September is on the horizon, and that means the return of the award-winning Lee Regional Fair to the Sanford Lions Fairgrounds! This year’s fair runs a little later than usual—September 16–20—but it promises to be packed with food, fun, and classic agricultural pride.

Here at N.C. Cooperative Extension, we provide professional support to the Sanford Lions Club by coordinating the Exhibit Hall. This is the heart of the fair, where shelves upon shelves of homemade crafts, baked goods, canned preserves, fresh eggs, and garden produce line the room, showing off the best of Lee and surrounding counties.

As our nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary this year, we want to challenge you to bring your absolute best to the fairgrounds and compete for blue-ribbon glory!

What Categories Can You Enter?

There are hundreds of categories open for competition, and there is no entry fee! Whether you have a prized potted plant, a stunning vase of fresh-cut flowers, heirloom tomatoes, giant squash, or fresh backyard eggs, there is a spot for your hard work.

Categories are divided into Adult and Youth (K–12) divisions, making this a fantastic project for intrepid young gardeners. It is open to folks in Lee, Harnett, Moore and the surrounding areas!

Winners receive cash prizes ($8 for first place, $5 for second, and $3 for third) along with bragging rights. Plus, top winners in select categories can qualify to represent Lee County at the NC State Fair in Raleigh this October!

Quick Tips for Blue-Ribbon Produce & Flowers

If you are entering fresh produce or horticultural specimens for the first time, keep these simple judging tips in mind:

• Aim for Uniformity: If an entry calls for three tomatoes or five peppers, choose specimens that match in size, shape, and color.
• Keep It Clean: Gently brush off soil and dirt from roots and leaves, but avoid harsh scrubbing that might damage the outer skin.
• Show Off America’s Colors: In honor of America’s 250th, consider entering heirloom varieties, red-white-and-blue cut flower arrangements, or patriotic-themed garden displays!

How Do You Enter?

Exhibits can be registered in advance online or in-person during intake weekend:

1. Online Pre-Registration (Preferred): Visit fairentry.com, create a profile (or log into your existing account), and select your categories. Pre-registration deadline is Tuesday, September 8. If you aren't sure of your final entry list, don't worry—we can make adjustments when you drop items off!
2. In-Person Intake Drop-Off: Bring your entries directly to the Sanford Lions Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall on Saturday, September 12, or Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers will help you complete a paper entry form and register your items on-site.

When and Where Can You See the Winners?

Exhibits are evaluated by local farmers, nursery professionals, and home economics experts on Monday, September 14.When the fair gates officially open on Wednesday, September 16, walk through the Exhibit Hall to see who brought home the blue ribbons! All exhibits, ribbons, and prize checks will be available for pickup on Monday, September 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Exhibit Hall.

Let’s Stay in Touch

Amanda Bratcher is the horticulture agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center. You can reach out to the office at 919-775-5624 for more information or questions regarding this article, but also any other questions about your garden, farm, land or plants! We’re here to help! You can check out our website's events page for more information and to register for upcoming programs.For NCCE-Lee County website:This article originally appeared in The Sanford Herald. You can read more articles from the Herald on their website.

Resources

Learn more about entering your exhibits and what categories

Fair Entry Portal