (this allows evaporation to continue). The less the solution is disturbed, the better the crystals will form. It will take at least a week for the crystals to form. High humidity may delay formation of crystals. You may add food coloring if you wish for different colors. When all crystals are formed, remove from jar, snip string from pencil and let dry in open air for 24 hours. Present 1 string of crystals on a paper plate for judging.
3.00 2.50 2.00
YJ03 2024 King Arthur Baking Contest (Ages 7 -15): Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake (See special instructions and prizes above)      
Youth—Canning
Drop-Off: Tuesday before the Fair, 12:30 – 7 p.m.
  1. Only sealed standard canning jars accepted. If possible, use small jars for most entries.
  2. For maple syrup use pint size jars.
  3. Exhibits should be clean and canning rings rust free.
  4. Do not wax seal.
  5. Label contents on SIDE of the jar (not on top).
  6. Do NOT put exhibitor’s name on the label.
  7. One jar per class.
  8. Ages 5-13. Adult help is encouraged and acceptable for safety reasons.
  9. Please submit a 3" x 5" card listing adult help for all ages.
1st 2nd 3rd
Y50 Maple syrup 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y51 Applesauce 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y52 Tomatoes 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y53 Bread & butter pickles 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y54 Dill pickles 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y55 Any other pickles 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y57 Any relish 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y58 Any other canning 3.00 2.50 2.00
Sauces
Y59A Chili sauce 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y59B BBQ sauce 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y59C Any other sauce 3.00 2.50 2.00
Salsa
Y60A Mild salsa 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y60B Medium salsa 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y60C Hot salsa 3.00 2.50 2.00
Canning Collection: Collections should be decoratively displayed (entries in uniform containers, all the same size). Collection will be judged on variety, uniformity and display. Jars will not be opened. Decorated baskets and jars are encouraged.
Y61A Jellies (collections, 3 varieties) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y61B Jams (collections, 3 varieties) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y61C Pickles (collections, 3 varieties) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y62 Any jelly or jam 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y63 Any fruit butter 3.00 2.50 2.00
Youth—Sewing and Needlework
Drop-Off: Saturday before the fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1st 2nd 3rd
Sewing: Article must be cleaned and pressed. Please supply hangers where needed.
Y70 Any sewn article of clothing such as: blouse, skirt, slacks, etc. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y71 Tye Dye Creation (Must be dry). 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y72 Any sewn pillow 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y73 Sewn stuffed animal 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y74 Sewn doll 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y75 Any other sewn article 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y76 Decorated t-shirt 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y76A Ensemble/Costume (minimum 2 pieces) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Needlework: Article must be cleaned and pressed. Please supply hangers where needed.
Y80 Cross-stitch wall hanging (counted or stamped, min. work size 5 x 7") 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y81 Any other cross-stitch article (counted or stamped) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y82 Embroidery (any article other than counted or stamped cross-stitch) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y83 Any patchwork article (hand or machine sewn) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y84 Crocheted article 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y85 Any latchhook article 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y86 Any knitted article 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y87 Needlepoint 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y87A Mom and me Tooth Fairy Pillow. Decorate as you wish. We encourage you to work with Mom, Dad, Grandparent, or other adult. Include index card stating what help you had making your pillow. No larger than 16" by 16". 3.00 2.50 2.00
Youth—Crafts and Special Interest
Drop-Off: Saturday before the Fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NOTE: NO MODEL KITS OR PAINT-BY-NUMBER ACCEPTED. Crafts will be judged on originality, neatness, technique and artistic ability.
NOTE: Published comic and cartoon characters are protected by copyright laws and cannot be accepted.
1st 2nd 3rd
Y88 Pet stone/rock. Paint or otherwise decorate your stone or rock making it into a pet (cat, dog, lady bug, etc.). If more than 1 stone/rock is used, they must be securely attached. Exhibit cannot exceed 5 x 5 x 5". 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y89 Paper mache creation or pinata. Do not fill. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y90 Original drawing, or painting. Must be the exhibitor’s own work and be ready for hanging. NO TAPE. Entries will not be accepted with any kind of taping (even duct tape). Artwork must be prepared for hanging mounted or matted. NO FRAMES. Size not to exceed 24 x 30." All images must be appropriate for all ages. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y90A Artwork featuring the number 100. No larger than 12 x 12 x 12" 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y90B Collage. Must be the exhibitor’s own work and be ready to hang mounted or matted. NO TAPE. Entries will not be accepted with any kind of taping. NO FRAMES. Size not to exceed 24" x 30". Images must be appropriate for all.      
Y91 Jewelry. May be a set. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y91A Tied Fleece Blanket -must have 2 pieces of fleece tied to make a blanket. No larger than 36” by 36”. No pre-packaged kits. Find easy instructions on Durham Fair Youth Barn Facebook page. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y93 Any holiday decoration. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y93A Sea Shell Christmas Ornament - in memory of Kevin Frank. No larger than 6". Must include hanger for display. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y93B Christmas Ornament. No larger than 6”. Must include hanger for display. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y94 Decorated cowboy hat. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y94A Decorated T-shirt. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y94B Upcycling item of clothing or accessory. Please include a before and after picture. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y95 Woodworking. Judged on creativity construction and quality of finishing and refinishing the final stages of the piece. Piece may be no larger than 20 x 24". NO KITS. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y96 Metalcraft. Judged on creativity construction and quality of finishing and refinishing the final stages of the piece. Piece may be no larger than 20 x 24". NO KITS. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y97 Nature collection. Identify and label each specimen. Your collection must have a backing strong enough to support its weight. Please mount your specimens securely, as we may have to hang or tilt your display so people can see it. Masking tape doesn’t hold heavy things like rocks or shells. This is a popular class: the backing must not be larger than 18 x 24". 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y98 “Paper Tube Construction” (ages 5 and 6 only). This is the only category where we encourage your child to work with you. “Grown-up” and “me” category. Use only STANDARD paper towel and/or toilet paper tubes. Work with an older person–Mom, Dad, or Grandparent, etc. Create something together. Suggestions: puppet, rocketship, birdfeeder, decorations, animals or binoculars. Have fun together using your imaginations! Limit your tubes to 6 of any combination.  3.00 2.50 2.00
Y99 Decorated pumpkin, gourd or squash. Bruised or damaged pumpkins, gourds or squash will not be accepted. Do not cut or damage specimen, and that includes no piercing with pins or tacks. If your child’s entry shows signs of deterioration before or during the Fair, it will have to be removed and/or disposed of. Please inspect carefully for any damage before and after your child decorates the item. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y100 A gift made entirely of all natural materials. Some examples: woven hat or basket, wreath or ornament. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y101 Creative use of recycled material—all materials must be recyclable. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y102 Scarecrow – Judged on the following: a) how much noise it makes in moving, and b) use of material that reflects light. Not over 4’ tall. MAKE IT SCARY! Have fun. Special $10 premium for Superintendent’s favorite. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y103 Basket 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y104 Candle. Dipped, molded or decorated. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y105 Duct tape creation. You decide what you want to create. Any combination of colored duct tape can be used; however, no use of paint or markers is allowed. Your entry must be freestanding and not taped to a base. It must be made completely of ONLY duct tape, with no other material used for support, decoration or internal framing. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y106 Tribute to Veterans. May be any branch of service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, US Coast Guard. Must be either red, white & blue OR camouflage. No larger than 15x15". If project needs to be hung for display, please attach secure hanger. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y107 Creative Creatures. Use your imagination and have fun creating your creature! Listed are examples of what you can use to make the creature: paper plates, construction paper, empty containers (milk, flowerpot, etc.) No larger than 15 × 15". If you would like your creation to hang, please attach a secure hanger for display. For all of Y107A–F only one creature may be entered for each participating youth.
 
  Y107A Creative Creatures: Frog 3.00 2.50 2.00
  Y107B Creative Creatures: Dragon 3.00 2.50 2.00
  Y107C Creative Creatures: Dinosaur 3.00 2.50 2.00
  Y107D Creative Creatures: Lady Bug 3.00 2.50 2.00
  Y107E Creative Creatures: Bee 3.00 2.50 2.00
  Y107F Creative Creatures: Dragonfly 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y108 Origami 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y109 Pinewood Derby car 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y110 Sculpture. Clay, metal, plaster or paper mache (not premolded) form made for appreciation of art form without specific household use. One piece only – no sets. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y111 Shoebox diorama: (12 × 8 × 6" max) made ONLY from an empty shoebox.  3.00 2.50 2.00
The following classes are divided. You may enter one of (A) or (B) for each.
Y112A Ceramics. Any clay form made with a clay poured into a preformed mold and set or kiln-fired. May be decorated with paint or glaze. (One piece only unless item has a lid – no sets.) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y112B Pottery. Hand-built (slab, pinch or coil) or wheel-thrown clay of any color. Finished piece has a specific household use such as bowl, plate, frame, birdbath, etc. (One piece only – no sets.) 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y113A Collection. A collection of similar items of interest to you. You need a wood base (example: 1/2" plywood or masonite), no larger than 18 x 24" and no taller than 18". No cardboard. All items should be fixed to the wood base so items do not fall off. We will be moving your display, so make sure the base does not bend and your collection does not fall off or come apart. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y113B LEGO. Your own design using LEGO bricks. No kits. You need a wood base (example: 1/2" plywood or masonite), no larger than 10 x 20" and no taller than 18". No cardboard. Legos only. All items should be fixed to the wood base so items do not fall off. We will be moving your display, so make sure the base does not bend and your collection does not fall off or come apart. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Youth—Photography
Drop-Off: Saturday before the Fair, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Exhibitor must have taken the photos. You may enter 1 photo per class. Photos not listed on entry form will not be accepted. Photos with any type of matte or frame will NOT be accepted.
1st 2nd 3rd
Snapshots: Size – Snapshots are color or black and white prints on good quality photo paper sized either 3 x 5" or 4 x 6."
Y114 Animals 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y114A Insects 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y115 Scenery 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y116 Plant life 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y117 Buildings or structures 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y118 People 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y119 Selfies 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y120 Modes of transportation 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y121 Fair scene. Can be of any fair and can be of fair set-up, fair days, exhibits, clean-up, etc. 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y124 Enlargements are color or black and white on good quality photo paper sized either 7.5 x 10" or 8 x 10". 3.00 2.50 2.00
Y125 Tell a story. Your backing must be an 11" x 14" poster board. Use 5 snapshots to tell short story. DO NOT LABEL, caption or write the story anywhere, but DO display the title of your story on the front of your poster board. This project takes time and planning. Good Luck!! 3.00 2.50 2.00

Contacts

  • Kathy Ness
    Superintendent
    860-663-2663
  • Patty McDermott,
    Asst. Superintendent
    860-770-5979
  • Madeline Smith
    Group Superintendent
    860-346-2493
  • Jennie McDermott
    Computer Data Services

Committee

  • David Bedding
  • Paula Bedding
  • Aggie Cahill
  • Ed Carella
  • Tatiana Davis
  • Ryan Ford
  • Jennifer Fowler
  • Wendy Gibbs
  • Robin Heath
  • Joseph Hernandez
  • Simone Howe
  • Barbara Johnson
  • Thomas M. Kannam
  • Claudia Kehrhahn
  • Patti Kemish
  • Trevor Kemish
  • Pam Martin
  • Heather McCutchen
  • Brian McDermott
  • Patrick McDermott
  • Raymond McDermott
  • Joan Mantle
  • Lisa Moore
  • Donna Nordstrom
  • Olivia Rigano
  • Bonnie Ruffino
  • Karen Stackpole
  • Sue Strang