Buying plants from youth.

Are you are looking for a reason to take your focus off Hurricane Irma cleanup? The annual 4H/FFA Plant Show and Auction at the County Fair is just what you may need and will be here soon. Youth between the ages of eight and eighteen have already selected and registered their plant projects. Now they are busy growing their plants and preparing their displays with the hope of being awarded a blue ribbon and a cash award at the auction.

Local horticultural professionals will judge the entries based on plant size, shape, general appearance and health. Participants must also keep a detailed record of their work that shows all activities including their watering, fertilizing, and pest control methods. They are also required to send letters to potential auction attendees and plant buyers in an effort to get the best bid that they can at sale during the Manatee County Fair. (The auction will be held during the fair on Saturday, January 13^th 2018 around 6:00 pm in Mosaic Arena). Beside producing an amazing attractive plant, participants must also market and display their work in a way that relates to this year’s fair theme, “Good Food, Good Rides, Good Times”. The youth are also trying to receive a coveted blue ribbon and compete for Grand Champion, Grand Champion Reserve and Showmanship Awards.

After the entries are judged, they are available to be viewed by attendees of the fair in the Stewart Building. This is a must see for fair goers to view the results of all their hard work. There are always surprises to be found in the plant barn every year. Although most of the participants will not go on to work in the horticulture industry, they all gain an appreciation for the hard work, patience and diligence that is required to produce a saleable plant. It is important to view their efforts to see the unique and creative ways that they display their plants and which you might need at your house! So when you come to the fair be sure to visit the Stewart building . Come to the auction and support our hardworking youth!

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