May 2010
Dear 4-H Clubs and Leaders of Youth Groups in DuPage County,
The DuPage County Fair Association is eagerly anticipating our 2010 DuPage County Fair to be held from July 21-25 in
Wheaton, Illinois and we hope you have already marked your calendar for what promises to be another outstanding fun
summer family event!
We are writing to you today to extend an invitation to take part in our “Build a Garden” contest for 4-H clubs and county
youth groups whose members are 7-12 years of age. There is no entry fee to participate and cash prizes will be awarded!
Participation is limited to the first 12 groups who request a wheelbarrow. The entry deadline is July 1, 2010. Here are
some more details…
1.
Gardens will be planted and grown in a free, pre-fabricated wooden wheelbarrow provided by the DuPage County
Fair Association. One wheelbarrow per group will be given out at the fairgrounds upon receipt of the contest entry
form enclosed. Fairgrounds office hours are 8-5 Monday-Friday. (To make alternative arrangements for
wheelbarrow pickup, please call the Office at 630-668-6636.)
2.
Wheelbarrows should be planted with any combination of flowers and/or vegetables and plants should be large
enough to be seen during Fair Week, July 21-25. The use of seeds or bedding plants is permitted.
3.
Wheelbarrows must be painted or stained and decorated in some fashion using non-perishable materials suitable for
outdoor display.
4.
Wheelbarrow Gardens can be brought to the Fairgrounds on Monday July 19 or Tuesday July 20 between 10 am- 8
pm and taken to the Home Economics Buildings (Buildings 2 & 3). Wheelbarrow Gardens will be displayed at
strategic spots around the Fairgrounds during the Fair.
5.
An 8 1/2” x 11” sign must be supplied by the group or club, affixed to a stake/post/rod and put in the
wheelbarrow that states:
Name of Club/Group:
Hometown of Group:
Our Garden is Growing: (list all plants)
6.
Rosettes and prizes will be awarded as follows: $50 for 1 st place, $25 for 2nd place and $10 for 3rd place. Judging
will be conducted by the Build a Garden Fair Committee and will be based on craftsmanship, creativity, technique
and appearance of plants. Judges’ decision is final. Prize money will be mailed after the Fair.
7.
All entries will become property of the DuPage County Fair Association.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Office at (630) 668-6636 or myself at (630) 665-8889. We look forward to
seeing lots of beautiful Wheelbarrow Gardens at the Fair!
Diane Weber, Chairperson
DuPage County Fair Historical Committee
Tips for preparing/planting your Wheelbarrow Garden
1.
Fill the wheelbarrow with 1/3 foam or packing peanuts. As an alternative to packing peanuts, use crushed up
aluminum soda cans or crushed empty plastic water bottles with their caps left on. Then, add a layer of planting soil
on top. This technique will make your wheelbarrow lighter and easier to move around.
2.
When painting or staining your wheelbarrow, we recommend an outdoor/exterior product. You should consider
using a sealer over the paint/stain to protect it from the weather.
3.
Wheelbarrow dimensions are approximately 16” long, 12” wide, with the bed of the wheelbarrow about 10” deep.
2010 DUPAGE COUNTY FAIR
“BUILD A GARDEN” CONTEST ENTRY FORM
NAME OF GROUP/4-H CLUB:______________________________________________________________________
TOWN WHERE GROUP/4-H CLUB IS LOCATED:_____________________________________________________
NAME OF CONTACT PERSON: _____________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PERSON’S ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
CITY
STATE
ZIP
CONTACT PERSON’S PHONE NUMBER: (
)______________________________________________________
(will not be shared with any outside party)
CONTACT PERSON’S E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________
(will not be shared with any outside party)
!! BEFORE DROPPING OFF YOUR WHEELBARROW
GARDEN ON JULY 19 OR 20 BETWEEN 10 AM- 8 PM !!
HAVE YOU INCLUDED AN 8 1/2” X 11” SIGN ON A
STAKE/ROD/POST THAT STATES:
NAME OF GROUP:
HOMETOWN OF GROUP:
OUR GARDEN IS GROWING: (List all plants)