“Make an Edible Bug” Contest is back…

Make an Edible Bug Contest at The Linn County Fair is back again this year! Children ages 10 and under must construct a “bug” using edible materials and then bring it to the Farm Bureau Free Entertainment Tent on Thursday, June 27, 2013.

There will be three age classes: 5 years old and under, 6 & 7 years old, and 8-10 years old. Bugs should be created with foods such as: any fresh fruit or vegetable available; pastries including cake, Twinkies, cookies, etc.; candy (must be unwrapped); breads, pasta, dried beans or peas, etc.

Insect related prizes will be given for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place in each age class. The first 75 participants will receive a Bug Coloring Book from The Linn County Fair Association and our generous sponsor of this contest – Certified Pest Control.Each participant can only enter one bug. It should be displayed on a plate or piece of cardboard no bigger than 10” x 10”. Each entry must include a 3” x 5” card that states what kind of bug it is and what food was used to construct it.  The entry will be judged on overall appearance and creativity. After the competition is over, the contestant can either eat their entry or take it home with them.

2012 Winner

For more information and registration forms go to http://thelinncountyfair.com/2013/open-class-shows/open%20contest%20registration/2013-edible-bug-registration.pdf

For questions contact Sue Abel at sueabel@thelinncountyfair.com.

 

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th- July 1st,  2013
www.thelinncountyfair.com

Barnyard Wars – Need Participants

The Linn County Fair Association is looking for participants to be part of the Barnyard Wars on Wednesday, June 26th at 7:30pm in the grandstand at the fairgrounds in Central City.

The contest is open to teams of three, broken up in three age groups with no resident restrictions. Age groups include the Junior Division – Grades 4th to 7th graders, Senior Division – 8th to 12th graders, and Open age adult division. All team members must fall into the same age group.

The contest will be made up of a two person obstacle course. The pair must get 6 eggs in a basket, tossing from one person to another. After completing that they will run and dress up in farmer clothes, where the girls dress up as the guys and vice versa. Then they will tie their legs together to run the three legged race to the tire roll while carrying the basket of eggs.

The third team member will do the milk chugging contest to see who the fastest chugger is. In case of a tie we will have a mystery tie breaker event. All teams must arrive the night of the event by 7pm. The event is FREE to the general public to watch the Barnyard Wars in action.

In between the heats there will be a “cow chip tossing” contest. The contest is open to kids 3 to 8 years old, split up into two age groups. The younger kids (3 to 5 year olds) will stand 10 feet away and try to toss one “cow ship” into a water trough, while the older kids will stand 15 feet away to try to toss the “cow chip” into a water bucket.

Awards will be given to the top three teams and youngster in each age group. Special thanks to River Valley Cooperative for sponsoring the event. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged for teams and youngsters. To register please email barnyardwars@gmail.com with team’s name, participant names and ages, or youngsters name and age for the “cow chip tossing” contest. Contest is limited to 10 teams and 10 youngster participants, first come first serve basis. If any slots are still open the day of the event, registration will be open from 8am to 4pm, go to Gate Building at the fairgrounds to register.

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th- July 1st, 2013
http://www.thelinncountyfair.com

Open Amateur Wine Making Contest 2013

Iowa is becoming known for their locally grown and produced wine.  The Linn County Fair and Déjà Vine Vineyards & Winery are excited to host the Open Amateur Wine Making contest again this year at The Linn County Fair on Saturday, June 29, 2013 to help show case some of the amateur wines in Iowa.

The Amateur Wine Making contest is open to all Iowa residents and participants are encouraged to pre-registry by going to http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html. Entries will be received Saturday, June 29, 2013 between 8 am – 9 am at The Linn County Fair in Central City.

General Rules:

• Must be 21 years old to enter.
• One bottle per entry required.
• Bottles must be standard 750ml bottles with no labels, clean including the outside of bottle
• One entry per class.
• Variety of grapes, berries, fruit, vegetable, flower, or herbs used must be listed for each bottle
• No commercial wineries
• Wines will be judged on a 20-point scale for: sight, smell, taste, finish, and overall.

Categories:

• Division I: Varietal Wines  
  • Note: Varietal wines are made using grape juice from European, California or warm weather grapes
  • Class:
    1. Red, dry
    2. Red, sweet
    3. White, dry
    4. White, sweet
    5. Blush, dry
    6. Blush, sweet
•  Division II: Non-varietal Wines 
• Note: Non-varietal wines are made from grapes grown regionally or cold weather grapes
• Class:
  1. Red, dry
  2. Red, sweet
  3. White, dry
  4. White, sweet
  5. Blush, dry
  6. Blush, sweet
• Division III: Country Wines Division 
•  Class:
  1. Berries, dry
  2. Berries, sweet
  3. Fruit, white dry
  4. Fruit, white sweet
  5. Fruit, red dry
  6. Fruit, red sweet
  7. Rhubarb
  8. Vegetable
  9. Flower/herb
• IV: Mead 
• Division V: Other/cider
  

There will be a question and answer session with Al Meyers from Deja Vine Winery after the competition.  The public is encouraged to participate. For more information on our other open contest go to http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html

“Dancin’ Thru the Decades” contest

Music and dancing has always been part of The Linn County Fair from the first fair with musical instrumental exhibits to the dancing pavilion in the 20’s to the start of the 4-H dances in the 60s, to this year as we commemorate our 125^th anniversary  with a special contest called the “Dancin’ Thru the Decades.”

Here are a few newspaper clips referencing dancing and music at The Linn County Fair:

• “H. C. Waits, Cedar Rapids, took first premium on all musical Instruments” as printed in the GAZETTE September 12, 1889.
• “These with a big, clean midway, several good shows, a big Ferris wheel, a $10,000 merry-go-round and dancing pavilion fill out a program that will make life one merry whirl while on the grounds.”- written in the Marion Weekly Sentinel August 28, 1924.
• Marion Sentinel September 3, 1925 article stated, “Remember that the outside gates are free each night admitting to live grounds which feature Wolf’s Greater Shows and midway attractions, including three sensational rides, seven Tent shows, and there will be dancing each evening at Wapsie Gardens. “

To help celebrate The Linn County Fair’s 125th Anniversary the Fair Association is putting on the “Dancing thru the Decades” Dance Off Competition. Participants will receive instructions on 10 different dance styles and have a chance to practice them before the competition begins. The dances include: the Charleston, the Hokey Pokey, the Chicken Dance, the Twist, YMCA, the Moonwalk, the Robot, the Macarena, the Cha Cha Slide, and Gangnam.

When the competition begins, contestants must perform the dance that corresponds with the music and as the music changes the dance style will change. Judges will “tap out” contests that aren’t performing correctly and the winner is the last person left dancing. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner and two runners-up. All participants will be entered into a raffle for grandstand tickets, they will have a 1 in 4 chance of winning.

The contest will take place on Saturday, June 29^th in the Small Animal Building at the fairgrounds. Sign-up begins at 4:30pm, followed by the dance instructions at 5pm with the completion starting at 6pm. There are no age or residency restrictions, everyone is invited to participate. For more information and complete rules go to: http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html.

To get a sneak peak of what the dances will be the Linn County 4-H Youth Council has helped put together a video demonstrating the different dances. Check out the video on YouTube:

“Call Me Martha”Contest- Registration due June 15th

Show off your creative side by entering The Linn County Fair’s “Call Me Martha Competition”. Pit your skills against other crafty people by assembling a decorative item in 60 minutes using only the items supplied in a bag received at the beginning of the contest. Contestants must bring their own construction supplies. The Linn County Fair will supply the craft items to be used. Finished project will be judged on creativity, originality, neatness, and the number of items in the bag used. 

2012 Winner- Kathy Clemens, Marion

The contestants may be an individual or a team of two individuals. The contest is open to school age or older.  Any one under 13 years of age must work with an adult as a team. Registration is due by June 15th and is limited to 15 entries, first come, first serve basis. 

The contest will take place on Friday, June 28th at 6pm as part of the fair’s Community Day events. Prizes will be given for first, second and third place. The creations will be on display through the remainder of the fair.  Contestants may take their decorative item home at the end of the fair. For for details and registration form go to http://thelinncountyfair.com/2013/open-class-shows/open%20contest%20registration/2013-martha-registration.pdf.

Be sure to check out all the open competitions. There will be contests for all ages and interests throughout the 2013 fair. http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html.

 

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th- July 1st,  2013
www.thelinncountyfair.com

 

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Tablescaping Contest Back at the fair- Registration due June 15th

Tablescaping, the art of arranging tables to create a mood from ordinary to extraordinary, is returning to The Linn County Fair on Saturday, June 29 as one of the many contest at the fair. Contestants will use the 2’ x 4’ table provided for them and by adding their own plates, stemware, flatware, centerpiece, etc., create a decorative tablescape. The exhibit will be open to the public from noon until 6 pm.

2012 Tablescaping Winner

Contestants will pick their own theme and decorate the table accordingly, including a menu. Fresh flowers, unlit candles, and other table decorations are allowed, but no food or perishable items. The tablescapes will be judged on aesthetic value, functionality, and creativity. Preregistration is required and must be submitted by June 15. For complete rules and registration form, visit our website: http://thelinncountyfair.com/2013/open-class-shows/open%20contest%20registration/2013-tablescaping-registration.pdf.

Be sure check out the other one-day contests. http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html

Special thanks to Stove House Dinning in Central City for sponsoring this contest. 

Amateur Grilling Contest-”Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”

The Linn County Fair Association is looking for the “King of the Coals”. Back again this year is the Amateur Grilling Competition sponsored by The Grill Works in Marion. The contest is a chance for the backyard gourmet to show off their expertise at grilling the perfect chicken dinner.  The contest will be held at the Linn County Fair in Central City on Sunday, June 30, 2013.  It will be a chance to see how the local grilling masters compare against other grill enthusiasts to see who is the “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”.

2012 Amateur Grilling Contest with The Grill Works

Contestants (individual or team of two) will use their own equipment and supplies to grill a “Chicken Dinner” consisting of a whole chicken (supplied by The Linn County Fair Association), a vegetable side dish, and a starch. Judges will award prizes for the Best Chicken and the Best Overall Meal.

There are no residency restrictions but contestants must be over 18 years of age to compete. The competition is limited to 15 contestants and registration must be submitted by June 15. Complete rules and registration forms on the website: http://thelinncountyfair.com/2013/open-class-shows/open-class-rules-pdfs/2013-amatuer-grilling-contest-rules.pdf

 

2012 Amateur Grilling Contest Contestant

Be sure to check out all the open competitions. There will be contests for all ages and interests throughout the 2013 fair. http://thelinncountyfair.com/open-classes.html

 

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th- July 1st,  2013
www.thelinncountyfair.com

2013 Little Mr. and Miss Linn County Fair Contest

The Linn County Fair Association is accepting applications for the 2013 Little Mr. and Miss Linn County Fair Contest. Working to involve the youth of the Linn County Fair, the Little Mr. and Miss Contest is now in its third year and provides the contestants the chance to get further involved with the fair as well as meet and bond with peers in the same age group.

The Little Mr. and Miss Linn County Fair Contest is open to boys and girls in Kindergarten through third grade who reside in Linn County and have been involved in the fair in some way. Such involvement may include, but is not limited to, clover kids, the Kiddee Tractor Pull, the Kiddee Calf Show, and/or Bucket Bottle Lamb. For a complete list of contest qualifications, please visit http://www.thelinncountyfair.com/little-mr-miss-linn-co.html. The responsibilities of winners include representing the fair during fair week by wearing the crown provided as well as handing out ribbons and awards at various shows throughout the fair.

To enter this contest, contestants must be eligible in accordance with the provided rules as well as fill out and turn in the application form and coloring page to the Linn County Extension Office or mailing it to The Linn County Fair by May 15th, 2013. Contestants must also attend judging on June 26th, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Linn County Fairgrounds Grandstand. The 2013 Little Mr. and Miss Linn County Fair will be announced and crowned Wednesday, June 26th at the Linn County Fair Cook-out and Opening Program in the grandstand starting at 6:00 P.M.

Applications are due by May 15th, 2013. They can be dropped off at the Linn County Extension office in Marion or mailed to the Linn County Fair – Little Mr. and Miss Contest, PO Box 329, Central City, IA 52213. NO APPLICATIONS will be accepted by committee members.

 

Rules and entry forms are available online at http://thelinncountyfair.com/little-mr-miss-linn-co.html. Questions please contact Taylor Zumbach at tzumbach8326@mustangs.mtmercy.edu 

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th– July 1st, 2013

www.thelinncountyfair.com

Contest Sponsored by: SECURITY STATE BANK SPRINGVILLE

2013 Linn County Fair Queen Contest

The Linn County Fair Association is now accepting applications for the 2013 Linn County Fair Queen Contest. The Queen Contest has been a long standing tradition at the fair and provides contestants a great experience with other young talented women that are role models in their communities.

The Linn County Fair Queen Contest is open to ladies 16 to 21 years old that reside in Linn County and are an active member of at least one service organization in her community such as 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, and church youth groups. For a complete list of contestant qualifications go to http://www.thelinncountyfair.com/queen-competition.html. It is required that contestants have at least two years of involvement with The Linn County Fair prior to running.

The responsibilities of The Linn County Fair Queen includes but not limited to:

• Being a spokesperson for the fair to help promote it through parades, banquets and other public events.
• Be present during different fair events from grandstand to livestock events.
• Represent The Linn County Fair at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines in August.
• Through the different activities, the queen will help promote and represent The Linn County Fair!

Queen contestants will be required to attended several events. The first event is The ROYALTY DAY that will be held on June 8th from 9 am to noon. This day will consist of interviewing skills/techniques, relaxation and much more for all fair queen contestants. Contestants will feel like a real queens when this day comes to a close while coming away with new interview techniques, networking and public speaking skills.

2012 Queen Judging Day

The contest judging will take place on the same day from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, place to be determined. Public will be allowed to meet the contestants after the judging at 3:30 pm.

Other events include the Hiawatha Hog Wild Days Parade on Saturday, June 22nd and the Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market on Saturday, June 1st.

The 2013 queen and princess will be announced and crowned Wednesday, June 26th at The Linn County Fair Cook-out and Opening Program in the grandstand starting at 5:00 P.M.

The contest will help develop many of the skills that are needed to succeed today. The current Linn County Royalty is Queen Maci Rice of Mt. Vernon and Princess Tayler Etzel of Alburnett. Past Linn Count Fair Queens and contestants have gone on to be role models and leaders in their communities.

2012 Queen Contestants

Applications are due by May 15^th. They can be mailed to The Linn County Fair – Queen Contest, PO Box 329, Central City, IA 52213. NO APPLICATIONS will be accepted by committee members.

Past Linn County Fair Queen and current Fair Board President, Jennifer Dunn encourages young ladies to get involved, “This is a great opportunity to represent one of the best and fastest growing county fairs in the nation. We have many people looking at our county for information in what we do as a fair and what a great opportunity to be able to help display this great accomplishment as a fair.” 

Rules and entry forms are available online at http://www.thelinncountyfair.com/queen-competition.html

Questions please contact Jennifer Dunn at jenn@thelinncountyfair.com or Kathy Clemens at Kathy@thelinncountyfair.com or by calling 319-929-FAIR (3247).

The Linn County Fair in Central City from June 26th- July 1st,  2013
www.thelinncountyfair.com

Getting Healthy & Going Blue with the Healthy Linn County Challenge

Are you ready to get healthy and go blue? If so then you need to sign up for the 2013 “Healthy Linn County Challenge” with The Linn County Fair and Jenny Craig!

The Healthy Linn County Challenge is a three month contest open to all residents of Linn County. The contest will include teams of 4 to 6 people and individual contestants. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage people to lose weight by eating healthy and living an active lifestyle.

Jenny Craig will provide weekly healthy tips to help participants to eat healthy. The bi-monthly challenge updates will be posted on The Linn County Fair’s Facebook account to continue to encourage participants to follow through on their challenge to “Getting Healthy”. Participants can “Go Blue” and upgrade their lives by pledging their support for the Blue Zones Project at www.bluezonesproject.com.

Kandice Dowie,Jenny Craig Area Market Director Cedar Rapids/Coralville, talks about why they partnered with The Linn County Fair for this event, “Jenny Craig is all about transformation, and helping people realize that it’s a lifestyle change and one that can impact their entire family, especially the next generation. With the “Getting Healthy & Going Blue” Challenge, this is a great opportunity to help pay it forward in our local community. Jenny Craig is a proud supporter of the Healthy Linn County Challenge.”

A prize package will be given to the team and individual that loses the most percentage of weight by the end of the Challenge. The winners will be announced at The Linn County Fair on Wednesday, June 26th. The prize package will include money from the entry fees, a ticket to each of the 2013 Linn County Fair’s grandstand events, and prize package from Jenny Craig. All participants completing the challenge will be eligible for two grandstand tickets for a grandstand event of their choice during the 2013 Linn County Fair. Tickets will be distributed at the final weigh-in on June 18th and 20th.

To help promote The Linn County Fair’s 125th Anniversary the fair is offering a second reward to any team that loses 125 lbs as a whole. Each team member will receive a grandstand ticket to the event of their choice for the 2013 fair.

Individuals or teams can go to Jenny Craig (located next to Dick’s Sporting Goods at 4651 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids) or to The Linn County Fair’s website to fill out the entry form. Entry forms are due by March 22nd. First 100 qualified entries will receive a free t-shirt at their first weigh-in. See below for official rules or email info@thelinncountyfair.com with any questions.

The Linn County Fair and Jenny Craig are Getting Healthy & Going Blue with the Healthy Linn County Challenge 2013!

 

List of Rules

Open to ALL residents of Linn County Entry forms due by March 22nd. Please turn in at Jenny Craig or email to: info@thelinncountyfair.com Contest begins March 26th and runs through June 26th. Final weigh in dates are June 18th and 20th. Contest is open to teams of 4 to 6, or individual participants. Official weigh-ins will be on a bi-monthly schedule on your designated day, as marked on your entry form, at the Cedar Rapids Jenny Craig location. Contest leaders will be reported bi-monthly by either Team Name or individual first name and initial of last name. Participants are not required to be a Jenny Craig client. No membership is required. Special offers will be provided by Jenny Craig to contest participants. All participants completing the challenge will be eligible for two grandstand tickets for a grandstand event during the 2013 Linn County Fair. Tickets will be distributed at the final weigh in on June 18th and 20th. The Linn County Fair, Jenny Craig and/or The Blue Zone do not guarantee results, but encourage all participants to live a healthy and active life style.·         Shirts will be given to the first 100 participants. Prize money for winners will be determined by the number of participants in the challenge. Prize package will be given to the team and individual that loses the most percentage of weight. The prize package will include money from the entry fee, a ticket to each of the 2013 Linn County Fair’s grandstand events, and prize package from Jenny Craig. A second reward will be given to any team that loses 125 lbs as a whole to go along with the fair’s 125th anniversary. Each team member will receive a grandstand ticket to the event of their choice for the 2013 fair.