HERITAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT J 2017 HORTICULTURE

HERITAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT J 2017 HORTICULTURE HERITAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT: SUPERINTENDENTS: ENTRY: Meredyth Johnson & Monique Cunningham Online entry is mandatory* at: www.montanafair.com *MontanaFair will provide assistance in online entry beginning July 5th, From 9:00 am-04:00 pm Monday through Friday through August 1st and on Saturday, July 22nd & Saturday, July 29th from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. CONTACT: entryoffice@metrapark.com (406)256-2400 ONLINE ENTRY DEADLINE IS: Tuesday, August 1, 2017 by 5:00 pm - Late entries will not be accepted. EXHIBITORS FEE: $5.00 fee (per exhibitor) for unlimited entries in Department J - Horticulture Department. Fee must be paid at time of entry. EXHIBITS RECEIVED: Montana Pavilion Thursday, August 10th, between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. EXHIBITS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER Tuesday, August 10th at 6:00 PM. Please come early and allow yourself time to be checked in and verify that all requirements for entering are met. Exhibitors that have 20 or more entries must contact the Superintendents (entryoffice@metrapark.com) for a scheduled appointment for checkin. EXHIBIT HOURS: August 11-18, 2017 ~ Friday, August 11 th 4:00 pm 9:00 pm; Saturday, August 12 th through Friday, August 18 th NOON 9:00 pm and; Saturday, August 19 th, NOON 6:00 pm. GATE ADMISSION: MontanaFair will provide one free day gate admission pass to exhibitors who enter five or more entries in any one department (limit one per exhibitor/per department). Exhibitors may purchase a MontanaFair season gate admission pass for $30.00 or one day gate admission passes for $5.00 each, if purchased at time of entry (which will be given to you when you check in your exhibit) or from the MontanaFair entry office, located in the exhibit hall of the Rimrock Auto Arena) by 4:00 pm Friday, August 11th, 2017. Heritage Arts Horticulture Exhibitor discount tickets will not be available after this time. Exhibitor tickets will not be available for purchase at department check-in of exhibits at the department check-in tables. EXHIBITS RELEASED: Sunday, August 20th, 2017, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Items not picked up during this time period will not be secured and WILL BE DISCARDED! Please make sure to pick-up your ribbons with your exhibits. MontanaFair will not mail exhibits or ribbons to exhibitors. PREMIUMS: Premiums will be awarded in all classes where there is at least one exhibitor. Please note: Premiums are paid by results as stated in the Official Judge s Book. Ribbons do not constitute a premium. 1 st place - $6.00, 2 nd place - $5.00, 3 rd place -$4.00, 4 th place - $3.00 Ribbons will be awarded in all classes* BEST OF SHOW AWARDS: Rosettes will be awarded to the Best of Show in each Horticulture Division* *Please pick up your ribbons when you pick up your exhibits. They will not be mailed by MontanaFair.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: Exhibitors must read and observe the General Rules and Regulations of MontanaFair located on the last two pages of this department. In the event of a conflict between the MontanaFair General Rules and Department J Special Rules, department rules will govern. 1. Exhibitors are limited to ONE entry per class. 2. Vases will be provided by MontanaFair for the display of cut flowers. 3. Please do not add more stems or items than this class list calls for, otherwise they will be disqualified. 4. The Superintendent shall have the right to remove or replace any item after judging that has become unsightly. 5. Any entry that displays a noxious weed will be disqualified. 6. MontanaFair is not liable for any printing errors or omissions from this department information or the website. DIVISION 1 Cut Flower Exhibits - Open All flowers in Division #1 must have been grown by exhibitor, (children must prepare and arrange their own exhibits). J-1-101 Asters J-1-102 Bachelor Buttons J-1-103 Begonia J-1-104 Carnations J-1-105 Calendulas J-1-106 Chinese Lantern J-1-107 Cockscomb (Celosis) J-1-108 Coneflower J-1-109 Coreopsis J-1-110 Cosmos J-1-111 Dahlia (any size) J-1-112 Day Lily (Hermerocallis) J-1-113 Dianthus J-1-114 Daisy (single or double) J-1-115 Gailardia J-1-116 German Statice J-1-117 Gladiolus (any color) J-1-118 Hollyhock (single or double) J-1-119 Larkspur J-1-120 Lily (any Lily) J-1-121 Marigold (miniature or American Standard) J-1-122 Pansy J-1-123 Petunia (single, double or ruffled) J-1-124 Phlox (annual or perennial) J-1-125 Queen s Anne s Lace J-1-126 Rose Miniature (any variety or color) J-1-127 Rose Single (regular, any variety or color) J-1-128 Rose Any Other (Polyantha, Climber, Shrub) J-1-129 Rose One Bloom in Exhibitor s Own Bowl J-1-130 Strawflowers (fresh cut) J-1-131 Statice J-1-132 Snapdragons (standard or butterflies) J-1-133 Shasta Daisy (double or single) J-1-134 Sunflower (any) J-1-135 Sweet Peas J-1-136 Sweet William J-1-137 Zinnia (any color) J-1-138 Any Other Annual (not listed) J-1-139 Any Other Perennial (not listed) J-1-140 Any Novelty (cut plant material) J-1-141 Dahlia Collection J-1-142 Gladiolus Collection (different colors of blooms) J-1-143 Rose Collection J-1-144 Snapdragon Collection (different colors of blooms) J-1-145 Zinnia Collection (different colors of blooms) DIVISION 2 Potted or Hanging Plants - Open Dept. /Division/Class J-2-146 Cacti or Succulents J-2-147 Dish Gardens or Planters J-2-148 Foliage Dish Garden or Planter (non-flowering) J-2-149 African Violet J-2-150 Miniature Rose J-2-151 Geraniums J-2-152 Begonias J-2-153 Ivy J-2-154 Fern J-2-155 Philodendron & Pothas J-2-156 Terrariums J-2-157 Flowering Plant (any other not listed) J-2-158 Hanging Plant (any other not listed) DIVISION 3 - Container Garden Planters - Open J-3-159 Collection of Growing Blooming Patio Plants (single container) J-3-160 Collection of Fruit or Vegetable Producing Plants (single container)

DIVISION 4 Horticulture by Youth (17 & Under) Cut Flower Exhibits Exhibitors that enter in Division #4, #5 and #6 may also enter in Open Divisions #1, #2 and #3 J-4-183 Petunia (single, double or ruffled) J-4-161 Asters J-4-184 Phlox (annual or perennial) J-4-162 Bachelor Buttons J-4-185 Queen s Anne s Lace J-4-163 Begonia J-4-186 Rose Miniature (any variety or color) J-4-164 Carnations J-4-187 Rose Single (regular, any variety or color) J-4-165 Calendulas J-4-188 Rose Any Other (Polyantha, Climber Shrub) J-4-166 Chinese Lantern J-4-189 Rose One Bloom (in exhibitor s own bowl) J-4-167 Cockscomb (Celosis) J-4-190 Strawflowers (fresh cut) J-4-168 Coneflower J-4-191 Statice J-4-169 Coreopsis J-4-192 Snapdragons (standard or butterflies) J-4-170 Cosmos J-4-193 Shasta Daisy (double or single) J-4-171 Dahlia (any size) J-4-194 Sunflower (any) J-4-172 Day Lily (Hermerocallis) J-4-195 Sweet Peas J-4-173 Dianthus J-4-196 Sweet William J-4-174 Daisy (single or double) J-4-197 Zinnia (any color) J-4-175 Gailardia J-4-198 Any Other Annual (not listed) J-4-176 German Statice J-4-199 Any Other Perennial (not listed) J-4-177 Gladiolus (any color) J-4-200 Any Novelty (cut plant material) J-4-178 Hollyhock (single or double) J-4-201 Dahlia Collection J-4-179 Larkspur J-4-202 Gladiolus Collection (different colors of blooms) J-4-180 Lily (any Lily) J-4-203 Rose Collection J-4-181 Marigold (miniature or American Standard) J-4-204 Snapdragon Collection (different colors of blooms) J-4-182 Pansy J-4-205 Zinnia Collection (different colors of blooms) DIVISION 5 Horticulture by Youth (17 & Under) - Potted or Hanging Plants Exhibitors that enter in Division #4, #5 and #6 may also enter in Open Divisions #1, #2 and #3 J-5-206 Cacti or Succulents J-5-207 Dish Gardens or Planters J-5-208 Foliage Dish Garden or Planter (non-flowering) J-5-209 African Violet J-5-210 Miniature Rose J-5-211 Geraniums J-5-212 Begonias J-5-213 Ivy J-5-214 Fern J-5-215 Philodendron & Pothas J-5-216 Terrariums J-5-217 Flowering Plant (any other not listed) J-5-218 Hanging Plant (any other not listed) DIVISION 6 Horticulture by Youth (17 & Under) - Container Garden Planters Exhibitors that enter in Division #4, #5 and #6 may also enter in Open Divisions #1, #2 and #3 J-6-219 Collection of Growing Blooming Patio Plants (single container) J-6-220 Collection of Fruit or Vegetable Producing Plants (single container)

Fruits & Vegetables Rules: 1. Exhibitors are limited to ONE entry per class. 2. Cutting an entry is at the discretion of the Judge. 3. Leave one inch of stem on most vegetables. Circular Harvesting & Preparing Vegetables for Exhibits is available at the County Extension Office to assist in proper preparation. 4. It is encouraged that exhibitors identify/name the variety on the entry tag. 5. Judging fruits and vegetables will be based on the following: A) Prime Culinary Quality - 50 % - (Taste, texture, smell, maturity, substance, color, (inside or out), weight for size, type or variety) B) Form - 25 % - (Little waste, meaty, typical) C) Condition - 15 % - (Limp, degree of maturity, blemished, groomed, clean) D) Uniformity - 10 % - (Shape, size, color, stage of maturity, length) The outstanding points to consider in selecting a vegetable are quality and condition. The judging of a vegetable exhibit is generally based on the readiness of the product for immediate use. The quality of the product is determined by actual test. Medium sizes are generally preferred to the very large sizes. Uniformity, a point which applies to exhibits that include more than one specimen, is particularly important. Uniformity largely determines the appearance of the exhibit. Avoid specimens that are over ripe, immature, stringy, pithy, woody, corky, pulpy, irregular, wilted, cracked, discolored, coarse, sunburned or diseased. All specimens should be free of dirt, decay, rust spots, blemishes and insect damage. Vegetable entry requirements: BEETS - 2 to1 ½ in diameter are best. Can be washed; leave 1 of green above crown. BEANS - Should be long and straight; do not break the end off when picking; seed in the pods should appear to be ¼ to ½ grown BROCCOLI - Cut stems before the first whort of leaves; the length of stems should not be over 5 CABBAGE - Leaves should not be peeled too closely; the heads should be firm and heavy in proportion to size; stems should not be cut off CARROTS - Leave top on; should be nearly careless; half longs 2 to 4 ; longs 6 over CAULIFLOWER - Should show no discoloration CUCUMBERS FOR SLICING - A small seed cavity undesirable; leave short stem; 4 to 8 long. CUCUMBER FOR PICKLING - Cucumbers for dills should be 2 to 4 long; for pickling 4 to 6 long; leave short stem on each ONIONS - Thoroughly ripened with dry necks; should be clean, smooth, and not peeled so as to be slick; tops should be twisted off; leave 1 top DILL STALK - Ripe with seeds; well formed KOHLRABI - 3 to 4 in diameter stems cut to 5. Skins should be easily penetrated with the thumbnail. Clean but do not wash. ONIONS - Thoroughly ripened with dry necks; should be clean, smooth and not peeled as to be slick; tops should be twisted off, leave 1 top PARSNIPS - Should be small and of great length; leave roots on; top 1 from crown and clean PEPPERS - Sweet peppers should show no red; pimentos should be red POTATOES - Medium, 8 to 12 ounce; shape and size should be typical of the variety PUMPKIN - Mature as shown by hardness of shell; stem should be attached RHUBARB - Should be solid RUTABAGAS - Bright color; medium to large SQUASH - SUMMER - Leave stems on; pick when small; may be washed SQUASH - WINTER - Hard shells; may be washed; leave stem attached SWEET CORN - Harvest ears when filled out to the tips; display with husks and silk TOMATOES - Must be solid; remove stem and display with blossom end up; display green tomatoes with the stem on and stem side up TURNIPS - Remove tops 1 from the crown DIVISION 7 - Vegetables - Open J-7-221 Beans (3 pods, any variety, snap beans) J-7-222 Wax beans (3 pods) J-7-223 Beets (table, 3 roots) J-7-224 Broccoli (1 head) J-7-225 Cabbage (1 head, leave root on) J-7-226 Cabbage Variety (Napa, Sale, Red,Chinese) J-7-227 Corn (1 ear) J-7-228 Corn on the Stalk (no dirt) J-7-229 Carrots (3 roots)

J-7-230 Cauliflower (1 head) J-7-231 Cucumber Burpless (1 specimen) J-7-232 Cucumber Slicing (1 specimen) J-7-233 Cucumber Pickling (3 specimens) J-7-234 Cucumber Dill (1 specimen) J-7-235 Cucumber Sweet (1 specimen) J-7-236 Eggplant (1 specimen) J-7-237 Garlic (1 full head) J-7-238 Kohlrabi (1 specimen) J-7-239 Lettuce or Other Green (cut at ground level) J-7-240 Onions (1 specimen, do not peel) J-7-241 Parsnips J-7-242 Peas In-A-Pod (3 pods) J-7-243 Pepper Green (1 specimen) J-7-244 Pepper- Other Variety (1 specimen) J-7-245 Potatoes (any variety, 1 specimen) J-7-246 Pumpkin (1, any size, any variety) J-7-247 Pumpkin For Pies (1, any variety) J-7-248 Rutabaga J-7-249 Squash Zucchini (1 specimen) J-7-250 Squash Summer (any other, 1 specimen) J-7-251 Squash Buttercup (1 specimen) J-7-252 Squash Winter (1 specimen) J-7-253 Tomatoes Red (large, 1 specimen) J-7-254 Tomatoes Green (large, 1 specimen) J-7-255 Tomatoes Cherry (3 specimens) J-7-256 Tomatoes Any Other (ripe, 1 specimen) J-7-257 Turnips (1 specimen) J-7-258 Any Other Vegetable (not listed, 1 large or 3 small) DIVISION 8 - Vegetables Youth (17 Years & Under) Exhibitors that enter in Division #8 may also enter in Open Division #7 J-8-278 Onions (1 specimen, do not peel) J-8-259 Beans (3 pods, any variety, snap beans) J-8-279 Parsnips J-8-260 Wax beans (3 pods) J-8-280 Peas In-A-Pod (3 pods) J-8-261 Beets (table, 1 root) J-8-281 Pepper Green (1 specimen) J-8-262 Broccoli (1 head) J-8-282 Pepper - Other Variety (1 specimen) J-8-263 Cabbage (1 head, leave root on) J-8-283 Potatoes (any variety, 1 specimen) J-8-264 Cabbage Variety (ex. Napa, Sale, Red, Chinese) J-8-284 Pumpkin (1, any size, any variety) J-8-265 Corn (1ear) J-8-285 Pumpkin For Pies (1, any variety) J-8-266 Corn on the Stalk (no dirt) J-8-286 Rutabaga J-8-267 Carrots (3 roots) J-8-287 Squash Zucchini (1 specimen) J-8-268 Cauliflower (1 head) J-8-288 Squash Summer (any other, 1 specimen) J-8-269 Cucumber Burpless (1 specimen) J-8-289 Squash Buttercup (1 specimen) J-8-270 Cucumber Slicing (1 specimens) J-8-290 Squash Winter (1 specimen) J-8-271 Cucumber Pickling (3 specimens) J-8-291 Tomatoes Red (large, 1 specimen) J-8-272 Cucumber Dill (1 specimen) J-8-292 Tomatoes Green (large, 1 specimen) J-8-273 Cucumber Sweet (1 specimen) J-8-293 Tomatoes Cherry (3 specimens) J-8-274 Eggplant (1 specimen) J-8-294 Tomatoes Any Other (ripe, 1 specimens) J-8-275 Garlic (1 full head) J-8-295 Turnips J-8-276 Kohlrabi (1 specimen) J-8-296 Any Other Vegetable (not listed,1 large or 3 small) J-8-277 Lettuce or Other Green (cut at ground level) DIVISION 9 Fruits Open J-9-297 Apples One Variety (plate of 1) J-9-298 Apples Crab (one variety, plate of 1) J-9-299 Grapes One Variety (1 bunch) J-9-300 Raspberries (3 specimens) J-9-301 Gooseberries (3 specimens) J-9-302 Berries One Variety (3 specimens) J-9-303 Plums One Variety (3 specimens) J-9-304 Rhubarb One Variety (1 stem) J-9-305 Melon (1 specimen) J-9-306 Herb Fresh (1 specimen) J-9-307 Any Other Fruit (not listed, 1 large or 3 small) DIVISION 10 Horticulture by Youth (17 & Under Fruits Exhibitors that enter in Division #10 may also enter in Open Division #9 J-10-313 Berries One Variety (3 specimens) J-10-308 Apples One Variety (plate of 1) J-10-314 Plums One Variety (3 specimens) J-10-309 Apples Crab (one variety, plate of 1) J-10-315 Rhubarb One Variety (1 stem) J-10-310 Grapes One Variety (1 bunch) J-10-316 Melon (1 specimen) J-10-311 Raspberries (3 specimens) J-10-317 Herb Fresh (1 specimen) J-10-312 Gooseberries (3 specimens) J-10-318 Any Other Fruit (not listed, 1 large or 3 small)

DIVISION 11 MOTHER NATURE S SURPRISES Open J-11-319 Funniest Vegetable (not decorated or enhanced) J-11-320 Longest Vegetable J-11-321 Biggest Vegetable J-11-322 Heaviest Vegetable FLOWER ARRANGEMENT CONTEST Designer s Choice of Fresh Flowers or Plants* ~ Arranged in Exhibitor s Vase or Planter *(Arrangements may be decorated or enhanced) Two Different Age Groups Class J-50-101 Youth 17 Years & Younger Class J-50-102 Adult 18 Years and Older Contest Premiums ~ 1 st $25.00 2 nd $20.00 3 rd $15.00 4 th $10.00 One entry per exhibitor Exhibits will be accepted at Montana Pavilion on Thursday, August 10 th - 10:00 am 6:00 pm VEGETABLE ARRANGEMENT CONTEST Designer s Choice Vegetables* ~ Arranged in Exhibitor s Container (Examples: Wreaths Cornucopias, Etc.) *(Arrangements may be decorated or enhanced) Two Different Age Groups Class J-50-104 Youth 17 Years & Younger Class J-50-105 Adult 18 Years & Older Contest Premiums ~ 1st $25.00 2nd $20.00 3rd $15.00 4th $10.00 One entry per exhibitor Exhibits will be accepted at Montana Pavilion on Thursday, August 10 th 10:00 am 6:00 pm

2017 MONTANAFAIR GENERAL INFORMATION/RULES & REGULATIONS THE PRESS: Please contact our Marketing Department at 256-2400 for information and credentials. MAIL FACILITIES: Exhibitors and others may have their mail addressed in care of MontanaFair, PO Box 2514, Billings, MT 59103 or MontanaFair, 308 6th Avenue N, Billings, MT 59101. Postage due or COD deliveries will not be accepted. EMERGENCY MESSAGES: Emergency messages for exhibitors should be directed to the MontanaFair Entry Office at (406)256-2400 or the Yellowstone County Sheriff at (406)256-2441. ADVERTISING: Under no circumstances will any person or firm be allowed to place any advertising matter upon buildings, fences, trees or any place on the grounds, nor will it be permitted to distribute any advertising or sell articles outside the space assigned. No political advertising, petition solicitors, subscription or sheet writers. INTERPRETATIONS & LIABILITY: MontanaFair Management reserves the right to interpret all rules and regulations and to arbitrarily settle and determine all matters, questions and differences in regard thereto, arising out of and not covered by them. Any person who violates any of the rules as published on the MontanaFair website www.montanafair.com will forfeit all privileges and premiums and may be subject to such penalty as ordered by MontanaFair management. Submission of written or online entry serves as agreement from exhibitor to comply with this statement. In the event of General and Department Special Rules, the Department Special Rules will govern. MontanaFair, MetraPark and Yellowstone County, MT, their employees, agents or board members thereof will assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, death or theft, sustained by person, property or livestock of any exhibitor, exhibitor s family or employees, concessionaire or spectator. Every animal and article upon the grounds shall be under the control of MontanaFair management. Management will put forth every effort to ensure the safety of articles after their arrival, but in no case will it be responsible for loss, theft, damages, livestock injury or death which may occur while in transit or during the time of exhibition. DOGS: No dogs, except certified service dogs and dogs entered into competition will be allowed in any exhibit building, (including the SuperBarn), arenas or on the carnival midway. All dogs on the grounds must have proof of current vaccinations and health requirements as per Yellowstone County. All dogs must be on a leash at all times. Dogs, small and large animals shall not be left in vehicles or trailers or be unattended in the any parking lot or other area of the MontanaFair grounds. Unleashed dogs or dogs left unattended will be reported to the Yellowstone County Animal Control Department. SERVICE VEHICLES: The use of motorized service vehicles (golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.). Authorized use of these vehicles are for MontanaFair employees only. DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDENTS: Each Superintendent will have charge of the department assigned and listed on the departmental information materials. The Superintendent will have charge of the building display spaces, stalls and equipment within the department. Rearrangement of stalls and spaces will be done only with supervision and as agreed by the Superintendent. ENTRY INFORMATION ALL DEPARTMENTS & EXHIBITORS 1. Online entry only at www.montanafair.com. 2. Entries are not considered complete until all applicable fees have been paid. 3. Should an individual enter either an animal or article in the name of another than that of the bonafide owner, or attempt to perpetrate a fraud by misrepresentation of any fact, the entry thus made must be removed from exhibition and all fees paid and premiums or awards must be forfeited. 4. Any entry which may have been inadvertently or erroneously entered may, at the discretion of the Department Superintendents or Judge, be transferred to the proper class prior to judging. 5. Exhibitors will cooperate at all times to conduct the best possible fair. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and the offending exhibitor will forfeit all premiums due and may be immediately dismissed from the fairgrounds. 6. MontanaFair is not responsible for errors in website information. CHECKS RETURNED/DENIED CREDIT CARDS: Any exhibitor issuing a check for payment of entries, stalling or gate admissions which does not clear their account for any reason, will have five days to make payment to keep entries eligible to participate in competition. This applies to credit card transactions that are denied. A $30.00 fee will be accessed to the exhibitor. This fee must be paid in cash, money order or cashier s check prior to competition. If MontanaFair has not been notified of transaction denial or returned check prior to judging, any premiums earned will be withheld.

REFUNDS: MontanaFair has a firm no refund policy. While recognizing that illness or injury of an exhibitor or livestock occurs, no refunds of any fees are permitted. Calculate fees correctly. There is no refund for overpayments. CODE OF ETHICS: MontanaFair is a member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and will abide by the IAFE National Code of Show Ring Ethics when conducting MontanaFair 2017 as printed on the MontanaFair website. www.montanafair.com EXHIBIT RULES & REGULATIONS JUDGES: Every effort is expended to provide competent judges. No exhibitor or spectator will be allowed to interfere with a judge in the performance of his/her duties. DELAY OF JUDGING: Exhibitors must arrange for the prompt showing of all exhibits at the call of the judge. At the judge s discretion, any exhibit not presented promptly when called may be disqualified. Call for closing of the gate is at the Department Superintendent s discretion. Provided there are judged exhibit(s) in a class, all placings and premiums may be awarded except as otherwise provided in rules in any department. Premiums will not be paid according to tags or ribbons, but by the awards as recorded in the judge s book. The judge s record is final. Fair Management does not guarantee the payment of special premiums offered by merchants or private parties. These special premiums are accepted in good faith by MontanaFair. Combined or cancelled classes are at the discretion of the Department Superintendent. Combined classes will receive only one premium for placings. Ties for placing will result in split premium. Exhibitors are limited to two premiums per class. Exhibitors receiving premiums in excess of $600.00 must provide a completed, signed and dated W-9 with the personal social security number or federal taxpayer identification number. Name on W-9 must match name on entry. Premiums checks not cashed within 90 days from date of issue will become stale-dated and void. UNWORTHY EXHIBITS: Judges must not award a prize to an unworthy exhibit. No premiums will be awarded to undeserving exhibits where there is competition or not. Judges are allowed to award premiums as they feel worthy. The decision of the judge shall be final and no appeal will be considered except in cases of formal protest. The judge s placing in the official judge s book designates the premium paid. PROTESTS: 1. Protests (whether formal or informal) must be submitted in writing, signed and accompanied by $50.00 cash or certified check (refundable if the protest is sustained). The protest must plainly state the cause of the complaint or appeal and must be delivered to the Department Superintendent immediately after the occasion for the protest. A protest pertaining to eligibility is most suitable when submitted prior to judging. 2. Judging procedures will not be interrupted for protest investigation. 3. Depending on the basis of the protest, interested parties may be notified and given the opportunity to submit evidence. A decision may be withheld until a complete investigation can be made. 4. No complaint or appeal that a judge overlooked an entry will be considered. PREMIUMS: All premiums are paid to the exhibitor as stated on the official entry form or online entry submission.