Eastern Shore Agricultural Fair Crop and Garden Competitions
Join the Accomack and Northampton Virginia Cooperative Extension at the 2025 ESVA Chamber of Commerce Eastern Shore Agricultural Fair to learn about agriculture on the Eastern Shore and to compete in the Crop and Garden Competitions!
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Where: 7247 Young Street, Machipongo, VA (Old Northampton Middle School Grounds)
Crop and Garden Competitions include:
- Category A: Largest Pumpkin
- Category B: Largest Zucchini
- Category C: Vegetable basket
- Category D: Cut Flower Floral Arrangement
- Category E: Row Crops: Field Corn and Soybeans
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Entries are welcome from Northampton and Accomack Counties
- Registration will be done online: https://forms.gle/zx3xmzoRvTANgeLP9 or simply bring in your item the day of the fair. Registration will be accepted through Saturday, October 4th. Cutoff for entries to arrive at fairgrounds for judging is 10:00 am on October 4, 2025. Judging will follow.
- Competitors may enter only one article per category but may enter as many categories as desired.
- No entry will be accepted unless it has an exhibit category listed for it in the rules/regulations.
- The exhibitors are solely responsible for deciding the proper exhibit category for their entry; entries improperly classified will not be changed or judged. We reserve the right to accept or refuse an exhibit.
- The largest pumpkin, largest zucchini and row crop exhibits must be made or grown in the last 12 months by the person entering the exhibit or immediate family. The vegetable basket exhibit allows for more creativity and can include vegetables not grown by the person entering the exhibit. The cut flower floral arrangement exhibit can include flowers grown by the individual or purchased (with additional points for local sourcing).
- The Eastern Shore Agricultural Fair will not be responsible for any accident or injury to the person or property of any exhibitor, spectator, attendant, or any other person from any cause whatsoever.
- All entries received will be entirely under the control and authority of the Fair's management. No exhibitor will be allowed to remove, handle, or rearrange the exhibit.
- Entries will be accepted in each exhibit class based on the registration received online by October 3rd, 2025.
- If it is ascertained that an exhibitor or person associated with an exhibitor has made or caused to make a false statement regarding any articles exhibited, or if the exhibitor shall attempt to interfere with the judges in the performance of their duties, the exhibitor shall be excluded from competing or from exhibition on the grounds of the Fair.
- The decision of the judges will be final.
- Competition is open to all interested parties. Competition age groups are as follows: youth 18 and under, Adults 19 and over. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.
- Exhibit items may be removed at 1:45p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Any items not removed by 2:15pm will be disposed of.
- Ribbons will be posted on all exhibits following the judging during the fair on October 4, 2025.
- Ribbons and awards not picked up by 2:15 pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025, will be moved to the Northampton or Accomack Extension offices (based on your residency).
- The right is reserved by the Fair to withhold the prizes awarded in every case in which it shall appear the regulations have not been complied with, or that fraud or deception has been attempted, or where the article is not worthy. Its decision shall be final and binding on all parties.
- Exhibit Check-in Time: October 4, 2025. 9:30am; Giant pumpkins will need to be checked in on Friday, October 3rd between 9am and 2pm if assistance is required to unload.
- Exhibit Pick-up Time: October 4, 2025, 1:45pm
- Contact Information:
- Accomack County Theresa Pittman 757-787-1361 tpittman@vt.edu
- Northampton County Helene Doughty 757-999-0780 hdoughty@vt.edu
- Please note any item left at the tent after 2:15 pm on October 4th will be discarded. Ribbons will be available for pick-up at the Northampton or Accomack Extension Offices, based on the winner’s residency.
JUDGING AND CATEGORY RULES
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Category A Rules
Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit in each category.
Each exhibit in the largest pumpkin category must have been harvested within the past 12 months and grown by the exhibitor or immediate family.
Pumpkins should be delivered on a pallet if needed to be unloaded with a forklift.
Giant pumpkins will need to be checked in on Friday, October 3rd (times to be announced).
Any item may be removed if deemed necessary (spoilage).
Awards: First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in Adult and Youth age groups.
Pumpkins will be judged based on the following criteria:
Weight (80 points):
This is obviously the most crucial factor, with the heaviest pumpkin taking home the top prize.
External condition (20 points):
Overall health: (5 points) The pumpkin should be free from disease, rot, cracks, or soft spots.
Shape: (5 points) A symmetrical and round pumpkin is ideal. Elongated or oddly shaped pumpkins would receive fewer points.
Color: (5 points) A uniform, vibrant orange color is preferred. Pumpkins with blemishes or discoloration would lose points.
Stem: (5 points) A green, healthy, and firmly attached stem is desirable. A broken or dried-out stem would be penalized.
Category B rules:
Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit in each category
Each exhibit in the largest zucchini category must have been harvested within the past 12 months and grown by the exhibitor or immediate family.
Any item may be removed if deemed necessary (spoilage).
Size will be determined from point of stem attachment or basis of calyx to base of fruit and diameter.
Awards: First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in Adult and Youth age groups.
Pumpkins will be judged based on the following criteria:
Size (80 points):
Weight (30 points)
Length (25 points)
Circumference at largest area (25 points)
External Condition (20 points):
Overall health: (5 points) The zucchini should be free from disease, rot, blemishes, or soft spots. A healthy appearance showcases proper growing techniques.
Shape: (5 points) A straight and uniform zucchini is ideal. Curved or oddly shaped zucchinis would receive fewer points.
Color: (5 points) A vibrant, consistent green color is preferred. Faded or discolored zucchinis would lose points.
Stem: (5 points) A fresh, green, and firmly attached stem is desirable. A dried-out or broken stem would be penalized.
Category C Rules:
Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit in each category
Each exhibit must have 6 varieties of vegetables.
The basket may not be larger than 14 inches in diameter.
Exhibits may contain vegetable specimens grown by the exhibitor or purchased by the exhibitor.
Any item may be removed if deemed necessary (spoilage).
Awards: First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in Adult and Youth age groups
Baskets will be judged based on the following criteria:
General Presentation (20 points):
Overall appearance: (5 points) Is the basket visually appealing? Is it clean and free of debris? Are the vegetables arranged attractively?
Variety: (5 points) Does the basket showcase a diverse selection of vegetables?
Color: (5 points) Does the basket incorporate a variety of vibrant colors to create a visually interesting display?
Basket choice: (5 points) Is the basket appropriate for the vegetables and the overall theme (if any)?
Vegetable Quality (40 points):
Freshness: (10 points) Are the vegetables crisp, firm, and free of blemishes?
Ripeness: (10 points) Are the vegetables at their peak ripeness for optimal flavor and texture?
Size and uniformity: (10 points) Are the vegetables a good size and relatively uniform within the variety?
Cleanliness: (10 points) Are the vegetables free of dirt and debris?
Creativity and Theme (40 points):
Theme adherence (optional): (10 points) If there's a specific theme for the contest, does the basket creatively reflect it?
Originality: (10 points) Does the basket showcase a unique or interesting arrangement of vegetables?
Local focus (optional): (10 points) Does the basket highlight locally grown vegetables? (This could be a bonus category)
Basket Size: (10 points) The basket may be no bigger than 14 inches.
Edibility: (Disqualification) All vegetables in the basket must be edible.
Category D Rules:
Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit in each category
Exhibits may contain cut flower specimens grown by the exhibitor or purchased by the exhibitor.
Any item may be removed if deemed necessary (spoilage).
Awards: First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in Adult and Youth age groups
- Design & Composition (20 points): Structure, unity, rhythm, focal point, and visual flow.
- Color Harmony (15 points): Coordination of flower, foliage, and container colors.
- Balance & Proportion (15 points): Symmetry, scale, and visual weight distribution.
- Condition of Materials (10 points): Freshness, vigor, and absence of damage or wilt.
- Suitability of Materials (10 points): Appropriateness for design, container, and season.
- Container Choice (10 points): Clean, proportional, and complementary to design.
- Distinction & Creativity (10 points): Originality, imagination, and overall presentation.
- Construction Technique (5 points): Secure placement, no visible mechanics, professional finish.
- Locally Sourced Cut Flowers (5 points): Flower specimens were grown by the exhibitor or purchased locally.
Category D Rules:
Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit in field corn and soybean
Each exhibit must have been harvested within the past 12 months and grown by the exhibitor or immediate family.
Any item may be removed if deemed necessary (spoilage).
Exhibits in field corn must have 5 ears.
Exhibits in soybeans must have 6 complete stalks (with root).
Awards: First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in Adult and Youth age groups.
FIELD CORN will be judged based on the following criteria:
Ear Quality (30 points):
Kernel uniformity: (10 points) The kernels should be consistent in size and shape across the entire ear.
Filling: (10 points) The cob should be completely filled with kernels, with no gaps or missing kernels.
Color: (10 points) A bright, uniform yellow or orange color is preferred, depending on the corn variety. Discoloration or blemishes would be penalized.
Presentation (10 points):
Overall appearance: (5 points) Clean, well-prepared presentation with minimal debris or damage.
Display: (5 points) An attractive and informative display showcasing the corn's qualities can enhance overall presentation.
SOYBEANS will be judged based on the following criteria:
Pod Quality and Quantity (60 points):
Pod fill: (15 points) Pods should be completely filled with soybeans, with minimal empty space or split pods.
Seed size and uniformity: (15 points) Soybeans should be uniform in size and shape, with a healthy, consistent color (usually yellow or brown depending on variety).
Cleanliness: (10 points) Pods should be free of dirt, debris, or signs of disease or insect damage.
Number of pods per plant: (20 points) More pods per plant, assuming good pod fill, indicates higher potential yield
Plant Health (30 points):
Stand establishment: (10 points) A dense and uniform stand of plants with minimal missing plants indicates good planting practices and growing conditions.
Stem health: (10 points) Strong, upright stems with minimal lodging (falling over) are desirable.
Leaf health: (5 points) Healthy, green leaves free from disease or insect damage demonstrate good growing practices.
Freedom from pests: (5 points) Absence of visible signs of insect pests or disease would be rewarded.
Presentation (10 points):
Overall appearance: (5 points) Clean, well-prepared presentation with minimal debris or damage.
Display: (5 points) An attractive and informative display showcasing the soybeans' qualities can enhance overall presentation.