Gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all experience levels are invited to sharpen their exhibiting skills at “Grow to Show: Mastering the Art of Fair Exhibiting,” an upcoming in-person workshop focused on preparing high-quality entries for county fairs.
Hosted at the Lebanon Valley Agricultural Center, this educational session will take place on Thursday, June 11, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Participants will gain practical, hands-on knowledge to confidently showcase vegetables, flowers, and houseplants in fair competitions.
Whether entering for the first time or aiming to improve past results, attendees will learn the techniques needed to present exhibits that stand out to judges. The workshop will walk participants through every stage of the exhibiting process—from entry preparation to final presentation.
What participants will learn
The session will cover essential topics, including:
- How to properly enter exhibits and avoid common disqualification mistakes
- Criteria judges use to determine the “closest to ideal” specimen
- Techniques for selecting, cleaning, preparing, and presenting entries
- How to evaluate maturity, size, color, shape, and overall condition
- Strategies for creating uniform groupings in multi-specimen classes
- Practical tips for transporting entries and staging displays
- Insight into judging variability and how it affects outcomes
Attendees will also discover how careful attention to detail—such as specimen uniformity and visual appeal—can improve scoring and enhance overall exhibit quality.
Prepare to showcase your garden skills
This workshop equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to take part in county fair competitions and enjoy the exhibiting experience. By understanding judges’ expectations and refining preparation techniques, gardeners can elevate their entries and increase their chances of success.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, June 11
- Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
- Location: Lebanon Valley Agricultural Center
2120 Cornwall Rd., Lebanon, PA - Registration Deadline: June 9
To learn more or register, visit extension.psu.edu/grow-to-show or call 877-345-0691.
