YOUTH FAIR

Each spring, during the third week of March, the Denton County Livestock Association sponsors a youth fair.  The contestants come from the various 4H and FFA groups in the County.  This show has divisions ranging from agriculture to horticulture.  The  DCMGA is responsible for the horticulture division  or show.  DCMGA provides the superintendent,  the judges, sets the date for tag-in, and is responsible for registering all entries.  Tag-in is set for the first Saturday in February in order to allow for maximum  development of plants, which fall into 10 categories: flowering, trailers and vines, foliage, bulbs, succulents, dish gardens, herbs,  and ferns.  Only one entry per category is allowed but a contestant may enter all categories provided he pays the fee.  Each entry is registered and documented at tag-in.  Tag-in requires 2 registrars, 2 photographers, and 2 advisors.  The latter discuss the plants with the entrants and give them a handbook designed by the Superintendent and John Cooper, Horticulturist,  Denton County Extension.  This handbook serves as a guide for managing the plant to obtain the best result by show time, which is the fourth Thursday in March.  On the previous day, the Superintendent  is responsible for the official registration of entrees and the setting up of the display of plants, which is separated into a junior and senior division based on the age of the contestant.  The superintendent also devises a rota so that no one disturbs the entrees before or after judging.  The judges award ribbons for first, second, third, and fourth places, as well as grand and reserve, and a  certificate for best in show.  At the conclusion of the show on Friday, the DCMGA releases the plants and takes down the  exhibit.  This project is manned by 6 trainee volunteers, the Superintendent, and the 3 DCMGA judges.  Supporting youth endeavors is a part of the mission of the  Texas Cooperative Extension.