WINFIELD -- Summer is on its way, which means the Putnam County Fair is not far behind. This year's fair is featuring a baking contest for Putnam County residents. Registration is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. All entries will be judged Tuesday, July 13.

Categories for the contest include a Special Cookie Competition, Special Cake Contest, Open Cobbler Contest and a Bread Contest.

All recipes must be made from scratch and any fruit used must be locally grown. Locally grown fruit can be purchased at the Putnam Farmers' Market at Valley Park in Hurricane, home of Waves of Fun Water Park. The market is open from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The Putnam County Farmers' Market carries more than just local fruits. Local growers provide fresh produce, meat, eggs, breads, preserves, honey, crafts, bedding plants and hanging baskets.

The Special Cookie Competition is a wonderful opportunity for children and their parents, grandparents, or guardians to create unforgettable memories together. Entries for chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter, or decorated sugar cookies will be accepted and all recipes must be made by the child and their parent, grandparent, or guardian. Children must not be older than 12 by Tuesday, July 13, 2010.

The Special Cake Contest will accept glazed pound cake, un-iced angel food cake, German chocolate cake and carrot cake.

The Open Cobbler Contest will accept any entry, provided the fruit is locally grown.

Yeast breads, quick breads, and rolls may be entered in the Bread Contest.

All participants of the baking contests are eligible to receive coupons from RED STAR ® Yeast. These may be picked up between June 28 and July 13 at the WVU Extension Service-Putnam County office located in the county courthouse, 3389 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV 25213. There will also be door prizes provided by RED STAR ® Yeast. All participants will be entered in the drawing. Door prizes will be drawn Tuesday July 13 at 7 p.m.

Call 304-586-0217 if you have any questions.

To learn more or if you have any questions, contact the Putnam County Extension Service at 304-586-0217.

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