Table Settings Competition Guide

2018

2018 OC Fair

CONTACTChristine Gunst, Home Arts Program CoordinatorOffice (714) 708-1553 Voicemail (714) 708-1623 (after June 20) cgunst@ocfair.com88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

2018 IMPORTANT DATES to rememberOnline registration opens March 1 - OC Fair runs July 13- August 12, 2018

In-Person Entry Help Days .................Wednesday & Thursday, May 30 - 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

1st Show: Entry Deadline ....................Wednesday, June 27

1st Show: Entry Delivery .....................Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1st Show: Entry Pickup .......................Tuesday, July 31, 7 - 9:30 a.m.

2nd Show: Entry Deadline ..................Wednesday, July 18

2nd Show: Entry Delivery ...................Tuesday, July 31, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

2nd Show: Entry Pickup .....................Tuesday, August 14, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Awards Ceremony ................................Saturday, August 11, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Table Settings Competition Guide

2018

TABLE OF CONTENTSRules .................................................................................................1

Eligibility ..........................................................................................2

How to Enter .....................................................................................3

Entry Delivery & Pickup ..................................................................4

Judging & Awards ...........................................................................5-6

Guidelines .......................................................................................7-8

Adult Divisions .................................................................................9Division 800 Work or Play, 1st ShowDivision 801 Spoiler Alert, 1st ShowDivision 802 Sweet and Pretty, 1st ShowDivision 803 In the Sand, 2nd ShowDivision 804 OC Fair Theme “Free Your Inner Farmer,” 2nd ShowDivision 805 Step Back Into Time, 2nd Show

Youth Divisions ................................................................................10Division 366 Play With Your Food, One ShowDivision 367 Once Upon a Time, One ShowDivision 368 Favorite Movie, One Show

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RULES1. Local and State Rules govern this competition.

2. Exhibitors are responsible for reading the Competition Guidelines and must abide by them.

3. If you need assistance determining the Division and/or Class, please contact the Exhibits Office at (714) 708-1553 or email cgunst@ocfair.com. Inquiries will be responded to within 72 business hours. Personal assistance is also available on Help Days; see “Help With Entering” on page 3.

4. Causes for Disqualification• Non-compliance to the Competition and OC Fair Guidelines.• Entries over the maximum amount allowed will not be accepted. • Entries must follow the rules of the Division and Class.• Items previously entered in the OC Fair will be disqualified.• Disqualifiedentriesmaynotbedisplayedandmustbepickedupwhennotified.

5. Entry fees are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for any reason. By entering the competition you are confirming that you accept the no-refund policy.

6. Setup:• All entries must be completed by 1:45 p.m. on Entry Delivery Day.• No late entries will be accepted.• Only the person whose name appears on the entry form is allowed in the promenade exhibit area during setup.• After 1:45 pm, exhibitors may not touch their own completed entry or another exhibitor’s entry at any time.

7. Display Requirements:• All tables must display two place settings representing the Class theme.• Setting must include complete glassware, cups/saucers and flatware and be set for all courses on the menu. Do not

set steak knives. Set dinnerware for all courses except dessert.• Menu must be displayed on the table, typed in 18 point font or larger, free from spelling, grammar and

punctuation errors. Settings should correspond with the menu.• Table settings must be contained on the top of the table or may rise independently over the table.• Table settings are not to exceed 6½ feet at its highest point and measured from the floor. No additional floor items

allowed (e.g., chairs, rugs).• Exhibitors may not remove black display cloth from the table provided for setup. Black display cloth is not

considered part of entry.• No fresh flowers, plants, food items (except non-perishables), disposable place settings, disposable paper

tablecloths or paper napkins. • Wax candles, if used, may not be lit. • Fair staff will not maintain battery operated accessories. If used, these items will not be replaced.

8. Display and location of entry is at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. No entry will be accepted where an exhibitor describes conditions under which they will exhibit or how the entry must be displayed.

9. Although reasonable efforts will be undertaken to safeguard exhibitors’ property against loss, damage or theft, neither the State of California nor the OC Fair & Event Center will be responsible for any loss, damage or theft of exhibitors’ property brought on the premises during the period of the OC Fair. Every precaution will be taken in the handling and exhibiting of entries.

10. Exhibits must be picked up on Entry Pickup Day; Failure to do so may result in the items being discarded.

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ELIGIBILITYAdult Divisions: Open to Southern California residents, ages 18 and older.Youth Divisions: Open to youth ages 9-17 (by July 13, 2018) who live, attend school, or are club members in Orange

County, CA.

ENTRY LIMIT •Adults: 1 entry per Show •Youth: 1 entryDue to the popularity of the Table Setting Competition and limited space, not all entries may be accepted.

Entries will be accepted based on the order received. All entries will be accepted unless notified otherwise. If your entry is not accepted, you will be notified by email within three business days.

oc exhibitor FAIR TICKET• Exhibitors will receive one (1) 2018 OC Fair admission ticket, at time of entry delivery. • One (1) ticket per exhibitor, not one per entry.• Tickets are valid any day the Fair is open.

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HOW TO ENTEROnline Entry Deadlines: 1st Show- Wednesday, June 27, by 6 p.m. 2nd Show- Wednesday, July 18, by 6 p.m.1. Review the Table Settings Category Rules, Guidelines and OC Fair Guidelines.2. Choose from the Divisions and Classes listed on pages 9-10.3. Enter online at ocfair.fairmanager.com and pay the entry fee (per entry).

No photo upload is required for this competition.

Exhibitor Name• Entries must be made under the name of the individual whose exhibit it is.• Enter using the exhibitor’s name as it will appear on the display tag. This also applies to all youth entries.• Do not use business or fictitious names. • There are no team entries. • Last year’s accounts are no longer valid. All entrants must create a new account.

Entry Confirmation • An email notification and confirmation will be sent immediately after your online payment is received.• If the email confirmation does not arrive shortly after submitting payment, please check your Spam/Junk folder before

contacting the OC Fair.

Entry Fees• Entry fees are payable online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Amex). • No refunds will be issued.

Adult Divisions - $10 per entry.Youth Divisions - $6 per entry.

HELP WITH ENTERINGPhone: During office hours at (714) 708-1553 Email: entries@ocfair.comFor additional help: Entry Tutorial FAQs

In-Person Help DaysMay 30 & 31 (Wednesday & Thursday), 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.• Located in the OC Fair Administration Building.• Park in Lot F located inside Gate 4 off Arlington Drive.• View map

Gate 9Gate 8Gate 5 Gate 7Gate 4 Gate 4.5

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In Person Help Days:

Visual Arts, Home Arts, Collections (Administration Building)

Wednesday, May 30 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Thursday, May 31 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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entry deliveryDelivery Dates: 1st Show - Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2nd Show - Tuesday, July 31, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• One participation ribbon will be given each exhibitor on Entry Delivery Day.• Late deliveries will not be accepted.

Where to Deliver Entries• OC Promenade between Home Arts and Visual Arts Galleries. • Email alerts will be sent prior to delivery date with detailed information.

Claim Checks• Will be provided when exhibits are delivered. • Claim checks are required to pick up your entry on Entry Pickup Day.

Download entry delivery map.

Gate 9Gate 8Gate 5 Gate 7Gate 4 Gate 4.5

Gate

10

Gate

Yellow Gate

Green Gate

Blue Gate

Lot FLot E

Lot D

Lot C Lot B Lot A Lot H

Lot GLot I

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BoxO�ceBoxO�ce

GazeboGazebo

OC PROMENADEOC PROMENADE

CentennialFarm

CentennialFarm

SANTA ANA PAVILIONSANTA ANA PAVILION

COSTA MESACOSTA MESA

HUNTINGTON BEACHHUNTINGTON BEACH

ANAHEIMANAHEIM

LOS ALAMITOSLOS ALAMITOS

Heroes HallHeroes Hall

The HangarThe Hangar

TheRanchAABC

MAINMALLMAINMALL

YardMaintenance Action Sports

ArenaAction Sports

Arena

MillenniumMillenniumBarnBarnSiloSilo

BuildingBuildingCenturyCentury

BarnBarn

CourtyardCourtyard

AmphitheatrePaci�c

AmphitheatrePaci�c

Show RingShow RingBajaBaja

CorpYard Equestrian

Center

Safety & Security

OC Fair & Event Center88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, Ca 92626www.ocfair.com

Plaza Paci�caPlaza Paci�ca

AdministrationAdministration

Arlington Dr.

‘Swine Tent’ExploriumExplorium

City HallArco Vanguard University

Newport Mesa Church

Civic Center Park

Ora

nge

Cost

Col

lege

TeWinkle Park

Costa Mesa Police Dept.Fire Dept

Vang

uard

Way

Davis School

EXIT GATE 5ENTER GATE 5

Table Settings (in OC Promenade)

1st Show ..... Tuesday, July 102nd Show ... Tuesday, July 31

Entry Delivery Days:

entry pickup Pickup Dates: 1st Show - Tuesday, July 31, 7 - 9:30 a.m. 2nd Show - Tuesday, August 14, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• An entry pickup map will be emailed to you as the route may change from the entry delivery route.• Claim Check or photo ID is required for pick up. • If you are unable to pick up your items, please arrange for someone to pick them up for you. • Unclaimed items and ribbons become the property of the OC Fair and will be discarded. • The OC Fair & Event Center is not responsible for exhibits left after this date.

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JudgingQualified judges are selected by the Program Coordinator and are selected from local professionals and individuals who are experienced and highly qualified in their fields. Each year the Program Coordinator may choose new judges or judges may judge different Divisions from year to year. The judges’ decision is final.

Adult DivisionsPlaced using the American Judging System where exhibits are ranked one against another. • First, Second, Third Place and Honorable Mention may be awarded in each Class if judges so determine.

More than one Honorable Mention per Class may be awarded.• First Place winners will compete for Division Winner. • Division Winners will compete for Best of Show.

Youth DivisionsPlaced using the Danish Judging System where each entry is judged on how well it meets a standard rather than how it compares to other entries. • Entries are judged Blue (superior), Red (very good) or White (average) Award. • There may be more than one Blue, Red or White Award per Class. • All Blue Awards will then compete, using the American Judging System, for Division Winner.

Special awards will be awarded for youth entries.

Judging CriteriaJudging criteria for formal and informal table settings is modern American standards. Judges’ comments will be displayed on each table after judging is complete.Entries will be judged on:

25% SUITABILITY FOR OCCASION AND THEME25% DECORATIVENESS/EYE-APPEAL25% CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY25% CORRECTNESS

Judges’ AwardAdditional awards may be made at the discretion of each judge for outstanding entries that exhibit special qualities that the judges feel deserves to be recognized.

Disqualified EntriesIf an entry is disqualified after judging is complete, the judge will not change the status of awards given for other entries.

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AWARDSIncludesribbonsand/orprizemoney(premiums)

Adult YouthBest of Show ..........................$150 Best of Show .................................. $50Division Winner .....................$75 Division Winner ............................. $35First Place ...............................$50 Most Creative ................................. $30Second Place ..........................$35 Most Correct Components ............. $30Third Place .............................$20 Judges’ Award .................................RosetteJudges’ Award ........................Rosette Best Napkin Folds ...........................RosetteBest Napkin Folds ..................Rosette Best Menu Presentation ..................RosetteBest Menu Presentation .........Rosette Best Use of Color ............................RosetteBest Use of Color ...................Rosette Blue, Red, White .............................RosetteMost Creative .........................Rosette

• Exhibitors will receive awarded ribbons on Entry Pickup Day.• Award checks will be made payable to the exhibitor whose name is indicated on the entry form and mailed within 30

days after the close of the 2018 OC Fair.

Judging Results• All entries will be displayed in the OC Promenade with any awards received. • Results will be posted online at ocfair.com/results within a week after the competition date.• Please do not call or email for competition results.

Awards Ceremony Saturday, August 11, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

• Hosted on the OC Promenade Main Stage.• Best of Show and Division Winner recipients will be invited to attend and be recognized at the ceremony. • Invitations will be sent to the email provided at entry registration. • All entrants and the general public are welcome to attend the ceremony.

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Guidelines for OC Fair Table Settings Competitions• Judging criteria for OC Fair table settings, formal and informal, is modern American standards. Although there are

distinctions between formal and informal place settings, as well as settings unique to meals served, for the purpose of this show please follow the guidelines listed below.

• Create a menu according to the theme of the class. Set the table with two place settings represented.• Display the menu you are planning to serve. Set flatware, glassware, cups, saucers and plates corresponding to

courses listed on the menu, with the exception of the dessert plate.

Table Linens• For formal settings the tablecloth can be 12-18 inches dropped from the table’s edge or may extend to the floor.• For informal settings, mats or runners may be used in conjunction with a tablecloth. An informal tablecloth drop is

approximately 8-12 inches. For some fabric, such as lace tablecloths, the drop can be longer.• Place napkins folded in squares or rectangles, at the left of the forks with the open corner nearest to the plate. The

folded napkin may also be laid on the empty plate. All place settings may have creatively folded napkins.

Flatware• Set flatware 1 inch from edge of the plate in a straight line. Utensils may follow the curve on a round table.• Flatware should be arranged at each place in the order of its use for the various courses, utensils on the outermost

position to be used first.• Set no more than three pieces of flatware on each side of the plate.• Set forks (except cocktail fork) at left of plate with prongs up. Cocktail fork, if needed, is placed on the plate or at

extreme right.• Set knives and spoons to the right of plate. Set knives with blade turned toward the plate. Do not set steak knives.• If a salad course is served early in the meal, the salad fork should be further from the main course fork, with both set

on the left.• For informal place settings, when an entree salad is the main course, dinner fork may be set for the course.• If a soup is served, the spoon is set on the right, further from the plate than the knife.• For purposes of this show, dessert utensils (fork and teaspoon) should be set above the main plate horizontally (bowl

of spoon facing left and the fork below with tines facing right), for both formal and informal tables.• Small bread knives or spreader are not required, but if used they should lay across the bread plate, parallel to edge of

table with the handle pointing to the right, or at a 45 degree angle, handle to right, blade turned toward center of the plate.

• If chopsticks are set, place them over the plate horizontally, tapered ends to the left.• Asian soup spoons may set over the chopsticks, handle to the left.• Chopsticks and Asian soup spoons may not replace American utensils.

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Tableware• If a place plate or charger is used for a formal setting, it should be set about 1 inch from the table’s edge. • For the purpose of this show, the bread and butter plate may be placed 1 inch above the fork, for both formal and

informal settings.• Set all courses served according to menu with the exception of dessert. Salad plate, if needed, may be set to the left of

the forks or on top of the dinner/meal plate.• If coffee or tea is listed on the menu, cups and saucers are set on the right of the knives and spoons or above the

setting to the right if space is limited, handle turned to right.

Glasses• Drinking glasses of any kind – water, wine, juice, iced tea – are set at the top right of the dinner plate, above the

knives and spoons.• Glasses designed for certain types of wine may be set if available. If only one type of glass is available, it is

considered correct regardless of the type of wine provided.• For the purpose of this show, glasses may be set at a 45 degree angle from the water goblet, in a straight line or

triangle formation. • Set a water glass for all menus and styles of service.

Centerpieces• Table decorations should usually be below eye level or not obstructive for diners.• Centerpiece may be scaled for a larger table that would seat more guests, but cannot deter from the overall effect, the

guests’ comfort or the service of the meal.• Place cards, if you choose to use them, can be placed on top of the napkin (if napkin is on the plate) or above the

dessert flatware.

Menu• Menu should be easy to read in 18 point font or larger type, presented in a self-standing frame which makes it visible.• Menu should reflect the theme or occasion. Food items should be balanced, offering sufficient dishes from all food

groups.• For the purposes of this show, a minimum of three courses should be served.

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1st showDIVISION 800 – Work or PlayWhether it’s work or play you are celebrating, why not make it fun and unique? Go ahead and theme out this table setting with the passion of the playground, or the latest news at the water cooler. Either way, partygoers will be thrilled with this fun and unique theme!

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

DIVISION 801 – Spoiler AlertNo one likes a spoiler alert when it comes to their favorite TV series. Make it current, unique and fun – and you will be sure to get a good rating from your audience.

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

DIVISION 802 – Sweet and PrettyHere is your opportunity to bring out the fine china. We picture flowers and lace, but you might see sweet potatoes and roses. You decide how this seemingly simple theme can be used to show off your imagination. By the way, creativity counts for 25% of your score.

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

2nd showDIVISION 803 – in the SandThe hourglass with the sands of time is leading the way for this competition. All things sandy is what’s here and what need to be used. Whether it’s the beach or the desert, thinking outside the sandbox is where you will find all of your answers.

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

DIVISION 804 – OC FAIR Theme“Free Your Inner Farmer”Plant the seedlings of a table setting and show us what your inner farmer has to bring to the table. Whether it’s fashioned after Mr. McGregor’s garden in Peter Rabbit or the now popular farm-to-fork concept, set your table to depict the theme of this year’s Fair.

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

DIVISION 805 – step Back in Time Calling all time travelers! Strap on your seat belt, it’s going to be a whimsical ride to the era of your fancy. Any theme, era, or location of the past will take this competition to a bright future.

Class 01: Round Table

Class 02: Rectangle Table

adult Divisions

ELIGIBILITY Open to Southern California residents, ages 18 or older.

Entry limit 1 per show entry Fee $10 per entry

• Follow the correct placement of all components. Use the guidelines for OC Fair table settings.• Display tables draped with black cloths will be provided by the OC Fair. These drapes are to cover the table struc-

ture and will not be judged as part of entry. These drapes are to be used in addition to the exhibitor’s cloth and not as the exhibitor’s only tablecloth.

• Round Table dimensions are 36 inches round by 30 inches tall.• Rectangle Table dimensions are 30 inches wide by 48 inches long and 30 inches tall.• Centerpieces may be scaled for a larger table that would seat more guests, but must not deter from overall effect,

comfort of the guests or service of the meal.

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ELIGIBILITY Open to youth ages 9-17 (by July 13, 2018) who live, attend school, or are club member in Orange County, CA.

Entry limit 1 entry total entry Fee $6 per entry

• Follow the correct placement of all components. Use the guidelines for OC Fair table settings to assist you.• Display tables draped with black cloths will be provided by the OC Fair. These drapes are to cover the table struc-

ture and will not be judged as part of entry. These drapes are to be used in addition to the exhibitor’s cloth and not as the exhibitor’s only tablecloth.

• For Youth Divisions, table dimensions are 36 inches round by 30 inches tall.• Centerpiece can be scaled for a larger table that would seat more guests, but must not deter from overall effect,

comfort of the guests or service of the meal.• One show only. Youth Table Settings will be on exhibit until the end of the fair.

Youth divisionsAges 9-17 table settings

One showDIVISION 366 – Play with Your FoodSet your table then create the food from your menu out of crafting supplies. Clay, rocks, yarn or felt are all some popular materials you can use to create your own nonperishable foods. Make it look good enough to eat but, be careful, don’t break any teeth.

Class 01: Round Table

DIVISION 367 – once upon a timeIntroduce us to your trusty sidekicks and spellbinding scenes. This could be a favorite book, exciting time in history or even your own magical story.

Class 01: Round Table

DIVISION 368 – Favorite MovieChallenge yourself to be creative with your choice of movie or the way you represent it. Be the director of your own table setting and make some movie magic.

Class 01: Round Table