Sterling Fair

Rules For All Exhibitors

¨ Unless otherwise specified, all exhibits are open to both adults and juniors. Juniors are boys and girls 18 years of age or younger as of January 1, 2010.
¨ Chairpersons reserve the right to reject any or all entries. When there is only one competitor in a class, awarding prizes will be left to the discretion of the judges.
¨ Except where noted, first, second, and third prize ribbons will be awarded
¨ The Fair Committee is not responsible for loss or damage to entries.
¨ Everyone is welcome to enter. You do not have to be a resident of Sterling to enter an exhibit.
¨ All premium (prize) checks not cashed within 90 days by recipients will be recorded as donations to support the Sterling Fair.

Hall Exhibitors

¨ All exhibits must be made or produced by the exhibitor. Unless otherwise specified, all exhibits are open to both adults and juniors. Juniors are boys and girls 18 years of age or younger as of January 1, 2010.
¨ You can enter multiple exhibits, but you can only enter one exhibit per person per class.
¨ All exhibits must be dropped off between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday September 9, 2010.
¨ Exhibitors must register or risk the forfeit of prize money.
Judging will take place Thursday evening & Friday morning before  
The Exhibit Hall opens.

How Do I Enter a Hall Exhibit?
1.  Browse the exhibit categories and decide which departments and classes you would like to enter. You can enter only one exhibit per class. If you have questions about entering an exhibit, call the chairperson listed for that department.

2.  Make, grow, raise, build, sew, or bake your entries.

3.  Fill in and attach one exhibit card to each article you enter.
There are 6 entry cards in this booklet. See “Exhibit Cards for Adult Entries” on page 41 and 44 and “Exhibit Cards for Junior Entries” on page 42 and 43. If you need additional cards, make copies of the exhibit card pages, or pick up extra cards at the Sterling Fair on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at the registration desk.

4. Mail-in registration (optional). You may register in advance by mail before September 1, 2010. Send the following information for each person entering an exhibit:

¨ Exhibitor’s first and last name
¨ Adult or junior entry
¨ Mailing address (Street, P.O Box, Town, State, and Zip Code)
¨ Telephone number
¨ Social security number (for Mass. Dept. of Revenue)
Send your registration information with a self-addressed stamped envelope (required!) to
P.O. Box 545, Sterling, MA 01564
You will be sent your new exhibitor identification card, and a claim ticket (pickup ticket) with your exhibitor (entry) number. The claim ticket is your proof of registration and your identification for picking up your exhibit on Sunday after 3:30 p.m.

5. Walk-in registration and check-in are on Thursday, September 9, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bring your entries to the exhibit hall (main airport hanger).

Previous and mail-in exhibitors:
¨ Stop at the registration table and show an exhibit chairperson your exhibitor identification card or give your name and address.
¨ The chairperson will verify and update your registration information.
¨  You will be given a claim ticket (pickup ticket) with your exhibitor identification (entry) number. The claim ticket is your proof of registration and your identification for picking up your exhibit on Sunday.

New exhibitors:
¨ Fill in a registration card and give it to a registration volunteer.
¨ You will be assigned a permanent exhibitor (entry) number and given an exhibitor identification card. You will also be given a claim ticket as described above.
6.   Write your exhibitor (entry) number on your exhibit cards. If you
don’t know your exhibitor number, a registration volunteer can get that number for you.

7.   Locate the exhibit table marked with your department and class.

Place your entry, with exhibit card attached, on the table. Make sure the exhibitor (entry) number you received at the registration desk is written on your exhibit card. If you have any questions or need assistance filling out an exhibit card, one of the fair volunteers in the exhibit area will be glad to help you.
All hall exhibits must remain in the hall until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. No Exceptions. This is a Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture requirement.
8.  Pick up your exhibits on Sunday, September 12, between 3:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Show an exhibit hall volunteer your claim ticket, and then remove your exhibits. All exhibits must be removed by 4:15 p.m. Any vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, flowers, or baked goods not removed by 4:15 p.m. will be auctioned to help defray fair expenses.