Home & Family Arts

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Ranai Stoner, Superintendent

General Rules & Information:

Registration: Registration begins June 1st. Early Registration is recommended. Please Register at the Fair Office during office hours. MINIMUM AGE OF 15 YEARS AND NOT IN 4H.

Entry Fee: $40 with Season Pass, $20 without Season Pass. You may enter as many entries as possible you would like. You may also enter classes in Agriculture and Horticulture.

Entries: All exhibits must be the work of the exhibitor and be completed by him/her since August 2023, and NOT shown previously at the La Porte County Fair. Only one exhibit may be entered in a division. All articles will be displayed in the Community Bldg. The Fair Board will not be responsible for theft of articles. Every possible care will be taken of articles.

Exhibitors MUST have their entry tag securely attached to the exhibit when brought in for entry. The exhibitor’s name and address must be on the backside of the entry tag. ALL ITEMS MUST BE DRIED AND FINISHED BEFORE ITEM WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Each division may also have additional rules listed. Please be aware.

Arrival and Release Times: All entries must be on grounds by start of judging for that division. You may also drop off items to the fair office starting July 1st. Exhibits may NOT be removed before Sunday, July 14th (with the exception of plants) Release times are from NOON - 2:00p.m. Sunday July 14th. Please note that this is the ONLY time you can pick up your items.

Judging: Judging will be open. Comment cards will be supplied for each individual item. If there are less than three (3) articles in any class, the exhibit will be placed according to the judge’s decision as to quality of work.

Premiums: Premiums are listed within each division. Premium checks will be available Sunday July 14, 2023, between Noon and 2pm. They will also be available during normal office hours after the fair. Checks will not be mailed and will be forfeited after Sept 15th.

Schedule of Judging:

Tuesday, July 1 - Crafts and Food Preservation
Saturday, July 5 – Flowers
Monday, July 7 – Cookies, Candies, Breads, Muffins, Quick Breads
Tuesday, July 8 - Cakes
Wednesday, July 9 – Pies
Thursday, July 10 – Flowers

TUESDAY July 1, 2025

NEEDLEWORK, HANDICRAFTS, & FLOWERS — Judging is at 6PM in the Community Building

All needlework and handicraft articles to be entered must be brought to the Home and Family Arts Department in the Community Building on TUESDAY, July 1, 2025 between 4 and 6PM.
All general rules above apply.
Exhibitors MUST have their entry tag securely attached to the exhibit when brought in for entry.
Exhibitor’s name and address must be on the backside of the entry tag.
Entries must be the work of the exhibitors
All items must be dried and finished before item will be accepted.

NEEDLEWORK & HANDICRAFTS

All needlework and handicraft articles to be entered must be brought to the Home and Family Arts Department in the Community Building by Tuesday, July 2, 2024, between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Judging will begin at 6pm.

2. All general rules above apply.

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

DIVISION
1. Knitting
a. Afghan
b. Baby afghan
c. Other

2. Crocheting
a. Afghan
b. Baby afghan
c. Amigurumi
d. Other

3. Counted Cross Stitch – Ready to Hang
a. Framed
b. Other

4. Embroidery
a. Crewel Embroidery picture or wall hanging–ready to hang
b. Basic Embroidery
d. Machine Embroidery–any item

5. Sewing
a. Infant (sizes NB–12mo)
b. Children’s Playwear (sizes 2T to children’s 12)
c. Teen Wear–any item
d. Adult Day Wear (dress, jacket dress, jumper, blouse or pants)
e. Special Occasion Wear – any size
f. Non-Wearable (wall hanging, stuffed animal, tote, etc)
g. Doll Clothing (any size, to fit a child’s doll)

6. Wearable Art
a. Top
b. Other

7. Tatting
a. Any Item

8. Weaving (Loom)
a. Any Item

9. Other Needlework
a. Any Needlework other than above

NEEDLEWORK SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

QUILTS

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place: $6.00 · 2nd Place: $5.00 · 3rd Place: $4.00

DIVISION
10. Quilts
a. Hand Quilted & Finished–Any Item
b. Hand Quilted & MACHINE Finished–Any Item
c. Machine Quilted- Pieced
12-c-1: Computerized long arm finish- regulate
12-c-2: Manual long arm finish- regulated
12-c-3: Basic machine finish- nonregulated
d. Machine Quilted Child’s Bed or Crib
12-d-1: Computerized long arm finish- regulate
12-d-2: Manual long arm finish- regulated
12-d-3: Basic machine finish- nonregulated
e. Machine Quilted- Two or more techniques
12-e-1: Computerized long arm finish- regulate
12-e-2: Manual long arm finish- regulated
12-e-3: Basic machine finish- nonregulated
f. Quilted Item – Other than above
g. Quilt – Hand quilted by Quilting Guild or Group

QUILT SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

HANDICRAFTS–Group 1

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

DIVISION
11. Woodworking
a. Any Item

12. Woodcarving
a. Any Item

13. Baskets–Non Pro–Hand Woven
a. Reed Basket – Any Size
b. Basket & Lid
c. Other Basket

14. Gourd
a. Birdhouses
b. Other

15. Hand Made Jewelry
a. Any Item

16. Ceramics–Non Pro
a. Cast piece–fired-on glaze
b. Cast piece–non-fired finish
c. Other

17. Pencil Sketch–No Nudes–Non Pro
a. Not to exceed 36”–ready to hang/display–B & W
b. Not to exceed 36”–ready to hang/display–Color

18. Charcoal–No nudes–Non Pro
a. Any item–not over 36”–ready to hang/display

19. Pen/Ink–No Nudes–Non Pro
a. Any item–not over 36”–ready to hang/display

20. Oil synthetics on canvas–No nudes–Non pro
a. Any item–not over 36”–ready to hang/display

21. Acrylic, synthetics on canvas–No nudes–Non pro
a. Any item–not over 36”–ready to hang/display

22. Watercolor painting–No nudes–Non Pro
a. Any item–not over 36”–ready to hang/display

HANDICRAFT SWEEPSTAKES GROUP 1—ROSETTE

PHOTOGRAPHY

23. Photography–No nudes–Non Pro
a. 8 x 10 – 16 x 20 – Matted – Color
1. Animals – ready to hang/display
2. Portrait– ready to hang/display
3. Other– ready to hang/display
b. 8 x 10 – 16 x 20 – Matted – Black & White
1. Animals – ready to hang/display
2. Portrait– ready to hang/display
3. Other– ready to hang/display

PHOTOGRAPHY SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

HANDICRAFTS–Group 2

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

DIVISION
24. Bead Craft
a. Any Item

25. Stained or Blown Glass–Non Pro
a. Any Item

26. Tole or Decorative Painting
a. Any Item

27. Scrap Booking–Non Pro
a. 1 Album Special Event–Not to exceed 12” x 12”
b. 1 or 2 Page Layout

28. Recycled Craft
a. Any Item Recycled

29. Pottery
a. Any Item

30. Holiday Decor — Any Holiday
a. Tree Ornament–Any Material–single ready to hang
b. Tree Ornament–Any Material–set of 3
c. Garland
d. Holiday Wreath — ready to hang
e. Holiday Door Decoration — ready to hang, non-wreath

31. Diamond Painting
a. Any item over 36” ready to hang/display

HANDICRAFT SWEEPSTAKES GROUP 2—ROSETTE
Virginia Seitz Award for Outstanding Handicraft—ROSETTE

FOR BAKED PRODUCT COMPETITIONS: “Filling, frosting, glazing, pie filling, and meringue, whether uncooked or cooked ARE NOT PERMITTED to contain cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream or whipped cream as the nature of these products increases the moisture content and water activity of the food. Foods with a higher moisture content and water activity can be ideal for growing conditions for food borne pathogens, even if the ingredient is part of a batter or baked. Additionally, raw milk, raw milk products or uncooked eggs/egg whites are not permitted. Eggs/egg whites that have been cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e. pasteurized or included as part of a batter and baked) are acceptable. No home-canned fruits, vegetables, or meats are permitted in products. Recipes must be provided that show which ingredients were used in each part of the product. Contestants should carefully wash their hands and make sure that their hands do not have any open cuts before preparing foods. Contestants should not be preparing food exhibits for competition within 48 hours of recovering from any illness. Whenever possible, baked products should be transported and stored in chilled coolers (41 degrees Fahrenheit). Judges and individuals who will consume products from county and state competitions should be informed that they are at risk for food borne illness since the established policy cannot guarantee that an entry which is a “potentially hazardous food” has been properly prepared or handled before, during or following competition. Tasting of a food product is solely at the discretion of the judge. Judges are NOT to taste any low-acid or acidified preserved food, like green beans or tomato products, and are discouraged from tasting any other home preserved food. Consumers of competitive food exhibits being sold at auction or used for hospitality purposes should be notified they could be at risk for foodborne illness since the established policy cannot guarantee that any entry which may be a potentially hazardous food has been properly prepared or handled before, during or following the competition.”

TUESDAY – July 1, 2025

FOOD PRESERVATION, PIES, & COOKIES — Judging is at 6PM

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS: 1st Place: $4.00 · 2nd Place: $3.00 · 3rd Place: $2.00

Exhibits should be brought in between 4 and 6PM.
All general rules above and Food Safety Regulation apply.
Each exhibit must have the exhibitor’s tag securely fastened with a rubber band on the neck of the jar.
Each jar should be clearly labeled with product name and date of processing ON THE LID.
All products must be exhibited in standard colorless glass canning jar (except where otherwise noted) JAR RINGS must be exhibited on jar.
All products must have been canned since July 2022.
All food must be processed by water bath or pressure canner to secure seal. Unsealed jars will be disqualified.
Jars may be opened at the discretion of the judge. A sticker will be attached to exhibit if the jar has been opened.
After judging, all jars will be on exhibit.
Ribbons may be picked up between 11am and 2pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Entries must be the work of the exhibitors.
RECIPES A MUST. Indicate processing method on recipes
No items requiring refrigeration may be entered.
Items not picked up on release date will be disposed of immediately.

FOOD PRESERVATION

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS: 1st Place: $4.00 · 2nd Place: $3.00 · 3rd Place: $2.00

DIVISION
32. Fruits – Standard colorless jars

33. Vegetables – Standard colorless jars

34. Jams – Standard colorless jars – appropriate texture

35. Jellies – Natural Color, flavor, transparent – standard colorless jars

36. Butters (Soft Spreads) – standard colorless jars
a. Apple
b. Single Fruit- Other Than Apple
c. 2 or More Fruits
d. Other

37. Pickles and Relishes- standard colorless jars
a. Bread & Butter
b. Sweet Pickles
c. Dill Pickles
d. Pickled Beets
e. Other Pickled Items
f. Sweet Relish
g. Corn Relish
h. Other Relish
i. Salsa

BEST OF FOOD PRESERVATION SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

MONDAY – July 7, 2025

BREADS, CANDY, & CAKES — Judging is at 6PM

Exhibits should be brought in between 8 and 10AM.
All general rules above and Food Safety Regulation apply.
After judging, only winning samples will be on exhibit, and the exhibitor may pick up remaining portion.
Ribbons may be picked up between 11am and 2pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Entries must be the work of the exhibitors.
RECIPES A MUST, Exhibitor number must be on recipes
No items requiring refrigeration may be entered.
Items not picked up on release date will be disposed of immediately.

CANDY, COOKIES & BREADS — Judging is at 6PM

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS: 1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

CANDY

DIVISION
38. Brittle–any kind–5 pieces

39. Fudge–5 pieces
a. Chocolate Fudge
b. Peanut Butter Fudge
c. Brown Sugar Fudge
d. Truffles

40. Divinity–5 pieces

41. Molded Candy – 5 pieces

42. English Toffee – 5 pieces

43. Sugar Free – any kind – 5 pieces

44. Miscellaneous Candy
a. Popcorn Balls (bag of 3, individually wrapped)
b. Carmel Corn
c. Any Candy, except or above, 5 pieces

BEST OF CANDY SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

COOKIES

DIVISION
45. Cookies–paper plate of 5
a. Unbaked
b. Diabetic
c. Fancy Party
d. Bar
e. Rolled
f. Drop
g. Brownies
h. Graham Crackers
i. Gluten Free
j. My Favorite Cookie – (Can Be Any Kind)

BEST OF COOKIES SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

BREAD

DIVISION
46. Bread–Yeast
a. White
b. Whole Wheat or Rye
c. Sourdough
d. French or other Crusty Bread
e. Cinnamon & Raisin
f. Gluten Free

47. Bread Machine
a. White
b. Whole Wheat or Rye
c. Sourdough

48. Yeast Rolls–paper plate of 3
a. Sweet
b. Dinner

49. Yeast Sweet Dough
a. Tea Ring or Braid

BEST OF YEAST BREADS SHOW SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

50. Quick Breads–Loaf or Bundt/Angel Food Pan
a. Nut
b. Fruit
c. Vegetable
d. Fruit and Nut
e. Coffee Cake
f. Zucchini

51. Quick Breads–Bag of 3
a. Baking Powder Biscuits
b. Corn Bread
c. Cake Donuts
d. Scones

50. Muffins–Bag of 3
a. Plain
b. Fruit
c. Vegetable
e. Other than above

BEST OF QUICK BREADS/MUFFINS SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

SATURDAY – July 5, 2025

FLOWERS GROUP 1 — Judging is at 10:30A in the Community Building

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

Exhibit is due on Saturday between 10AM and 12PM.
Judging: Saturday, July 7, 2025 @ 12:30PM
NO distinction between Amateur and GCM
Container (put name on container) may be removed after 8:00 P.M. Wednesday
Accessories Optional

53. Silk arrangement in your choice of container

54. Non-blooming (foliage) houseplant

55.“Tea Time”- fresh arrangement suitable for a tea party

56. Bud vase arrangement using 3 flower blooms of your choice with greenery

57. “Hooray for the U.S.A.”- fresh flower arrangement celebrating America

58. Adorn a Wreath-use dried material to decorate a wreath

59. “Celebration of the La Porte County Fair”-use fair memorabilia and fresh flowers to make your arrangement

60. Houseplant of your choice in a decorative container

61. “High Style” arrangement using lilies or orchids

62. Blooming houseplant-(I.e. African Violet, Orchid, etc.)

63. “Backyard Treasures”-arrangement using fresh cut flowers grown in yard

64. “Barn Style”-fresh arrangement using a farm themed container

BEST OF FLOWERS 1 SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

TUESDAY – July 9, 2024

CAKES — Judging is at 10:30AM

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS: 1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

Exhibits are due between 8 and 10AM.
All general rules above and Food Safety Regulation apply.
Entries must be the work of the exhibitors.
Exhibits should be on cardboard 1” larger than cake or on your own cake plate. ( Put name on bottom of cardboard or plate)
After judging, only winning samples will be on exhibit, and the exhibitor may pick up remaining portion.
Ribbons may be picked up between 11am and 2pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Bake angel food, chiffon cakes in center tube pan.
Bake cakes in round, square, oblong or Bundt pans.
CAKE DECORATING–Non-Pro–SEE RULES BELOW

DIVISION
65. TUBE CAKE – Use Center Tube Pan
a. Angel Food without frosting
b. Chiffon cake with choice of frosting
c. Sponge cake with choice of frosting

66. SINGLE LAYER CAKE: Tube or Loaf Cake
a. Pound Cake
b. Applesauce with choice of frosting
c. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

67. MULTIPLE LAYER CAKE
a. Yellow with white frosting
b. Chocolate with chocolate frosting
c. White with white frosting
d. Banana (banana in the batter) with choice of frosting
e. Spice with choice of frosting
f. Other than above with choice of frosting

68. MISCELLANEOUS CAKES
a. Cup Cakes (3 decorated)
b. Single or Layer with choice of frosting – start with your choice of boxed cake
c. Cake Decorating – single or multi-layer cake or form decorated using any variety of techniques (NON-PRO ONLY- cannot have received monetary compensation for decorated cakes prior to date of exhibit)

BEST OF CAKES SWEEPSTAKES—ROSETTE

WEDNESDAY – July 9, 2025

PIES — Judging is at 10:30AM

PREMIUMS AS FOLLOWS: 1st Place: $5.00 · 2nd Place: $4.00 · 3rd Place: $3.00

Exhibits should be brought in between 8 and 10AM.
All general rules above and Food Safety Regulation apply.
Not responsible for pie pan (put name on bottom of pan)
Pies will be judged on flavor, texture of the crust, filling and general appearance.
After judging, only a sample of the pie will be on exhibit. Exhibitor may pick up remaining portion after judging.
Two crust pies may either be lattice or CUT OUT top crust.
Ribbons may be picked up between 11am and 2pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Entries must be the work of the exhibitors
RECIPES REQUIRED FOR FILLING AND CRUST
No items requiring refrigeration may be entered.
Items not picked up on release date will be disposed of immediately.