For some, displaying at the Carbon County Fair has been a family tradition, for others they've made it happen on their own.

There is nothing like the feeling you receive when you win your first blue ribbon and after that you keep displaying and adding to your collection of ribbons.Ask anyone who has been vying for ribbons for years.Since the inception of the fair 11 years ago, exhibits have more than doubled according to Kristin Simmons, superintendent of the still exhibit area at the fair."More and more members of our Carbon County and West Penn Township family are participating," added Simmons.The tents contain fruits, nuts, wines, flowers, honey, vegetables, and homemade cakes and goodies, to name a few. These displays, along with the animals bring many families out to the county fair year after year, explained Simmons.Visitors will see photos, artwork, antiques, group displays and other handicrafts that are neatly arranged and well-protected. Simmons reminds everyone to check out the wide array of fragrant Christmas trees, some freshly cut and others that are balled and ready for planting."Everyone has a special talent and displaying at this year's fair is one way to share and show with others," Simmons added.There are hundreds of completion categories for all ages. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this year's display and do your best to win a ribbon and cash at the fair. There is plenty of exhibit space and although the fair works closely with the 4-H program, there are open classes (for citizens of Carbon County and West Penn Township) for entries and exhibits as well. The opportunities to enter are endless. The information you need to get started is only minutes from your home or is as close as your fingertips. All entries must be postmarked by July 24. Advance registration is required.To access the premium book and registration form on line, visit the fair's website at

www.carboncountyfair.com or obtain a hard copy of the book by going to one of the following locations: Farm Service Agency, Fast Fill Mobil, Marzen's Feed and Hardware, Miller's Country Store, Rep. Keith McCall's office, and Normal Square Mini Mart, Lehighton area; Berger's Farm Home and Garden Center, Trachsville; Bailey's Building Supplies, Andreas; Carrigan's Country Pharmacy, Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe Train Station, Coveos Mini Mart and Carbon County Cooperative Extension (529 Lentz Trail); Lansford and Albrightsville at Rep. Keith McCall's office, Albrightsbille; Palmerton Borough Hall; True Value, Nesquehoning; and West Penn Township at Chas. S. Snyder, Inc., West Penn Township. A copy of the premium book is also available at Diana's Corner Store, Ashfield.To participate, all exhibits must be grown, produced or made in Carbon County or West Penn Township, located in Schuylkill County in the last year by a Carbon County or West Penn Township resident whose name appears on the tags as the exhibitor.It's easy for each exhibitor to obtain an exhibitor number. The General Registration Form in the book must be completed and submitted with any entry fees to the address that appears on the appropriate registration form. Again, all entry forms must be postmarked by the United States Postal Service by July 24. Late entries cannot be accepted.For a complete listing of rules, refer to the premium book. Only preregistered entries will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 10, which is the day before the opening of the fair. Judging will begin promptly at 6 p.m. for still exhibits and weigh in for animals at 7 p.m. Any questions regarding completion of the registration forms can be referred to Rosa Hawk at (610) 826-5352, Deanna Cunfer at (610) 377-3749 or Kristin Simmons at (570) 778-9026. Exhibits may be picked up the day after the fair.