Moose,

Google your state's state fair 2012 and see what comes up. You could also try "plant shows (your town/county/state)". My state's fair page has the categories and requirements to show listed, so I should think that yours would too.

Nancy

I entered some plants in my fair this year, and did well this year. I got a Best in Show for my African violet dish garden and a Best in Class for my draceana marginata entered under "Houseplant" though the goat ate it the day I brought it in...

If you're entering it in the fair, likely the judge may not know a ton about our your specific plant vareity. Our fair has the Master Gardners judge it. I was told they give "bonus points" if your plant is tricky to grow. They're looking for the biggest, greenest, showy-est plant there. Check in with your Extension Office. They usually have some information on the fair and how to enter them. I know we have to bring our plants in early to get them identified and prove we have been growing them at least 60 days before the show.

I don't have any information of plant shows as I have never shown in one before.

Hope it helps!

If you have an interest in a particular type of plant you can also look to see if there is a local plant club nearby, and see if they have a show. Personally, I have an interest in african violets and the "other" gesneriads. When I lived in Houston I was a member of the local african violet club that puts on an annual show. I entered several plants, did well, and that encouraged me to earn my judge's certification. It can be quite rewarding.

Mark