Superintendent:
Laurel Steinhauser
860-398-9081
lsteinhauser@gmail.com
Mail Entries to:
Laurel Steinhauser
56 Prospect Street
Portland, CT 06480
Subject: Portland Fair
“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” |
Divisions as follows:
Tiny Tyke
Exhibitors must be between 2 – 4
Children
Exhibitors must be between 5 – 13
Junior
Exhibitors must be between 14 – 17
1. Only one entry per exhibitor per class will be accepted and only those classes listed will be judged. However, the Superintendent reserves the right to expand or delete classes if the need arises.
2. Entries previously entered in the Portland Fair are not eligible.
3. For all divisions, the exhibitor must have had the primary role in the planning and preparation of their entry. Please include age on their entry form.
4. Entries which require hanging must have necessary hardware.
5. 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.
6. The committee will accept exhibits on Thursday, the day before the fair, between 5-7PM.
7. 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.Exhibits will be under observation at all times during the fair. Security guards will be on duty during the night, however the Association is not responsible for anything damaged, lost or stolen.
8. State Baking Contest
The Association of Connecticut Fairs Junior Baking Contest is open to youth between the ages of 7 and 15 as of July 1, 2026. A first place blue ribbon & $40 will be awarded to the winning entry (prizes also available for second and third place winners). In the event the first place winner will not compete at the state contest, the second place winner will be allowed to represent the fair. For the recipe and additional State Contest information, visit the Association of Connecticut Fairs Baking Contests website.
9. State Photo Contest
The Association of Connecticut Fairs Junior Snapshot Contest is open to entrants 19 years of age and under of July 1, 2026. A first place blue ribbon & $10 will be awarded to the winning entry (prizes also available for second through fifth place winners). In the event the first place winner will not compete at the state contest, the second place winner will be allowed to represent the fair. For additional State Contest information, visit the Association of Connecticut Fairs Photo Contests website.
10. State Next Generation Quilter Quilt Contest
The Association of Connecticut Fairs Next Generation Quilter Quilt Contest is open to entrants between 7 and 18 years at the time of judging. A first place blue ribbon & $25 will be awarded to the winning entry (prizes also available for second and third place winners). In the event the first place winner will not compete at the state contest, the second place winner will be allowed to represent the fair. For additional information, visit the Association of Connecticut Fairs Quilt Contest website.
TINY TYKES DIVISION (Ages 2-4)
T1 Finger Painting
T2 Collage
T3 Any Other Craft
There are no premiums for the Tiny Tykes division, only ribbons.
CHILDREN and JUNIORS DIVISIONS
(Ages 5-13 and Ages 14-17)
Gardening
•Vegetables and flowers must be homegrown primarily by the exhibitor.
•Vegetables should be arranged on a white paper plate.
•Vegetables should be of uniform size, shape, color, and of good market quality.
Y1 Beans (6 pods of any one variety)
Y2 Peas (6 pods of any one variety)
Y3 Carrots (2 samples)
Y4 Cucumbers (2 samples)
Y5 Peppers (2 samples)
Y6 Squash (2 samples)
Y7 Tomatoes (2 samples)
Y8 Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (6 samples of any one variety)
Y9 Basket of Vegetables (arrangement consisting of 5 to 10 varieties)
Y10 Basket of Gourds
Y11 Pumpkin
Y12 Any Other Vegetable
Y13 Single Stem Flower (displayed in a vase)
Y14 Floral Arrangement in a Pumpkin or Gord
Baking
•No refrigeration available
•No packaged baking mixes accepted
•All exhibits except pies must be on a white paper plate. Please label baked goods and wrap in Ziploc bags.
Y15 Pie
Y16 Cookies (6 samples)
Y17 Cake
Y18 Yeast Bread (1 loaf)
Y19 Any Quick Bread (1 loaf)
Y20 Muffins (6 samples)
Y21 Any Candy (6 samples)
Y22 Any Other Baked Good
JB1 Association of CT Fairs Junior Baking Contest (see special rules above)
Sewing, Needle & Fiber Arts
•Please supply hangers where needed.
Y23 Clothing Item
Y24 Accessory
Y25 Costume
Y26 Pillow
Y27 Stuffed Animal or Doll
Y28 Doll Clothes
Y29 Any Cross Stitch
Y30 Any Embroidery
Y31 Any Other Sewing or Needlework Item
NGQ1 Association of CT Fairs Next Gen Quilt contest (see special rules above)
Crafts & Special Interest
•Crafts will be judged on originality, neatness, technique, and artistic ability.
•No model kits or paint by number accepted.
•Any artwork or collection that is too big or not properly mounted will not be accepted.
Y32 Drawing
Y33 Painting
Y34 Jewelry (may be a set)
Y35 Holiday Decoration
Y36 Woodworking
Y37 Creative Use of Recycled Items
Y38 Candle (dipped or molded)
Y39 Ceramics/Pottery
Y40 Painted Pumpkin
Y41 Slime
Y42 Collection (must be collected and arranged by the exhibitor)
Y43 Lego Build (no kits – design must be original)
Y44 Photography (must be in either a 6 x 7 or 8 x 10 frame)
Y45 Any Other Craft
P1 Association of CT Fairs Junior Snapshot Contest (see special rules above & must be in either a 6 x 7 or 8 x 10 frame)
2026 Themed Entry: Flags!
Y46 The American flag tells a story. Make a flag that tells your unique story – who you are or where you are from, your favorite things, or something else from your imagination. Flags can be crafted from any materials.
$5.00 Best in Show & Rosette
- 1st: $3.00
- 2nd: $2.00
- 3rd: $1.00
Themed Entry: Flags
- 1st: $5.00
- 2nd: $4.00
- 3rd: $2.00
Next Gen Quilt – State Contest
- 1st: $10.00
- 2nd: $8.00
- 3rd: $6.00
Baking & Photo – State Contest
- 1st: $5.00
- 2nd: $4.00
- 3rd: $3.00