Benton County Fair Booklet

By Lynn Atkins The Master Gardener organization gets very busy when it's time for the Benton County Fair. Volunteers with the Master Gardeners are responsible for a large section of the Exhibit Hall, including exhibits entered under horticulture and floriculture, which range from giant pumpkins to veggie people. "We were trying to reach as many members of the county as we can to exhibit, while entertaining and educating attendees," Master Gardener Toy Siler said recently. Sharon and Charles Kerr run the Master Gardener Information Booth each year, answering questions about gardening and the program. During the first fair of the pandemic, a scavenger hunt was introduced. As exhibitors brought in their creations, the Kerrs chose unique items for the scavenger hunt, then provided visitors with a list and a pencil, and sent them out to find the items. It was good event for social distancing. One item that first year was an elaborate bird house, Sharon recalled. "It just stood out," she said. But it was taller than most of the other entries so it ended up on a bottom shelf behind another entry. That was perfect for the scavenger hunt. All the participants, including many adults, spent time looking over all the surrounding entries, searching for a two- story, blue birdhouse. "You don't need a big prize. People are thrilled with a tiny prize," she said. They really just like the idea of finishing the challenge. In 2021, the Giant Pumpkin Contest was introduced. One contestant entered two winning pumpkins – one weighed 500 pounds and the other was 300 pounds! Last year, due to the drought the winning pumpkins were much smaller. The Scarecrow Contest was introduced in 2022. This year, the winning scarecrow will win $25, and a People's Choice Award will be handed out for bragging rights. "We expected maybe four or five traditional scarecrows," Sharon said. She thought they would be wearing plaid shirts and jeans. Instead, people brought in scarecrows that were dressed as cheerleaders, a mean Maw-Maw, and even Uncle Sam showed up as a scarecrow. Last year's winners were a scarecrow dressed up as the wolf from "Little Red Riding Hood"and one that was a tiny, upside- down gymnast. The judges consider creativity when selecting the winners, but they also look for a fall theme. Scarecrows must use natural materials like hay, straw, gourds or corn stalks. Clothing and props may be used, but no firearms (real or fake) or depictions of moonshine are allowed. Groups can work together to create a scarecrow, and individuals are welcome to enter as well. Each scarecrow must be less than 8 feet tall and able to stand, or at least lean, independently. Scarecrows, like the giant pumpkins, turned out to be a popular spot for fair- goers to take selfies. The contest was a big success. The unofficial theme of the Master Gardener's corner of the Exhibit Hall is: Have fun while learning a little bit about the world of growing flowers and vegetables. Scarecrows populate Exhibit Hall 2023 Benton County Fair 21

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