Entries for the gospel singing contest and cooking competitions are up first, on Aug. 11, followed by the clogging championship Aug. 18 and livestock contests and general exhibits Aug. 25. Pageant entries are due by 9 a.m. Sept. 9 and ice cream eating contest entries by 6 p.m. Sept. 13.

“Competitions are the heart of the fair. We provide an opportunity for the community to highlight their many talents,” said Jill Taylor, entry department coordinator. “Exhibitors are encouraged to make their entries early as popular categories can fill up.”

All general exhibit competitions are free to enter and open to any North Carolina resident. Livestock competitions are free for youth, but a fee applies for open shows. There is no cost to enter Caps for Cancer, a new competition in which caps made of animal fiber can be entered for display and judging before being distributed to Messino Cancer Centers.

Exhibitors in outlying Western North Carolina counties can submit their entries using the Pony Express Service option, which allows them to drop entries off at the local extension office by Aug. 25 for delivery to the fair. This option is available in Jackson, Macon, Swain, Cherokee, Graham and Clay counties, and on the Qualla Boundary.

Learn more or enter at wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/competitions . Registration must be completed online. To receive premiums from winning entries, exhibitors must complete a W-9 form at the time of registration.