Open Class Judging

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Orange County is excited to announce that during the brand-new 4-H Farm & Family Fair this July, we will be hosting Open Classes for anyone quilts and photography. Show off your talent and creativity during this fun, friendly competition.

The competition is open to all ages, with no age divisions, and welcomes original work from exhibitors. All entries must be submitted with completed entry information, including size specifications in inches (quilts: width × length; photography: image size). Each entry requires a $10.00 fee. The submission deadline for applications and fees is June 15, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A QUILT ENTRY

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A PHOTOGRAPHY ENTRY

Awards

Participants will compete for cash prizes and recognition, including:

• 1st Place (Blue Ribbon): $75
• 2nd Place (Red Ribbon): $50
• 3rd Place (White Ribbon): $25
• Best in Show (Quilts and Photography): $100 each

Quilt Division

The Quilt Division features multiple categories based on construction and technique, including machine pieced, hand pieced, and appliqué quilts, with both hand- and machine-quilting variations.

Eligible entries must be lap-size or larger and limited to blankets or bedding quilts only; wall hangings, clothing, table runners, and similar items are not permitted. All quilts must be submitted in a protective pillowcase or clear storage bag and include a completed entry tag with exhibitor information. Identifying details will be covered during judging.

Judging will be based on design and composition, workmanship, quilting technique and difficulty, creativity, visual impact, and overall condition and finishing.

Quilt Drop-Off:

• Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Orange, 18 Seward Ave., Suite 300, Middletown, NY 10940
• Dates/Time: July 20–21, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.

Quilt Pick-Up:

• Location: 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, NY
• Dates/Time: July 26, 5–7 p.m. or July 27, 9–11 a.m.
  Unclaimed entries will be returned to 18 Seward Ave., Middletown, NY.

Photography Division

The Photography Division includes four categories: Portrait (Phone), Landscape (Phone), Portrait (Camera), and Landscape (Camera). Portrait entries may include people or animals, while landscape entries may feature natural or built environments.

Minor editing such as cropping and color correction is permitted; however, heavy digital manipulation is not allowed. All photographs must be framed, ready to hang (wire backing preferred), and include an entry tag. Submissions must be family-friendly.

Judging will consider composition, technical quality (focus, lighting, exposure), and creativity and impact.

Photo Drop-Off:

• Location: Kasuga Barn, 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, NY
• Date/Time: July 23, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Photo Pick-Up:

• Location: Kasuga Barn, 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, NY
• Dates/Time: July 26, 5–7 p.m. or July 27, 9–11 a.m.
  Unclaimed entries will be returned to 18 Seward Ave., Middletown, NY.

Additional Information

All entries must be original work of the exhibitor. Entries not meeting requirements may be refused. Submitted works will be displayed publicly during the fair.

Judges’ decisions are final. All entries are exhibited at the owner’s risk. The Fair and Cornell Cooperative Extension assume no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage, though reasonable precautions will be taken to protect submitted items.

By entering the competition, exhibitors grant permission for their work to be photographed or reproduced for promotional use, including print, digital, and social media platforms, with credit provided when practical.

For questions regarding entries, please contact Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange County Executive Director at mru2@cornell.edu or call our office at 845-344-1234.

Last updated May 20, 2026