Even though "The Great New York State Fair" in Syracuse is months away, now is the time to enter many of the competitions held at the fair. There are competitions for antique tractors, pigeons and watermelon carving, to name a few.

Ferris Wheel
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Here's the full story, according nysfair.org:

"Registration Now Open for Dozens of Competitions

Most competitions are true to the Fair's agricultural roots and mandate, such as the competitions for horses and livestock, flower arranging, and dairy products. However, others encompass the arts. The annual fine arts competition, which occupies the entire second floor of the Art & Home Center, is one example, and the daily talent competition on the Talent Showcase stage is another. In 2013, more than 6,000 people submitted approximately 28,000 entries in 275 categories.

Among the new competitions this year is one called "Bucket of Junk." Teams of competitors must make an identifiable object using only the odds and ends in their buckets. The items in each bucket are identical.

Some deadlines for entries are approaching. Competition rules, deadlines, and entry forms can be found on the New York State Fair website, located at www.nysfair.org/competitions. Most entry forms can be filled out and submitted online. However, competitors who prefer printed information can have it sent through the mail by calling the State Fair at 487-7711 extension 1337.

The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 21 - September 1, 2014.

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