Superintendent:
Debbie Rascati
860-342-2658
dcrascati@comcast.net
Mail Entries to:
Debbie Rascati
Attn: Photography
47 Prospect St.
Portland, CT 06480
“Agriculture: Together We Grow Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture”
-Agriculture Council of America
For 250 years our country has had dirt under its nails, and we couldn’t be more proud of it! From backyard gardeners to family farms, agriculture has always been at the heart of our community. This year’s fair celebrates that rich tradition through the hands-on skills passed down through generations – the perfectly preserved jam, the prize-winning bloom, the lovingly knitted garment. Whether you’re a lifelong farmer or a first time exhibitor these exhibits remind us that growing things together is what keeps our community thriving.
Look for these special Themed Entries throughout the Crafts & Community Tent
| Baking | Trashion Show | Canned Goods |
| Happy Birthday America Cake | 250 Years of America | Victory Garden Pickles |
| Veg & Fruits | Youth | Flowers |
| Heirloom Display | Flag | Native Arrangement |
| Crafts & Collections | Photography | Needle & Fiber Arts |
| “Farm to Table” | “Spotlight on Agriculture” | a “Sample of History” |
- The Photography department is for exhibitors who are over the age of 16. Any exhibitor under 16 will submit their entries in the Fair’s Youth Department.
- Entry forms must be received by mail, no later than Tuesday before the fair. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after that date. The committee will accept exhibits on Thursday, the day before the fair between 5:00-7:00 pm. No unregistered entries will be accepted.
- Judging for the entire department will be on the Danish System (all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries). Multiple awards can be given in a class. Judging will be on Friday.
- The Exhibit tent will close at 5:00 on Sunday to the public and to the exhibitors to prepare for 6:00 pick-up. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY INTO THE TENT BETWEEN 5:00 – 6:00. Exhibits must be picked up on Sunday between 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Exhibits not picked up by 7:00 pm will be discarded. Any winnings will be donated back to the Portland Fair.
- Limit 6 entries per person
- Previously entered photographs are not eligible.
- Entries must be matted AND framed. The maximum size for photographs is 5″ x 7″, in frames no larger than 8″ x 10″.
- Exhibits will be under observation at all times during the fair. Security guards will be on duty during the night, however the Portland Fair Association is not responsible for anything damaged, lost, stolen or for damage due to weather or other circumstances.
- Animals
- Landscape
- Black and White Photographs
- People
- Flowers and Plant
- Sports
- 2026 Themed Entry – Spotlight on Agriculture photos of a farm or farmer
Youth age 16 and younger has been moved to our Youth Category
- Enter your Full Name, Address, Phone # and email & sign.
- On second 1/2 of the page: Under Craft Name enter Photography
- Do this for EACH PHOTO entered: Under Category Name write the CATEGORY of the photo. The 7 categories are Animals, Landscape, Black & White, People, Flowers/Plants, Sports, and Themed Entry
- Under Description name your photograph ie Landscape – Hiking in Yosemite.
- If an exhibitor is 16 years of age, or younger, his/her photographs need to be entered in our Youth department.
- Exhibitors are required to write their name, address, telephone number, category, and the title of the photograph on the back of each entry.
Best in Show
$5.00 & Rosette
- 1st: $5.00
- 2nd: $4.00
- 3rd: $3.00
2026 Themed Entry – Spotlight on Agriculture
- 1st: $8.00
- 2nd: $6.00
- 3rd: $5.00
2026 PHOTO CONTEST
The theme for the annual photo contest is “Connecticut Fairs”.The photos submitted should show general scenes around our member fairs. Photos must have been taken after September 30, 2025. The photos entered do not have to be exhibited at any member fairs to be eligible.
Click HERE for more information
Celebrating 250 Years
Photography as we know it was not around 250 years ago. The first permanent photograph was created in 1826 requiring an 8 hour exposure. In 1888 the first Kodak camera was introduced making photography accessible to all. Poloride introduced instant photographs in 1947. The first digital camera was invented in 1975 and weighed 8 lbs. Military reconnaissance in World War I heavily relied on aerial photography, demonstrating its strategic importance. Photography is not just an art; it’s a blend of science, history, and culture, full of quirky stories and remarkable achievements that continue to evolve with technology and creativity.