Interested in entering a competitive exhibit at the Lebanon Area Fair? All exhibits must be pre-registered and the deadline is fast approaching on Friday, July 5!

If you haven’t recently entered a contest at the Fair, it’s time to look at the Fair Catalog, available online or in the Fair Office. Odds are, there is a category where you could vie for a ribbon.

You will find classes for green thumbs such as cut flowers, floral arrangements, live wreaths, and dozens of vegetable and herbs. Artists may enter photographs, paintings, drawings, and more. Prefer needlecraft? The Fair offers classes for knitted, crocheted, cross-stitched, appliqued, embroidered, and quilted items. There are also classes for metal works, wood works, jewelry, baked goods, canned produce, dried vegetables and herbs, evergreen trees, wine and beer.

“We are constantly trying to keep up with trends in what people are doing and adding contest categories in those areas,” says Lebanon Area Fair Indoor Exhibit Chairman Rachel Siegel.

New classes for 2019 include additional decorated gourd classes, a youth category for the popular place-setting contest, as well as a new patio design category for those people with an eye for outdoor decor.

“New classes are added based on suggestion box requests, what we see at other Fairs, as well as posts we see on Pinterest or other online forums,” said Sue Werner, Lebanon Area Fair Vice Chairman. “Every year we receive dozens of requests for new classes, and we try to accommodate as many as possible within the physical constraints of the halls.”

Fair exhibitors show off their craft for a chance at a potential ribbon, monetary premium, bragging rights, and the coveted “Best In Show” awards that are showcased in a special display area within West Hall.

Adults of any age or youth may enter “open” categories. Youth categories are available to any youth up to age 18. 4-H/FFA is entered in a separate department from general youth. Pre-entry is required for most contests by July 5. Review the Fair Catalog at www.lebanonareafair.com for details. Call or visit the Fair Office Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 717-273-3795 for additional assistance.

The 63rd Annual Lebanon Area Fair runs July 20-27 at the Lebanon Valley Exposition & Fairgrounds, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon. Complete schedule of events and admission information is available at www.lebanonareafair.com.