The Autumn Classic Landscapers Educational Contest was initiated at the 1996 Great Frederick Fair as a way to create an opportunity for that segment of agriculture to participate in the fair. It was so successful that the contest is being sponsored again by Classic Landscaping Inc. of Woodsboro. Last year, entrants displayed nearly $100,000 worth of landscaping materials and supplies.

"Agriculture isn’t just cows and pigs, and this contest emphasizes that point," said J.R. Ramsburg, Jr., fair board president. "This contest not only beautifies the grounds, but gives prominence to an aspect of the agriculture industry that otherwise would not be exhibited at the fair. The fair attracts over 250,000 visitors during its nine days, which is a very large audience for this program. The contest benefits the public by providing ideas for their own gardens and landscaping projects, and it benefits those participating in the contest by encouraging them to raise the bar in landscaping."

This year's contest theme is "Sense" sational Landscapes. Twelve sites around the fairgrounds have been designated to be temporarily beautified with landscape designs by both students and professional landscapers.

This contest sets The Great Frederick Fair apart from other fairs in that it has a student division as well as a professional division. Each of the designated contest sites will be judged throughout the week by a knowledgeable panel. Cash awards in both divisions will be given in the amounts of $350 for first place, $250 for second and $150 for third.

Shade Trees and Evergreens will provide landscaping around the Beef Barn and directional maps for enhancement. Livestock show-rings will also be landscaped by local landscapers and nurseries.

"The landscaping contest is just one more thing that makes The Great Frederick Fair so special," Ramsburg explained. "We are very lucky to have the support of Classic Landscaping which enables us to provide this exceptional educational, and entertaining, program."

The award winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Building 32, just prior to the LegenDAIRY Celebration, the selection of the 4-H and open class dairy supreme champion females.

The contest, which does not have an entry fee, is open to any high school or professional landscaping or design business in Frederick County. To receive a copy of the contest rules, call the fair's administration office at 301-663-5895 or 663-6319, or visit the fair’s website at www.thegreatfrederickfair.com.