CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
 E NOTE: Limited clear wax or oil is allowed in all classes.

q NOTE: Classes 1 and 2may contain Turk’s Turbans.
q NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” as listed in the AGS Handbook. Gourds must be mature and clean.  Stems are not included in size measurements.  Stems are required in Classes 8, 9, 14, 15, 42 and 44 (AGS Handbook 6.8.5.4.1).  Stems are not mandatory in other Division I classes (see Gourd Show Rules for Exhibitors, Rule 16, page 13).

1.  Artistic display of current season gourds, including Ornamentals and Hardshells.  The display must be no larger than 3’x3’.  Risers and accessory materials are allowed, but no part of the display is to be attached to or leaned against a wall.  No dry gourds are to be used as accessories.
2.  Yard Square display of current season assorted varieties of Ornamental and Hardshell gourds.  No gourd or part of a gourd may extend beyond the 36” square.  A  frame is permitted.  No accessory material is permitted. Gourds must completely fill the yard square area.
3.  Heaviest gourd by weight.
4.  Gourd with largest circumference.
5.  Longest overall STRAIGHT gourd, not to exceed 4” gradual curve.
6.  Longest overall CROOKED gourd, must exceed 4” total curve.
7.  Longest straight dipper gourd (not to exceed 4” gradual curve).
8.  Five small, assorted Hardshells, under 12” diameter and length.
9.  Five large assorted Hardshells, 12” and over in diameter or length.
10. Three short handled Dippers, 15” and under in length.
11. Three long handled Dippers, over 15” in length.
12. Three Dolphins or Marankas.  All straight necks.
13. Three Dolphins or Marankas.  All curved necks.
14. Five small Bottle gourds, 5” or less in height.
15. Five Bottle or Birdhouse gourds, over 5” in height (no Indonesian Bottles).
16. Three straight Indonesian Bottle gourds.
17. Three crooked Indonesian Bottle gourds.
18. Most unusual natural Hardshell (oddity or freak natural growth, not hand trained.)
19. One  hand trained Hardshell; i.e. knots, or shaped by use of a mold or form, twine, etc. (single gourd only unless inseparable).
20. Most unusual natural Ornamental (oddity or freak natural growth, not hand trained.)
21. One  hand trained Ornamental; i.e. knots, or shaped by use of a mold or form, twine, etc. (single gourd only unless inseparable)
22.Three Luffa or dishrag gourds.
23. Three colorful Turk’s Turbans.
24. Three Cannonball gourds.
25. Three Hardshell Warty gourds.
26. Three Hardshell Banana gourds.
27. Three Hardshell Apple gourds.
28. One smallest mature Ornamental gourd (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
29. One smallest mature Hardshell gourd (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
30. Five smallest assorted mature Ornamental gourds (excludes marbles and other soft-shelled gourds).
31. Five assorted spoons, under 6” in length (measured along central axis)
32. Five assorted spoons, over 6” in length (measured along central axis)
33. Five identical spoons (no restriction on length, but the spoons must be identical.)
34. Five identical Crown of Thorns (white or cream color)
35. Five Crown of Thorns, any other color, combination of colors,
36. Five assoeted Autumn Wings .
37. Ten assorted small Ornamental warties, under 3 ½” in diameter and 6” in length.
38. Ten assorted large Ornamental warties, over 3 ½” in diameter and/or over 6” in length.
39. Ten assorted small Ornamentals, under 3 ½” in diameter and under 6” in length - no warties.
40. Ten assorted large Ornamentals, over 3 ½” in diameter, and/or  over 6” in length - no warties.
41. Ten identical, true variety Ornamentals - any size.
42. Five identical, true variety Hardshells - any size.
43. A centerpiece with fresh gourds predominating in a tray, basket, bowl, plate, dried gourd, etc.  Natural  accessory materials are permitted (no artificial materials or dried gourds.
44. Most outstanding Hardshell (specimen gourd). Exhibitor must display a note with the specimen naming the variety.
45. Most outstanding Ornamental (specimen gourd - no Luffas).  Exhibitor must display a note with the specimen naming the variety.
46. Two Trichosanthes (Snake gourds).


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q  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook. Gourds must be dry, mature and cleaned.  Stems are not included in size measurements.  Stems are required only in Classes 48, 49 and 50 (AGS Handbook 6.8.5.4.1).  In all other Division II classes stems are not mandatory (see Gourd Show Rules for Exhibitors, Rule 16, page 13).

47. Yard Square display of dried, cleaned, Ornamentals and Hardshells in their natural color.  No hand trained, crafted, cut or broken gourds are permitted.  No color (paint, stain, shoe polish, etc.), accessories or other embellishment is allowed.  Clear wax, oil, varnish, shellac, or sealer is allowed.  No part of a gourd shall extend beyond the 36” square and no backgrounds or gourds may be fastened to the wall.  A 36” frame is permitted and gourds must fill the area.
48. Most outstanding cleaned Hardshell (specimen gourd).  Exhibitor must display a note with the specimen, naming the variety.
49. Five small assorted Hardshells (under 12” diameter and length).
50. Five large,assorted Hardshells (over 12” diameter or length).
51. Ten assorted Ornamentals  (any size).
52. Three identical Luffas, with the  outer skin removed.  Bleach is not permitted.
53. Three identical Luffas, with the outer skin removed. Luffas should be bleached.
54. One smallest  Hardshell.
55. One smallest Ornamental.
56. Most unusual natural Hardshell (oddity or freak of natural growth - not hand-trained).
57. One hand-trained Hardshell; i.e. knots or shaped by use of a mold, form, twine, etc (single gourd only unless inseparable.
58. Most unusual natural Ornamental (oddity or freak of natural growth - not hand-trained).
59. One hand-trained Ornamental; i.e. knots or shaped by use of a mold, form, twine, etc (single gourd only unless inseparable.

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DIVISION III

60. Short handled Dipper, (15” and under in length) similar to those used in early times.  The gourd must be opened and clean inside.  Corks or plugs in the handle are optional.  No color or decoration allowed.  A clear finish (urethane,  wax, etc.) is optional.
61. Long handled Dipper (over 15” in length)  similar to those used in early times.  The gourd must be opened and clean inside.  Corks or plugs in the handle are optional.  No color or decoration allowed.  A clear finish (urethane,  wax, etc.) is optional.
62. Decorated Dipper (any length).  Interior and exterior may be decorated or finished by any technique(s). Accessories are permitted.
63. Wreath.  Accessories are permitted.
64. Wall hanging . Accessories are permitted.
65. One Christmas ornament (must hang).
66. Christmas item or display ( no ornaments)
67. Santa gourd(s).  Accessory material is permitted.
68. Halloween item or display. .
69. Easter item or display.
70. Holiday item or display (other than Christmas, Halloween or Easter). The exhibitor must include a note  naming the holiday depicted.
71. Centerpiece of dry gourds. Natural accessory materials are permitted. This “non-holiday” centerpiece may be in a dish, basket, bowl, etc., and the gourds may be decorated.
72. Undecorated gopurd bowl containing uncut, dry gourds.  No color or other embellishment is permitted on the bowl or the gourds.  A clear finish or sealer is allowed on the bowl and/or gourds.
73. Uncut gourd – carving must predominate
74. Uncut gourd – woodburning must predominate.
75. Uncut gourd – painting must predominate.
76. Uncut gourd - any technique not named in classes 73-75 above, or  combination of techniques including those above.
77. Gourd bowl; no lid – carving must predominate.
78. Gourd bowl; no lid - woodburning must predominate.
79. Gourd bowl; no lid – painting must predominate.
80. Gourd bowl ; no lid - .any technique not named in classes 77-79 above, or  combination of techniques including those above.
81. Gourd bowl with decorated rim ((weaving, coiling, beading, etc.) and no lid. The gourd bowl itseld may be decorated or undecorated.
82. Gourd pitcher, vase or bottle (must be cut open and clean inside) - undecorated. Gourd pieces may be attached. Clear finish is allowed.
83. Gourd pitcher, vase or bottle (must be cut open and clean inside) - decorated by any technique(s). Gourd pieces may be attached.
84. Musical instrument – stringed instruments only.
85. Drum (including water drums and ocean drums).
86. Rattle (includes shaker, maraca, uli’uli, rainstick, etc.)
87. Shekerie only.
88. Any other instrument not specifically named in classes 84-87 above, including flutes, ocarinas, kazoos, trumpets, thumb pianos, etc.
89. Men’s decorated gourd hat (any technique(s)). Gourds and gourd pieces may be attached.
90. Women’s decorated gourd hat (any technique(s)). Gourds and gourd pieces may be attached.
91. Undecorated gourd hat in natural color (no stain, paint, or other color).  A clear finish is allowed and multiple gourds (cut or uncut) may be used.
92. Workshop participants from Friday, September 25, 2009 may exhibit any class project.
93.Usable gourd lamp. Accessory materials are permitted and a gourd shade is not required.  If needed, a base may be used.  No night-lights or luminaries (low wattage decorations) are permitted except as part of the lamp design. Lamps using oil may not be lighted.
94. Usable all-gourd lamp, including a  gourd shade (may include luffa gourds).  No night-lights or luminaries are permitted except as part of the lamp design.  Accessory materials are allowed and a gourd or non-gourd base may be used. Lamps using oil may not be lighted.
95. Gourd luminary. Accessory materials are permitted. If candles or oil are used, the luminary is not to be lighted for safety reasons. Electrical devices should use low wattage bulbs (4 watt or comparable). There is no restriction on battery-powered luminaries.
96. All-gourd doll (doll must be of gourd material).  Clothing is optional.
97. Gourd doll (gourd head only). Clothing is optional.
98. Jewelry set.  A necklace and earring is considered a set; a pair of earrings is considered one piece for this class.
99. Jewelry  - single piece (a pair of earrings is considered one piece in this class).
100. Gourd seed jewelry (set or single piece).
101. One toy (may be a set) or game made from gourd(s).  Accessories are permitted.
102. Novel article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers as in classes 60-62).  Accessories are permitted.
103. Useful article(s) made from gourd(s) (no dippers as in classes 60-62).  Accessories are permitted.
104. One realistic gourd bird, using one or more gourds or gourd parts. Penguins are not permitted in this class.  Accessories are permitted.
105. Gourd penguin(s).  Accessories are permitted.
106. Realistic gourd animal(s) (mammal, reptile, fish, etc.), using one or more gourds or gourd parts.  Birds are not permitted.  Accessories are permitted.
107. Fantasy gourd animal(s), dragon(s) or monster(s) using one or more gourds or gourd parts.  Accessories are permitted.
108. Gourd Insect.  Accessories are permitted.
109. Native American theme decorated gourd- no bowls or bottles. Accessories are permitted.
110. Native American theme decorated gourd - bowls and bottles only. Accessories are permitted.
NOTE: for classes 111-114, basketry/weaving may be around or through the shell of the gourd. Basketry/weaving techniques may include weaving, coiling, tenerife, etc.
111. Gourd basket with handle and no lid, using natural, unprocessed materials such as pine needles, vines, grass, etc. Basketry/weaving techniques must predominate.
112. Gourd basket with handle and no lid, using manufactured or processed weaving materials such as leather, wire, fabric, processed reed (both flat and round), etc. Basketry/weaving techniques must predominate.
113. Gourd bowl with no handle, using natural, unprocessed materials such as pine needles, vines, grass, etc. (lid optional). Basketry/weaving techniques must predominate.
114. Gourd bowl with no handle, using manufactured or processed weaving materials such as leather, wire, fabric, processed reed, etc. (lid optional). Basketry/weaving techniques must predominate.
115. Gourd container with lid (bowl or box), utilizing any decorative technique(s).
116. Uncut gourd.  Beading must predominate. Any beading technique.
117. Cut gourd.  Beading must predominate. Beading (any technique) may be on the inside and/or outside of the gourd.
118. Uncut gourd.  Pen and ink technique must predominate. Color may be added with ink, watercolor, etc.
119. Cut gourd.  Pen and ink technique must predominate. Color may be added with ink, watercolor, etc..
120. "Show Theme". A single item made from a gourd and/or gourd pieces utilizing any technique. Accessory material is permitted,
121. "Show Theme". Display madeof multiple gourds and/or gourd pieces. Accessory material is permitted,
122. "I did it my way”. Any gourd craft (natual and manufactured accessories, including plastic products,are allowed).
123. Birdhouse with 2009 nest intact.  Drain holes are required; vents & perch are optional.  The gourd should be left as weathered.
124. New Birdhouse ready for 2010 season for house wrens with an opening of approximately 1”.  Drain holes are required; vents are optional. There should be no perch.
125. New Birdhouse (except for Wren or Purple Martin) ready for the 2010 season. Exhibitor must specify the bird being attracted and the opening size.
126. New Birdhouse ready for 2010 season for Purple Martins.  Purple Martin Society Guidelines are to be followed for this class: no perch; ¼” drain holes in the bottom; vent holes in the top; painted white.  The opening should be approximately 1 7/8” to 2 1/8” (an optional “half-moon style” opening is permitted).
127. Decorated birdhouse.  Perch, drain holes and vents are optional.  Hole size is optional but the house must be functional - painting must predominate.
128. Decorated birdhouse.  Perch, drain holes and vents are optional.  Hole size is optional but the house must be functional. Any technique(s) other than painting must predominate..
129. Bird feeder (must be functional).
130. Charm string of dry  undecorated gourds in natural color. Accessory materials are permitted and a clear finish is allowed.
131. Artistic charm string of decorated (any technique(s)).  Accessory materials are permitted.
132. Mobile. Accessory materials are permitted.
133. Mask.  Mask must be wearable.  Accessories are permitted.
134. Small, dried floral arrangement in a dry, undecorated gourd container. The design shall not exceed 8”.  A clear finish is allowed.
135. Floral design using all fresh materials in a dried, undecorated gourd container.  A clear finish is allowed.
136. Gourd flowers in a dry undecorated gourd container.  Flowers and foliage must be made of gourd.  Color and finish is unrestricted.  Minimum accessory material, such as stem wire, is permitted
137. Black and white, plus one other color, floral design in a dry gourd container.  Fresh and/or dried material is allowed.
138. Floral design incorporating fresh or dired gourds. Container material is optional.
139. "I did it my way" floral design. Gourds must predominate.
140. "Show Theme" floral design.  Portray the Gourd Show theme with a floral design in a dry gourd container.  Exhibitor may choose style, color, accessories and design materials.
141. Silk floral design in a dry, undecorated gourd container.  A clear finish is allowed as is a base.
142. Dry, undecorated gourd container with a live plant or plants.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.  No hidden pots are allowed.  A clear finish and/or stain are allowed but no accessories are permitted other than bases.
143. Dry, decorated gourd container with a live plant or plants.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.  Bases are allowed.
144. One dry, undecorated, hanging gourd container with a live plant or plants.  A clear finish and/or stain are allowed but no accessories other than hanger material.  All plants must be planted directly into the gourd container.
145. Gallery display – 3, 4 or 5 decorated gourds arranged artistically. Accessory material is permitted, including risers.  The display must fit within a 3x3-foot space and may be rectangular, round or oval.  A display cloth or table cover is suggested.  The technique(s) used to decorate the gourds may be similar or varied, and the gourds may have been displayed in other classes (not gallery class) at previous Ohio Shows including the 2008 Show.  Judging for this gallery class will include the following considerations in equal weight: craftsmanship of individual gourds, arrangement and staging, ans suitability if accessories.

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Jim Story Memorial Award Competition
In honor of Jim Story, the American Gourd Society has instituted an annual, national competition in Jim’s name.  The competition involves hand-trained gourds, and the AGS rules are printed below.  The winners of Classes 19, 21, 57 and 59 will be automatically entered in the competition at the State level, and a special team of judges from the Show Committee will select an entry  to continue to the AGS competition.
Rules for entry in the AGS Competition (as published in “The Gourd”, Spring 2009)
2009 Entry is not limited to a particular category but in the future AGS reserves the right to change the requirements.
Entrants must first win a State Gourd competition to be eligible for the American award.  (This can be any State that has a category in their competition and the entrant can enter as many competitions as he wishes).
Entrants will be required to complete the American questionnaire pertaining to how and where he grew his gourd to be considered.  Pictures presented, as a tutorial would  hold more weight as to selecting the winner.
The entrant would be required to sign an agreement to have his work published in the American Gourd Society Magazine.
Each State would need to submit a printable quality photo of the winner with his gourd to be used in The Gourd.
The Winner will be presented his award at his home state’s show or the show of his choice.

Questionnaire:
1.What type of raw dry (no finishes allowed) gourd are you submitting?  Molded, sculpted, manipulated into knots or other shapes.
2.How did you select the garden site?
3.How did you start your seed?  Did you make any special preparations to the seed before it was planted?
4.Did you have your soil tested for pH level?  Did you have it tested or did you do it yourself?
5.Did you use a Trellis or Arbor for your gourd plant?  How was your gourd supported?
6.When planting, how did you start your gourd in your garden?  Did you use a special fertilizer or formula as to how you placed it in the ground such as ½ cup lime and ½ cup seven dust (Minnie Black, KY formula)?
7.What watering, pruning, thinning techniques were implemented?
8.Did you have Pest or Disease problems with your gourd plant?
9.How did you train your gourd?  What type of ties?  Did you use a mold if so was it purchased or handmade?  Did the mold have influences from the Chinese?  Was the mold made of plaster, plastic, wood, etc?  Do you have a picture of the mold itself?
10.What special considerations did you use in curing?  Did you use green cleaning techniques?
CONTACT:  jimstoryaward@aol.com

The above rules, as published by the American Gourd Society, govern the AGS-sponsored competition.  The Ohio Gourd Show Committee will photograph the winner and submit the photo to AGS”.  The Ohio Gourd Society has no continuing responsibility in the American Gourd Society competition after submission of the photograph.  The Show Committee feels that green gourds may compete for the award at the 2009 Ohio Gourd Show.  Completion of the Questionnaire for submission to AGS is the responsibility of the individual entrant.  AGS will provide additional instruction.

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CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
q NOTE: Classes J2-J3 to be judged on size/weight only.
q NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook.  Gourds may be part of the family garden.

J1.  Two assorted current season Hardshell gourds - different size and/or shape.
J2.  Longest current season gourd.
J3.  Heaviest current season gourd.
J4.  Five assorted current season spoons.
J5.  Ten assorted current season Ornamentals (warties and/or smooth).

J6.  Novel and/or useful article(s) made from gourd(s).  No dippers.
J7.  One realistic or fantasy animal (bird, reptile, etc.) made of gourd(s).
J8.  One insect made from gourd(s).
J9.  Dried gourd dipper, undecorated (clear finish is optional). The dipper must be cut open and cleaned.
J10. Gourd birdhouse, undecorated, with drain holes (perch is optional). The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
J11. Decorated birdhouse.  Perch and drain holes are optional. The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
J12. Gourd toy (or set) or game. Accessory material is permitted
J13. A decorated gourd pitcher, vase, bowl, bottle, or dipper.  The gourd must be cut open and cleaned on the inside.
J14. Gourd doll or character.  Gourd head required.
J15. Gourd musical instrument.  Any style instrument is allowed (drum, flute, shaker, violin, etc.), but it must be a working instrument.
J16. Floral desigh (fresh or dired) incorporating gourds Container material is optional.
J17. Decorated gourd(s) using the Show Theme.  Accessories permitted.
J18. I did it my way.  Any other gourd craft not specifically listed, (natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, allowed).

CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
q  NOTE: Classes Y2-Y3 to be judged on size/weight only.
q  NOTE:  This is a “Growers Division” under  the AGS Handbook.  Gourds may be part of the family garden.

Y1.  Three assorted current season Hardshell gourds –  different size/shape).
Y2. Longest current season gourd.
Y3. Heaviest current season gourd.
Y4. Five assorted current season spoons.
Y5. Ten assorted, current season warties.
Y6. Arrangement  with fresh Ornamentals predominating, suitable for a centerpiece (fresh natural accessory material only). Arrangement may be in a bowl, basket, tray, etc.

Y7. One realistic or fantasy animal (bird, reptile, etc.) made of gourd(s).
Y8. Gourd Insect.
Y9. Novel and/or useful article(s) made from gourd(s).  No dippers.
Y10. Dried gourd dipper, undecorated (clear finish is optional). The dipper must be cut open and cleaned.
Y11. Holiday arrangement or decoration, gourds must predominate.
Y12. Decorated pitcher, vase, bottle, bowl, or dipper (open and cleaned).
Y13. Gourd birdhouse, undecorated, with drain holes (perch is optional). The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
Y14. Decorated birdhouse.  Perch and drain holes are optional. The inside should be cleaned and the house must be functional.
Y15. Gourd doll or character (all gourd, or gourd head only).
Y16. Arrangement, with dry gourds predominating, suitable for a  centerpiece (dry natural accessory material only). Arrangement may be in a bowl, basket, tray, etc.
Y17. Gourd musical instrument.  Any type of instrument (drum, flute, shaker, violin, etc.), but it must be a working instrument.
Y18. Floral design (fresh or dried) incorporating gourds. Container material is optional.
Y19. Decorated gourd(s) using the Show Theme.  Accessories permitted
Y20. I did it my way.  Any other gourd craft not specifically listed, (natural and manufactured accessories, including plastic products, allowed).

Gourd Show Rules for Exhibitors

1. Gourds must predominate in all classes.
2. All Exhibits and Entries must be in place, with entry tag attached, by 11 a.m., Saturday, September 26, 2009.  As a minimum, exhibitor name and entry number must be on the official entry tag.
3. Entries must remain in place until 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. An entrant’s name may be made visible on the tag after judging has been completed.
4. Entries and special exhibits are open to everyone.
5. Entry forms for classes or special exhibits must be postmarked by Sept. 15, 2009, so that proper staging can be allotted for each class or exhibit. Anticipate entries since late entries may not be accepted and there is no penalty for failing ti enter a class for which an entry tag has been requested. Mark all class numbers to be entered and mail the entry form to:
          Ohio Gourd Show Entry,
          c/o John F. Martin,
          438 Sardinia Mowrystown Road,
          Sardinia, OH  45171.
Email entries (sent by Sept. 17) are acceptable and may be sent to martin.jf.kl@verizon.net. Each entrant receives a unique entry number.
6. Only one entry per class is allowed.
7. Any craft item entered in competition in 2006-07-08, may not be entered this year by the original exhibitor, or any other exhibitor; but it may be used in non-competitive displays or the “gallery” class (#145).  In fairness to all exhibitors, do not enter craft made by someone else. The show judges have the authority to disqualify any entry known to be in violation of this rule.
8. Entries will be judged Saturday, September 26. 2009, starting at 11:30 a.m. Exhibitors are not to influence or interfere with judges while judging is in progress.  Portions of the display area may be closed during judging.
9. All classes will be judged: 1st, through 5th place. Ribbons will be awarded in each class.  Recognition will also be given for high show points and for special awards including the Stevens Family Award (outstanding gourdcraft), the John Stevens Award,(outstanding fresh gourd(s)) and the Judges Choice Award (of special appeal to the judging coordinators).
10. Show Points are calculated as follows: 1st Place – 5 points, 2nd Place – 4 points, 3rd Place – 3 points, 4th Place – 2 points, 5th Place – 1 point.
11. The Ohio Gourd Society, Inc., and Darke County Fair Board shall not be responsible for any accidents, losses, or breakage of entries, containers, exhibits or displays.
12. Classes 1 through 46 in the Senior Division, Classes J1 through J5 in the Junior Division, and Classes Y1 through Y6 in the Youth Division must be from the 2009 crop.  In Classes 47 through 59 no crafted, decorated, stained (including colored shoe polish), or painted gourds are to be used.  A clear finish (such as wax or oil) is allowed. Finish is allowed as specified in all Division III classes.
13. The Ohio Gourd Society believes that the natural qualities of the gourds should be emphasized, therefore plastic or artificial materials are discouraged, except for the silk flower arrangement and/or functional use of a craft (i.e. items such as fantasy animals and fishing lures which may benefit from use of plastic embellishments).
14. No squash or pumpkins including sweet dumplings and/or miniature pumpkins are to be used in entries or displays except for Turks Turbans.
15. Mature gourds that have started to dry (cure) may be exhibited, but theyshould be avoided if possible. Gourds that are spoiling or diseased should not be exhibited and may be removed by the Show Committee.
16. As stated in the AGS Judging Handbook, stems are not required in the Growers Divisions except where specifically mandated by the show rules.  Stems are considered by AGS to be part of the plant, but not part of the fruit.  It is suggested by the Ohio Gourd  Show Committee, however, that fresh and dried gourds (Divisions I and II) have stems attached where possible.  This adds to the overall completeness and visual appeal of the gourd.  Stems on gourd craft items (Division III) and all Junior and Youth entries, are optional.
17. Live evergreens are not permitted because of fire safety concerns. Artificial trees are permissible where used as part of a display.
18. No protected species (feathers, parts, etc.), animal or plant, are allowed.
19. SPECIAL EXHIBITS are encouraged.  These extra exhibits are non-competitive.  Table space (approximately 30 inches wide) will be furnished but exhibitors must supply staging material and decorations.  Each special exhibitor must submit an entry form specifying the length (number of feet along the table) of the special display. “BEST OF SHOW” awards will be given to outstanding, non-competitive displays.

NOTE: When the Show Committee determines it to be in the best interest of the Ohio Gourd Society and visitors to the Ohio Gourd Show, the show Chairperson, with the consent of a second OGS Officer, may waive one or more of the above rules.
 

PLEASE READ YOUR RULES CAREFULLY
Make a copy of the entry form for yourself and mail a copy to:
Ohio Gourd Show Entry, c/o John F. Martin
438 Sardinia Mowrystown Road, Sardinia, OH 45171
email: martin.jf.kl@verizon.net

Entries must be postmarked by September 15, 2009, so that proper staging can be provided for each class/exhibit.  “On-site” entries may be accepted depending on space available and staging requirements.
Gourd Show Judging

The Ohio Gourd Show conducts judging of competitive entries in accordance with the American Gourd Society Judging Handbook adopted February 2008.  The published guidelines are available in The Gourd and on-line at www.americangourdsociety.org.  The Show Committee will evaluate the special display of “Other Media Competition” separately.

The 2009 Ohio Gourd Show judges will utilize Option C (verbal consensus) in considering the various competitive classes for juniors, youth and adults.  Under this judging option, the guidelines* state:

6.8.3   Raw and current season gourds.
6.8.3.1  Consider cultural perfection, quality, cleanliness, and  maturity, balanced with trueness of type and color.
6.8.3.2  In case of size competition, discussion is basically not necessary, just measurement and confirmation of the measurement.  For example, the winning gourd in a  “longest dipper” category will be the longest qualifying  entry.
6.8.3.3  In case of matching competition, that major consideration is the degree  to which the gourds are identical.
6.8.4  Gourd Craft
6.8.4.1 Consider originality of design, balanced by quality of the  workmanship.
6.8.4.2 Originality considerations are overall design/theme, craftsmanship, suitability of accessories, and artistic qualities.
6.8.4.3 Workmanship considerations are neatness and quality, color/finish, balance/scale, and overall appearance.
6.8.4.4  If the quality of the gourd used is poor, judges should rank  the gourd lower than they would otherwise.
6.8.5 Growers Division
6.8.5.1 Gourds must have been grown by the exhibitor/entrant.
6.8.5.2  Dried gourds have all the water evaporated leaving a lightweight shell.
6.8.5.3  For specimen gourds (a specific variety, trueness of type  and color must be observed.  Specimen gourds have no indication of excess grooming or training.
6.8.5.4  Gourds entered in the growers classes are not required to have stems unless specifically required by the category.  If  present, stem must be washed with skin and dirt removed  from the crevices, and the end trimmed.
6.8.5.4.1  One or more categories specifically requiring stems may be established by the ompetition, but as a general rule stems are not required.
6.8.5.5  Gourds must be true to type, mature and clean.
6.8.5.6  Assorted groupings must be of various sizes, shapes, and  varieties.
6.8.5.7   Identical gourd groupings must be the same size, shape, color hue, and variety.
6.8.5.8   Hand trained gourds have been manipulated by hand during growth to achieve a specific shape.
6.8.5.9  Freak growth gourds must have a unique shape that occurred naturally with no human intervention of any kind (no training, starving, growth interference).
6.8.6 If there are specific categories where these scoring guidelines are not  appropriate, the competition sponsor (show chair, show committee,  chapter president, etc.) will establish a judging standard for that category, and publish it in advance so those entering will know how  they will be scored.  The judges will use that standard (point scale or  other objective method).
6.8.6.1  The intention of these guidelines is to instill confidence in  competitors that their gourds will be consistently and fairly graded, and know how they will be judged even though they have not participated in a
particular show.  For that reason, exceptions to these scoring guidelines should be rare.”

*AGS Judging Handbook 2/08

Rule 7.6 of the AGS Judging Handbook indicates that in cases where only one entry is made in a class, that entry will generally be awarded “First Place.”  The Ohio Gourd Show will follow that guideline, and a first place award will only be withheld if the single entry is disqualified for not meeting the requirements of the class.  Where five or more qualified entries are present, all ribbons will be awarded.

SPECIAL DISPLAY AND COMPETITION
Not Covered by AGS Guidelines

OTHER MEDIA COMPETITION

In the past, the Ohio Gourd Show has sponsored competition for depicting gourds in other media.  Since this competition does not involve gourds or gourd parts, as specified in the American Gourd Society Judging Handbook, it is not officially part of the general Ohio Gourd Show.  The following “Other Media Competition” classes will be located adjacent to the Ohio Gourd Society booth and are a separate activity by the Society.  Entries in the “Other Media Competition” will be judged by the Show Committee with respect to artistic quality, workmanship, originality, and depiction of gourds.

Special awards for the “Other Media Competition” will be announced at the Gourd Dinner on Saturday evening.

SP1 Mixed media.  Depict gourds in any non-wearable medium such as photography, painting, quilting, paper art, beading, etc.
SP2 Mixed Media.  Depict gourds in a wearable medium.