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One of my favorite parts of the Horticulture Show is seeing what the children enter.  “Tiny Tots’ is a division that is just for children eight years of age and younger as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Along with entering their exhibit into the division, they also get the opportunity to talk to the judge who speaks with them about what they grew and how they grew it. There is no entry fee for this category as no premiums are awarded; however each entry receives a participation ribbon from the judge.

Along with the “Tiny Tots” division children and parents can work together by entering an adult/youth vegetable basket which is a basket or tray that contains five vegetables, fruits, or herbs. First place in the adult/youth basket division receives a useful gift sponsored by the Morgan County Gardeners and Plains Realty.

Another fun project that both youth and adults can enter is creating a Fairy Garden, which is under the Floral Arrangement Division. The Fairy Garden is to be made in a container no larger than 18 inches, and can include plant material and accessories. There are four other categories in the Floral Arrangement Division, and the champion of this division receives a ribbon and a $10 cash award.

“All Dressed Up” is a class in the Novelty Vegetable Division that is fun for youth to participate in. In this class vegetables can be painted, decorated or carved and then entered. There are many ways that you can involve youth before the fair even starts by having them help pick the vegetables or flowers that will be entered into fair. Asking them questions such as “Why do you like this flower so much” helps them think about why they would choose one flower over another.

By having these conversations with youth it can help them to learn what to look for in a good flower or vegetable. Ask them to help you pick the things they will enter into the fair, and be sure to encourage them to ask the judge questions too!

Both Open Crops and Garden and Open Floriculture entries are due Saturday, July 30 between 8 and 11 a.m. and judging of the entries begins at 1 p.m., starting with the Tiny Tot classes and moving into the adult classes. The open classes are a fun way to children to get involved in the Fair and we look forward to the fun exhibits the children will enter at the Horticulture Show at the Morgan County Fair.

Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. If you have a disability for which you seek an accommodation, please notify Aimee Kanode.

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