Sesquicentennial divisions added to several open class categories

In case some Nebraskans aren’t yet aware, the Cornhusker State is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.
    Called the sesquicentennial, events have been scheduled throughout Nebraska since early this year celebrating that milestone.
    The Chase County Extension office is also getting into the act so county residents could celebrate Nebraska’s 150th at their county fair.         Several divisions in the open class needlework, sewing and handicrafts divisions for this year’s Chase County Fair have an added category for the sesquicentennial.
    Some of the areas with the sesquicentennial division include quilts, rugs, embroidery work, weaving, artwork, photography, stamp craft, silk flower arrangements, family heirlooms and more.
    To find the special sesquicentennial divisions at this year’s fair, people can browse through the Open Class Premium Directory that was included in the July 20 Imperial and Wauneta newspapers.
    Extra copies of the directory are available at the Extension Office in Imperial or online at www.perkins-chase.unl.edu. Once on the page, click on “local interest” in the top bar to find the open class entry information and entry forms.
Get open class tags early
    Extension Office staff encourages people planning to enter in the fair’s open class to get their forms in and pick up tags early before fair week.
    Office manager Connie Griess said they are available now at the Imperial office or online at www.perkins-chase.unl.edu.
    Those who have their forms filled out and tags will be handled first on open class entry day on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
    The staff is also issuing a plea to those entering flowers, herbs, vegetables and other items in containers to bring them in heavy, sturdy receptacles (not glass).
    In the past, plastic and other light containers have blown over, and those in glass have broken when blown or knocked over.
Early 4-H events starting
    A number of 4-H events and contests, including shooting sports, clothing and the presentations contest, are scheduled ahead of the Aug. 13-20 fair week to get them all in.
    The first of those arrives today (Thursday) when the 4-H presentations contest is held at 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Imperial.
    Other early competitions include:
    Aug. 1—Trapshoot contest at the Plainsman Rifle and Pistol Club.
    Aug. 2—Clothing Day with the fashion show at 7 p.m., United Methodist Church. Fashion show open to public.
    Aug. 5—Archery contest, fairgrounds, 8 a.m.