RALEIGH – With skills ranging from woodworking and scrapbooking to beekeeping and gardening, thousands of North Carolinians compete each year at the N.C. State Fair for a chance to win premium money, a prized ribbon and a year’s worth of bragging rights.

This year’s blue-ribbon race begins with the release of the 2010 Premium Book, which is now available online at www.ncstatefair.org.

Hardcopy books will be available in mid-August in the lobby of the State Fair administration office at 1025 Blue Ridge Road. You can also request a mailed copy by contacting the administration office at (919) 733-2145 (919) 733-2145 .

Outlining rules, regulations, deadlines, premiums and judging criteria, the Premium Book is a one-stop-shop of information about the Fair competitions.

The Fair offers nearly 29,000 ribbons and more than $500,000 in premium money.

“Premiums are a longtime tradition of the Fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Of course, we enjoy seeing our regular and experienced competitors, but we also look forward to seeing new faces among the contestants.”

Fair premiums were first offered to promote scientific agriculture and the production of specific crops and livestock. As the Fair shifted from an educational venue for farmers to an educational venue for consumers, premiums for arts and crafts, canning and baking were introduced.

“Each blue-ribbon success, whether from a child, adult or senior, takes dedication and commitment,” said Nikki Berryman, coordinator of competitive exhibits. “Contestants spend months preparing their entries and hope to leave the Fair with a ribbon and a smile.”

Competitions are open to the public, and a completed entry form must be submitted to the N.C. State Fair Entry Department. All entry forms and online registrations must be submitted on the deadline date by 5 p.m. Deadlines vary by competition.

For more information about the competitions or the State Fair, go to www.ncstatefair.org.