Miniscapes Competition

Rules

The Miniscape Competition is open to individuals or teams. Competition will take place at the Burleson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 23, 2023:

Check-In: 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
All Miniscape supplies must be in place by 5:15 pm
Competition: 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Judging: Immediately following
Results after judging

The contest will have one division - 7th to 12th grade. Entries must be entered on ShoWork’s @ burlesoncl.fairwire.com by midnight Friday, August 15, 2023. You will upload completed creative living horticulture miniscape forms (found at www.burlesoncountyfair.com) during online entries. The Horticulture Committee will confirm your entry via email. There will be an informational meeting (not mandatory) on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Expo Building.

Individual or teams (a team is considered no more than two exhibitors). Entry fees will be $10 per individual or $20 per team. Entry fee payments are due on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at check in. This will be considered a Burleson County Fair Creative Living Project. Entry fees are non-refundable. Please see the BCFA website for any updates or additional details at: www.burlesoncountyfair.com

Competition Format: Each individual/team will compete in a design and execution of a Miniscape, based on the theme to be released on the BCFA website or Rules Book prior to entries opening online.

Design Guidelines: Exhibitors should review the guidelines prior to preparing their entry. Questions may be directed to the Horticulture Committee.

Entries will be constructed in a water trough (planter) that is approximately 24” deep.
The planter, plants and mulch/soil for the planter will be provided.
Each exhibitor is encouraged to bring any additional items that relates to the fair theme.
Additional items should be able to withstand sunny, warm conditions.
Planters will be displayed outside throughout the fair.
No living creatures may be used in the design.
Entries should be designed to be viewed from all sides.
Entries may not display signage that names the team’s school, school district or FFA/4-H chapter, or individual(s). A sign will be provided upon completion of judging for display on the grounds.
Exhibitors are responsible for bringing wagons, carts, wheelbarrows, etc. to transport their materials from the parking lot to the exhibit area.

Day of Competition:

1. Check in for Miniscapes will be on the grounds of Burleson County Fair on: Saturday, September 23, 2023 starting at 4:30 pm for check in, Competition begins at 5:30 pm, all preparation, and construction must be complete by 6:30 pm.

2. Exhibitors will be met by the Horticulture Committee volunteers; the volunteers will assist with check in, direct the exhibitors to the exhibit area.

3. Parents and adult leaders may assist with moving in supplies and planter materials to the competition area but must vacate the area prior to commencement of the contest.

4. Carts/wagons are recommended for transporting materials from a vehicle to the competition area.

5. The planting and design of the planter must be performed by the exhibitors ONLY.

6. No cell phones, iPads, Watches, or any other type of communication device is allowed in the competition area.

7. Paper sketches of design are allowed in the competition area.

8. The exhibitor is responsible for providing any additional items that relates to the fair theme.

9. The exhibitor is responsible for bringing all tools needed to prepare their planter.

10. Buckets will be provided for each team to use for holding purposes while the design is being planted. Any extra material not used can be left in the supplied buckets and the Horticulture committee will keep for reuse.

11. Trash Containers will be provided for each team to clean up their areas and throw all trash away when planting is complete.

12. Entries will be watered and maintained by the Horticulture committee. You may bring water if your design requires water. Once competition starts you will not be allowed to leave your project to collect water nor can anyone bring you water.

13. The Show is not responsible for lost, damaged or dead items. Small items, accessories, etc. should be securely fastened to their container. Items of great sentimental value should not be used. It is MANDATORY to remove any type of stones or other types of hardscape used in your design on Sunday, October 1, 2023 along with your plants.

Judging: The Horticulture committee will select qualified judges for each competitive event. Any questions about the judging criteria may be directed to the Horticulture Committee.Judging: The Horticulture committee will select qualified judges for each competitive event. Any questions about the judging criteria may be directed to the Horticulture Committee.

Entries will be judged on a 100-point system:

Up to 50 points may be awarded for design
Up to 30 points may be awarded for staging and quality
Up to 20 points may be awarded for Burleson County Fair theme related

Each individual/team must be prepared to explain to the judges what their plant choices are and how their design fits the theme during the competition.

Winning entries will be announced on Saturday, September 23, 2023 following final judging tabulation. Winning exhibitors will be recognized.

Judges’ decisions are final.

Plaques and pennants will be awarded to the Grand Champion and the Reserve Champion. Placement ribbons will be given to those placing third through tenth.

Removal: Exhibitors MUST REMOVE their personal design materials on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Any plants or materials left after 12:00 pm will be disposed of or become the property of Burleson County Fair Association. Containers will be moved to their storage location.