LAKEPORT – Just about anything you can make or grow at home is eligible for entry into competition at the annual Lake County Fair.

The deadline for entry in most categories is Friday, Aug. 7. Late entries will not be accepted.

Exhibitor Contest Handbooks are available in a variety of locations around Lake County, including the Greater Lakeport Chamber of Commerce, the 4-H office, senior centers, the Farm Bureau office, Kelseyville Drug, Rainbow Ag, Hardester's Markets, Middletown Feed, Lakeshore Feed, Riviera Foods, the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, Pet Acres and the Redwood Empire Fair.

Lake County Fair contest entry forms must be filled out on the Internet. Contestants can access the forms from any computer with Internet access at the Fair's Web site, www.lakecountyfair.com .

A high speed Internet connect is required. Computers are available in a variety of places, including schools, libraries and the fairgrounds office. Fairgrounds staff will be happy to assist contestants who visit the fairgrounds office during regular business hours. Contestants are well advised to avoid the last minute rush and get their entries completed early.

 

The Lake County Fair Board has chosen "Fun in the Sun!" for the theme of the 2009 Fair.

 

A number of new contests are offered for 2009, including decorated cupcakes, decorated gourds, sugarless cooking, melon painting, t-shirt decorating, hats, jewelry, and clothing made from duct tape, and family feature booths.

In addition, clothing and textiles has been moved to a new building, and a local volunteer group is working to enhance demonstrations and displays of fiber arts entries. Many special awards in the clothing and textiles area now include cash prizes that are sponsored by the Konocti Quilters Guild.

The Lake County Fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport.

The 2009 fair dates are Sept. 3 through Sept. 6.

The fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events enjoyed by more than 37,000 people each year.

For more information please call the fair office at 707-263-6181, or visit the fair on the Internet at www.lakecountyfair.com .