The Scotts Bluff County Fair invites you to show your sunflowers in “All Those Sunflowers.” The public can enter sunflowers and other floriculture on Tuesday, July 29, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Scotts Bluff County Fair Events Center Building at the Mitchell Fairgrounds.
There are a number of ways to display your sunflowers at the Scotts Bluff County Fair. In horticulture, the best sunflower (one plant), the largest sunflower head (only one allowed), and the tallest sunflower. In floriculture, there should be five blooms in the flower arrangement.
Display any of your flowers as arrangements to be judged. Flower arrangements must include fresh flowers, and decorative inserts can be used. Containers will be considered in judging. Judging will be based on originality and artistic ability.
When preparing for the fair. Plan to cut your flowers in the evening or early morning. Always cut the stem several inches longer than necessary to allow for later trimming. Use a clean, sharp knife to make a smooth, even cut. Remove any leaves on the stem that will be in water. Use flower food to keep your flowers at their best longer.
General Guidelines for Round-Form Flowers include:
- Cut when fully developed, as indicated by the outer petals folding out gracefully. At this stage, the center petals are tighter than the outer petals.
- Avoid exhibiting overly mature flowers.
- Pick roses when the bud is first starting to open; the flower will open throughout the day.
Youth 12 and under are also invited to be creative and enter a creative creature veggie. Use your imagination to create a dog, cat, sheep, monster, or whatever using only vegetables.
If you would like to get involved, the Scotts Bluff County Fair needs your help. Join us Friday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to noon and help set up the displays for 4-H and open class in the Events Center Building. Homemakers, Master Gardeners, and 4-Hers all can use your help to make the Event Center look its best for the fair. For more information, call the Scotts Bluff County Extension Office at 308-632-1480.
