Why am I promoting the Evergreen State Fair?
 

I’ve always known that the local community of fiber artists are talented but seeing them day in and day out at the shop has solidified that perspective in me. Our customers, who are generous and kind in general, often show up in ways that surprise and delight me by creating objects from hooks, needles, and yarn that are absolutely beautiful and stunning.

I want all of them to have some time in the spotlight and this is one way to do so.

By entering an item (or more) into the Fair, YOU get to show the Fair attendees that the fiber arts are still around and valued by many. A friend or family member may be surprised to see YOUR object on display with a ribbon attached to it, or someone that knows YOU may find out that there was a hidden talent or connection that they missed.

I also believe that we all have an inner critic that needs to be proven wrong, and this could be the way you get it to just shut up. (I know that validation should not come from outside sources, but sometimes you just need to hear the good things about yourself from someone else.)

 

Please note that the following information is an overview and collection of information found in the exhibitor’s handbooks. Please be sure to review and follow the specific information in the handbooks and do not rely on my overview to cover all the information you may need to enter.

Here are the basics of what you need to know:

1. The Evergreen State Fair Opens on Thursday, August 27 and runs through Monday, September 7. 
   (The Fair is closed on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd).

2. Entries are accepted on specific days (in person), your item(s) stay on display throughout Fair and pick up of your item(s) will occur September 8th).
   **The Entry tag or your personal ID will be needed in order to claim your submitted item at pick up.

3. Upon submitting your entry, you will receive a coupon redeemable for purchase of one (1) half price admission ticket to the fair.
   (One coupon per department entered.)

4. You can choose to enter your item(s) for Display Only or for Judging. The entry process is the same for both options.

5. If you choose to have your item(s) judged, you will be eligible to be awarded a ribbon/rosette and possibly a monetary amount!

6. Registration can be completed online prior to entry date.
   If you miss the online entry deadline, entries will be accepted as walk-ins during the department entry date.

7. Each Department has a Prefix Code that describes skill level for entries and then Class Codes that denote the category and item type for easy classification.
    

Last day to register online for the knit and crochet departments is 8/11/26.
 

Link to website page for registration: On-line Entries Evergreen State Fair

 

DID YOU KNOW?
The Danish System is used for judging which means each item is judged upon its own merit and has the potential for a blue ribbon. You will also receive the judging sheets with your item(s) upon pick up so you will know how well you did in the judging and get valuable feedback for how to improve in the future.

Specifics:
Your item(s) will be entered into the Open Class.
 

1. Open Class entries have different departments, rules, schedules, and entry dates. *See the department information in the exhibitor handbooks

2. Items must have been completed within the last 2 years.

3. Items MUST be Clean, Dry, and without odors. Entries will be refused if they do not meet these criteria.

4. Items must NOT have been entered into the Fair prior.

5. Items MUST have been the handwork of the registrant.

6. Judges will WANT to know if your design is self-patterned.

7. Each department has a Maximum number of items per registrant.
   *See the department information in the exhibitor handbooks 
    

Link to the Open Class page and Exhibitor Handbook pages:
Evergreen State Fair Open Class Information

 

Which Department should you enter?
 

Knit and Crochet full under 2 departments:
Department Q – Decorative Arts, Section 3 – Lace, Knit, & Crochet
Department R – Handspinning, Weaving, & Basketry

The difference? 
Department Q will accept all knit and crochet items with any yarn used.
Department R will accept knit and crochet items that use at LEAST 50% handspun yarn and it must have been handspun by the registrant.


Department Codes:
Each Department has a Prefix Code that describes skill level for entries and then Class Codes that denote the category and item type for easy classification.
You will NEED to know these things in order to register both online and in-person.

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• Example for Department Q that is a crocheted hat made with commercial yarn by an Intermediate crafter -
  Q3B C13 = Lace, Knit & Crochet Department, Section 3, Intermediate, Crocheted Hat
   

• Example for Department R that is a knitted poncho made with handspun yarn by an adult -
  R1 L16 = Handspinning Department, Adult, Knitted Article, Poncho
  
   

Additional items to know for entries:

Department R:
Requests that you provide information about your item upon online entry that describes your item. This would be a description that says what it is, what color it is, and what size (big or small) and not the title or pattern name.

Department Q:
You WILL NEED a 3 x 5 card attached to each entry that is labeled with the following information:

• Fiber Content

• Class project or own original design?

• Briefly tell judge anything that you feel may be pertinent to the creation or end use of the item. MUST include 50% handspun yarn that was handspun by the registrant.

• How long have you been doing your craft?
  
   

Have fun and good luck!

I hope to see YOUR items when I head to the Evergreen State Fair. 

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