Day 135

Welcome to my challenge!  You may be asking "Why is she starting today?"  Yes, I realize that my challenge is 100 entries in 100 days but I need some planning days to get started.  So, the first 30 some days will be planning, figuring out what I want to take, how to accomplish completing the entry, planting the garden and flowers, sewing, etc.  My plan is to come up with a list that I will post so I can begin checking off entries as I get started in May.  Also, although there are officially 135 days until the Iowa State Fair you have to take into account that many entries (especially Foods and Textiles) actually are due earlier than the fair's official start date.

My first tip for anyone planning to exhibit (this comes from some experience and my detail oriented - or perfectionist/anal - nature): always read the entry guidelines carefully and follow them exactly as stated!  The fair superintendents put a lot of time into making sure they get the details right - it is the exhibitor's responsibility to read and follow instructions.  That said - if something doesn't make sense call or contact the person listed in the entry booklet.  I have never had a negative experience trying to get clarification. 

Please realize that this journey is my own personal challenge - I know there are exhibitors who take 100 entries and more.  I just want to see if I can accomplish my goal and spread into areas new to me.  I have exhibited in food, floriculture and horticulture in past years.  This year I am going to be a newbie in textiles.  So, I hope to provide some insight into being a new exhibitor in an area as well as providing some tips I've learned along the way.  Some relating directly to a certain class or department and some that carry across all areas.

I hope that you will follow along my journey with me.  Share my joys and triumphs along with my disasters and disappointments.  Trust me my cats and chickens have enjoyed many a failed cake or yeast bread throughout the years and I am sure this year will be no different.  If you have never exhibited before because you think you have nothing to offer or you find it intimidating let me tell you I am just an average gal and if I can do it you can too!  Start small, find an area you love and bring an entry!  It's fun, it's rewarding, it challenges you and most importantly you will learn a lot not just about cooking or baking or growing flowers or veggies but about yourself and I can guarantee you'll make new friends along the way!