The Great Allentown Fair’s Premium List, detailing the procedures and categories for entering the fair’s blue-ribbon competitions, is now available on the Allentown Fair’s website: www.AllentownFairPA.org

Placement ribbons and cash prizes are awarded in each of the exhibitor categories judged prior and throughout fair week, Aug. 28 through Labor Day Sept. 2. There are contests for youths in addition to the all-ages categories.

The listing for Agri-Plex entries is available now. The livestock entries book will be available online in July.

Farmers, gardeners, antique collectors, crafters, bakers, cooks, photographers and more have the opportunity to compete for small monetary awards and prestigious Allentown Fair blue ribbons. There is a competition for almost everything and everyone.

Fair competitions are some of the grandest traditions, dating back to the 1850s. This year, the fair is looking forward to welcoming approximately 7,000 entries and 700 farm animals that will be in the running for more than $65,000 in total prize money.

The vast number of award categories include more than 170 types of fruits, vegetables and herbs along with 20 different varieties of organic vegetables that are judged and then on display inside Agri-Plex, the fair’s main exhibit hall and “heart of the fair.”

As a special attraction, 11 culinary contests offer cooks and bakers extra incentives for whipping up favorite recipes or creating new dishes that are judged during the fair with an audience. Sponsored contests are included in the Agri-Plex Premium List, but require the completion of separate, individual applications providing important details.

The Agri-Plex Premium List and applications for the special contests are available on the fair’s website: www.allentownfairpa.org/contests.

Hard copies of the Premium List can be picked up at the Fair Office, located behind the Ritz Barbecue, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays.

The deadline for Agri-Plex entries is July 29. Registration must be completed by mail. No onsite registration will be held.

Information: 610-433-7541.

Allentown Fair Special Culinary Contests are sponsored by PenTeleData. Extra-incentive prize contests are described in the Fair Premium List but require the completion of separate applications available online: allentownfairpa.org/contests.

1. PA Preferred Junior Baking Cookies, Brownies and Bars Contests sponsored by Newburg Deli & Catering

2. Ultimate Fruit Pie Challenge (no apple) sponsored by The Buttered Crumb

3. Quiche Contest sponsored by Sweet Girlz Bakery

4. “Any Kind of Fruit” Upside-Down Fruit Cake Contest sponsored by Kyms Creation Bakery

5. King Arthur Flour Ultimate Brownie-Blondie Contest

6. Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist Contest

7. The Pampered Chef Cake Roll Up Contest

8. Bechdolt’s Orchards Fresh Peach Dessert Contest

9. Best “No Bake” Dessert Contest sponsored by Sparkle with Jeanine and Park Lane Jewelry

10. Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest sponsored by Vynecrest Winery and PA Association of County Fairs

11. Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest sponsored by Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms