Superintendent:
Judy Thompson
860-575-9290
Mail Entries to:
Judy Thompson
328 New London Turnpike
Glastonbury, CT 06033
“Agriculture: Together We Grow Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture”
-Agriculture Council of America
For 250 years our country has had dirt under it’s 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” |
- Plant materials may be home grown or purchased for all entries except the Specimen Category
- Arrangements may include compositions from cut flowers, foliage, herbs, ornamental grasses or other plant materials. No fake flowers allowed.
- Any exhibit using material on the “Conservation List of Connecticut” as published by the Federated Garden Club of Connecticut, Inc. will be disqualified.
- Each exhibitor is allowed only one entry per class.
- 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 will be on the Danish System for the entire department, meaning all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries.
- The Exhibit tent will close at 5:00 on Sunday to the public and Exhibitors to prepare for 6:00 pick-up. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRY INTO THE TENT FROM 5:00 – 6:00 pm. 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.
- 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 or stolen.
Flower Arrangement
1. Our Kitchen
Flower arrangement in a kitchen container and include one kitchen accessory
2. Autumn Bounty
Fall arrangement in a basket incorporating flowers or dried materials (i.e. grasses, gourds, berries etc.)
3. Petite Pleasures
Miniature flower arrangement in any container, and arrangement not to exceed 5” total height
4. Container Garden
Cohesive arrangement of plants growing together in a single container.
5. Fairy Garden
Miniature garden complete with living plants and accents
6. Potted House Plants
7. Tribute to the Flag
An arrangement incorporating only red, white and blue flowers
8. Bouquet of Herbs
An arrangement of herbs primarily from your garden in a container of your choice
9. Drama Queen
One single flower combined with minimal use of other plant material (i.e. a branch, a large leaf, etc.)
Children / Young Adult Flower Arrangements
This section has been moved to our Youth Category
Wreath / Wall Hanging
A mountable wreath or wall hanging (please include hardware to hang) in one of the following categories:
10. Dried / preserved flowers
11. Live succulents or air plants
Specimen Flowers
A single stem not to exceed 18″ with one or more leaves. All specimens must be grown by exhibitor.
12. Hydrangea
13. Chrysanthemum
14. Zinnia
15. Marigold
16. Aster
17. Rose
18. Dahlia
19. Berried Branche
20. Other – Use your imagination
Sunflower
21. Tallest Sunflower earth to head, please bring potted
22. Largest Bloom
Note: The 2026 Portland Library “One Seed, One Community” seed is the sunflower. Stop in and get your seeds.
2026 Themed Entry – Native Display
23. An arrangement made primary of native plants
$8.00 Best in Show & Rosette
- 1st: $5.00
- 2nd: $3.00
- 3rd: $2.00
Themed Entry: Native Arrangement
- 1st: $8.00
- 2nd: $6.00
- 3rd: $4.00
Celebrating 250 Years
NATIVE PLANTS – Themed Entry
Native plants are essential because they are uniquely adapted to local climates and soils requiring less water, fertilizer and maintenance, while preventing erosion. They are the foundation of the local ecosystems, providing crutial food, shelter and nectar for native wildlife, pollinators and insects, which supports biodiversity. By choosing native plants you can create a sustainable low maintenance garden that supports local ecosystems