Superintendent:
Mail Entries to:
Bev Heffernan
Attn: Vegetables and Fruit
74 Culver Lane
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” |
- All exhibits must be grown and cared for by the exhibitor.
- All entries must have five (5) items per white paper/plastic plate except where specified.
- An exhibitor can make only one entry of the same variety, but multiple varieties may be entered in each category. Example Apples: Red Delicious, Gala, Pink Lady ect.
- Vegetables and fruits that are of uniform size, shape and color and be at the proper maturity for table use or canning should be selected. Specimens should be clean, fresh, firm and free from blemishes caused by insects, disease or rough handling. Only the specified amounts of fruits and vegetables per plate or basket will be accepted.
- 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 (all exhibits judged on their own merits and not in competition with other entries). Multiple awards can be given in a class. No prizes will be given if the judges feel there is no merit.
- 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 BETWEEN 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.
Categories
- Apples
- Beans (10 per plate)
- Beets
- Berries (pint basket)
- Broccoli (1 head)
- Cabbage (1 head)
- Carrots
- Cauliflower (1 head)
- Corn (3)
- Cucumbers – (3)
- Eggplant (1)
- Garlic (1)
- Herbs Any (1 bunch)
- Leafy Greens (1 bunch)
- Melons Any (1)
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Peanuts (1 Bunch)
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Plums
- Potatoes
- Potted Herbs – must be reasonable to display on a table
- Pumpkin
- Quinces (pint basket)
- Squash All – (3)
- Tomatoes
- Any Other Variety of Vegetable or Fruit
- 2026 Themed entry – Heirloom Fruits and/or Vegetables Display
Create a tabletop display of a reasonable size to showcase one or more heirloom variety foods. You may, but are not required, to include a write up of the variety or history of your items.
Best in Show: $5.00 & Rosette
- 1st: $4.00
- 2nd: $3.00
- 3rd: $2.00
2026 Themed Entry: Heirloom Display
- 1st: $8.00
- 2nd: $6.00
- 3rd: $4.00
Celebrating 250 Years
HEIRLOOM FOODS – themed entry
Heirloom fruits and vegetables are open-pollinated, non-hybrid, plant varieties typically over 50 years old, passed down through generations for their superior flavor, unique colors, and adaptability. They connect modern growers to agricultural history and heritage.