CLIPBOARD : HOW TO ENTER YOUR PROJECT IN THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR

Do you think your cinnamon rolls or chocolate chip cookies are the best around? Prove it. Enter a plateful for judging and exhibition in the Orange County Fair this year.

In addition to the livestock competitions popular with local 4-H groups, the fair sponsors dozens of contests in artistic, horticultural, culinary, craft and homemaking activities. Now is the time to get started on a prize-winning entry--the fair is five months away.

You don’t have to be a farmer or specialist in exotic orchids to win a prize in one of the many horticultural contests. Plant something simple, such as a zucchini, watermelon or sunflower, and see if you can win a prize for the biggest. Try growing your entry in a half-barrel on the patio if you don’t have space in your yard. There are contests for almost every kind of flower, fruit, vegetable, houseplant or patio plant imaginable.

The arts category includes painting, sculpture, calligraphy, photography, printmaking and graphic design. The home arts category includes needlework, cake decorating, baking and sewing. The crafts category is for doll making, ceramics, model building, jewelry, wood carving and items made from recycled materials. There is also a winemaking competition.

Most categories are divided into divisions for professionals, amateurs and children. There will be special contests centered on this year’s theme of “How Sweet It Is,” a salute to honey and honey bees.

Even if you don’t win a prize, you can visit the animals, go on rides and wander through the exhibits, collecting ideas and tips for next year.

Here’s how to enter:

* Request a competition handbook by calling or writing to the Orange County Fair, Attention: Entry Department, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626. Telephone: (714) 751-3247, Ext. 73. Entry forms are included. Handbooks will be mailed about April 1.

* Entry forms must be returned by June 5. Some contests have entry fees, and payment must be received along with the entry form.

* Some competitions are judged as early as three weeks before the fair. The competition handbook contains complete information on contest dates and rules.

* This year’s fair is July 17-28.

Source: Orange County Fair