country fair entries due september 8

Blount County residents can compete in their choice of over 100 classes that include Poultry, Vegetables/Produce, Baked Goods, Canning, Honey Show, and Metal/Woodworking divisions. Entries are due in to the Heritage Center office by Monday, September 8. Premium lists and entry forms are available at www.gsmheritagecenter.org or by email request to gsmhcevents@yahoo.com

Most classes from last year are being offered again in 2008. New this year is an Open poultry show with classes both for adults and youth exhibitors, and winter squash classes in the vegetable division. This year’s honey show will include frame classes and a class for exhibits of bees in observation hives.

The popular “Best Pie in the Cove” baking competition is being divided this year, with one class for amateurs and the other for professionals, those who derive at least part of their income from baking, cooking or catering. Trophies will be given in both classes. Also being added to the Baked Goods division is a (seven-layer) Stack Cake class.

Last year’s fair attendance topped 2,000, and more are expected this year.

“This was our single most popular festival last year,” Bob Patterson, Center director, said this week. “We’re pleased to be able to offer it again in 2008, thanks to Integrity Development Group and Clayton Homes, and the support of all our event sponsors.”

The 2008 Blue Ribbon Country Fair presenting sponsors are Integrity Development Group, Inc. and Clayton Homes. Event sponsors this year include Akins Crisp Public Strategies; American Patriot Bank; Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.; Joy Bishop; Blackberry Farm; Citizens Bank of Blount County; Comcast; Dancing Bear Lodge; DENSO; John L. Emert, DDS; First Tennessee Bank; Fletcher Architects, Inc.; Foothills Farmers Co-Op; GreenBank; Hickory Construction, Inc.; Ingram, Overholt and Bean, PC; Joseph Construction, Inc.; Bob Kidd Siding Co.; Lawler-Wood LLC; Merit Construction, Inc.; Miller Funeral Home, Inc.; ORNL Credit Union; Smith Funeral & Cremation Service; Tellico Lake Properties, L.P.; Tennessee Marble Company; Barry and Jeanie VanWinkle; West Chevrolet; and Williams Realty.