HOST: Tara Beekeepers Association

CHAIRPERSONS:  Senior Judge

ENTRY FEE: None for Tara Members, $5 per entry for non-Tara Members

ARRIVAL TIME: 6:30pm drop off entries

LOCATION: Tara Beekeepers Regular Meeting Location

JUDGING: Begins at 7:00pm (at which time, no more entries will be accepted)

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GENERAL RULES OF THE HONEY SHOW:

1.  The honey show is open to any Tara member who wishes to enter one or more exhibits, except as otherwise specifically provided for herein. The competition is not open to individuals serving as judges, stewards, or show secretaries, nor to the spouses, children, parents, or siblings of said individuals.

2.  Entries must be received between 6:30 to 7:00 PM.

3.  Each Exhibitor must sign an affidavit stating that each entry he or she submits was produced by the Exhibitor in conformity with the rules set forth herein.

4.  Each Exhibitor may make only one entry per class. Duplication (same product) of entries by families is also prohibited.

5.  All exhibits must be produced by the exhibitor within the last calendar year with the exception of meads, artworks, poetry, crafts, needlecrafts, gadgets, & photography and cannot have been previous submitted in a Tara Honey Show, with the only exception, again, being of meads.  

6.  In instances where the exhibit may qualify for consideration in multiple classes, the exhibitor shall have the final decision as to which class to enter the exhibit.  

7.  Once exhibits have been accepted into the competition by the Show Secretary, they may not be altered in any way.

8.  After submitting entries to the Show Secretary, exhibitors may not enter the area where the exhibits have been placed.

9.  The Secretary, Stewards or Judges are the only persons who may enter the honey judging area.

10.  Judges will enter the honey show area after the close of exhibitor acceptance to ensure as close to a blind judging as possible.

11.  Copyright of any submitted recipe, artwork, literary work, or other media remains with the exhibitor.  The Tara Beekeepers Association may request from the exhibitor the right to publish images of submitted recipe, artwork, literary work, or other media in its outreach and publicity resources.

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PRIZES & AWARDS:

It is the intention that prizes & awards will be given in all classes to entries that are worthy of placement. Entry into a class does not guarantee an award.  The decisions of the judges are final.  After the announcement of awards, exhibitors may meet with the class judge to discuss their entry and ask questions. 

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RULES FOR INDIVIDUAL CLASSES:

Class 1: Extracted Honey

Extracted honey is judged in three subclasses: (a) light, (b) medium, and (c) dark. Entrants may submit one entry in each of these three classes. One entry of extracted honey is defined as three (3) one-pound jars. All forms of extracted honey are to be presented in one-pound queen-line glass or plastic jars without tamper proof seals. Closures may be of metal or plastic. There shall be no labels on the jars. Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Cleanliness of the jar and lid; Correct fill level; Uniformity of the three jars that comprise the entry; Cleanliness and clarity of the honey; Moisture content; and aroma and flavor (for off aromas and or flavors).

 

Class 2: Black Jar

An entry consists of not less than two ounces. Entries must be unmarked and unlabeled, or identifiable in anyway. Judging for the Black Jar Class will be conducted by everyone present at the meeting and entries will be evaluated flavor (taste and aroma).

 

Class 3: Creamed Honey

An entry of creamed honey is three (3) wide mouth jars. Creamed honey must be displayed in clear straight-sided glass jars with one-piece lids. Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Creamed honey is judged on the fineness of crystals, uniformity and firmness of product, cleanliness and freedom from foam or from added flavors, striation or colors.

 

Class 4: Chunk Comb Honey

One entry of chunk honey is defined as three (3) one-pound jars. Chunk honey must be displayed in straight sided, glass, wide mouth, jars. The glass should not be embossed. Such jars are available from many commercial beekeeping suppliers. Only one chunk of comb should be in each jar for competition. The chunk of comb must be in one piece, with a straight mid rib and of uniform thickness. The cuts should be clean and uniform. The chunk comb should be cut and sized to appropriately fit the container. The honey should fill the rest of the jar to the appropriate fill line. The comb should be oriented in the container as found naturally in the hive. Comb with watery cappings should be avoided. The comb should extend the length of the jar. The chunk of comb should account for at least fifty percent (50%) of the internal volume of the jar.  Comb is judged for equal amounts on either side of the center rib Judges evaluate entries on the following:  The criteria stated above for judging extracted honey applies to judging chunk honey as well.

 

Class 5: Cut Comb Honey

An entry of cut comb honey is three (3) boxes. The boxes must be transparent on all sides made for displaying cut comb.  Each section should weigh a minimum of 12ounces.  The chunk of comb must be in one piece, with a straight mid rib and of uniform thickness. Comb with watery cappings should be avoided. The cuts should be clean and uniform. There should be no leaking of honey from comb into the box. Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Uniformity of appearance and color (including the honey in the comb), cleanliness, absence of uncapped cells, no “wet” cell appearance, freedom from granulation, pollen, and brood.  Weight should be uniform for each section.  Total weight of the entire entry (3 sections) may be used as a tiebreaker.

 

Class 6: Section Comb Honey

An entry of section comb honey is three (3) sections. Ross rounds and square section entries must be displayed in the original square or circular section.  Sections must be in clear plastic boxes made for the display of their respective style of section comb honey.  Each section should weigh a minimum of 12ounces.  Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Uniformity of appearance and color (including the honey in the comb), cleanliness, absence of uncapped or leaking cells, no “wet” cell appearance, freedom from granulation and pollen, and uniform weight of each section.  Total weight of the entire entry (3 sections) may be used as a tiebreaker.

 

Class 7: Full Frame Comb Honey

An entry of full frame comb honey is one (1) frame of capped honey. Frames suitable for extraction must be shown in protective casing without lacing or edging and both sides of the comb should be visible. Frames must be 100% capped. Judging: Full frame comb honey entries are not judged for flavor, unless fermentation is apparent. Judging criteria are uniformity of appearance and color (including the honey in the comb), cleanliness, absence of uncapped or leaking cells, no “wet” cell appearance, freedom from granulation and pollen, and symmetry throughout the frame. Total weight of the entire entry may be used as a tiebreaker.

 

Class 8: Beeswax Block

An entry consists of one (1) block of pure beeswax.  The block must weigh between one to two pounds, no more, and should have thickness no greater than 1.5 inches. The wax should be clean, and free of impurities. The block should be smooth-surfaced and free of blemishes, decorations or embellishments. Preferable color should be lemon yellow with a pleasant fragrance.

  

Class 9: Beeswax Candles (Molded Tapers)

An entry for molded tapers is defined as three (3) candles.  The wax should be clean, and free of impurities.  Preferable color of the wax should be lemon yellow with a pleasant fragrance.  Molded tapers must have flat finished bases with wicks well centered.  The minimum length of all taper candles is eight inches.  Wicks must be trimmed to one-half inch in length.  One of the candles in each entry will be burned. 

 

Class 10: Beeswax Candles (Molded Ornamental)

An entry is defined as three (3) candles. The wax should be clean, and free of impurities.  Preferable color of the wax should be lemon yellow with a pleasant fragrance.  Wicks must be trimmed to one-half inch in length. The form must have a flat finished base with wicks well centered.  Candles will be judged on the above criteria as well casting flaws and sharpness of detail.  One of the candles in each entry will be burned. 

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Class 11: Meads - (A) Sweet Meads; and (B) Dry Meads

The Exhibitor may submit one example of a mead prepared by the Exhibitor. However, entrants may submit one entry in each of these classes.  An entry consists of one, clear glass standard 750ml wine bottle.  Punt bottles are acceptable as long as they are standard pattern wine bottles.  Tee Corks are the required, and only acceptable, closure; traditional inserted corks will not be accepted into the show.  Mead should be filled to 5/8 of an inch above the top of the shoulder of the bottle.  All mead must be produced from honey produced by the Exhibitor.  All entries will be tasted.  Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Cleanliness, fill, color, clarity, lack of sediment, aroma, body and flavor.  

 

Class 12: Braggot (Beer & Ale made with honey)

The Exhibitor may submit one example of a beer or ale prepared by the Exhibitor. An entry consists of one (1) glass, unembossed, standard 12oz or 16oz beer bottle.  Clear glass is preferable, however colored glass is acceptable. Standard, unmarked crimped closures or lightening closures will be accepted.  Bottle should be filled to midpoint between the bottom of the cap and the top of the shoulder of the bottle.  All beer and ale must be produced from honey produced by the Exhibitor.  All entries will be tasted.  Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Cleanliness, fill, color, aroma, body and flavor.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the type or style of beer or ale and the full recipe (including all ingredients) must accompany each entry. No name should appear on the card.

 

Class 13: Honey Beverages - (A) Alcoholic; and (B) Non-alcoholic

The Exhibitor may submit one example of a honey beverage prepared by the Exhibitor. However, entrants may submit one entry in each of these classes.  An entry consists of one (1) glass, unembossed, standard 12oz or 16oz beer bottle.   Clear glass is preferable, however colored glass is acceptable. Standard, unmarked crimped closures or lightening closures will be accepted.  Bottle should be filled to midpoint between the bottom of the cap and the top of the shoulder of the bottle.  All honey beverages must be produced from honey produced by the Exhibitor.  All entries will be tasted.  Judges evaluate entries on the following:  Cleanliness, fill, color, aroma, body and flavor.  

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the type or style of beverage and the full recipe (including all ingredients) must accompany each entry. No name should appear on the card.

 

Class 14: Honey Bakery, Confections & Cookery (open recipe)

• Cookies, Bars, or Brownies: 1 dozen, no frosting or decoration

• Yeast Bread (1 loaf) or Yeast Rolls (1 dozen)

• Cake (1) or : no frosting or decoration

• Candy: 1/2 lb. or 12 pieces

Exhibitor may submit one example in each category.  The recipe for the entry must include honey produced by the Exhibitor.  At least 25% of sweetening agent must be honey and each entry shall be unsliced.  The Entries are to be presented on a cardboard base, in a standard white cardboard cake box.  All entries will be tasted.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: appearance, uniformity, moistness, texture, aroma, flavor, influence of honey on the finished product, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item and the recipe (including all ingredients & procedure) must accompany each entry. No name should appear on the card.

 

Class 15: Artwork Related to Beekeeping

Artwork is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, often in a visual form such as (but no way limited to) painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.  An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related artwork of their own composition.  The artwork must be related to some aspect of apiculture, must be the original composition of the Exhibitor.  The artwork must be mounted or freestanding in design.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: subject matter, aesthetic appeal, technical proficiency, creativity, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the either the card or the exhibit.  If the exhibit is already signed or marked in some identifying way, the exhibitor may obscure the signature or identifying mark.

 

Class 16: Poetry Related to Beekeeping

This class includes the literary art of rhythmical composition for exciting pleasure, thought, action, or even disquiet by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.  An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related poetry of their own creation, of not more than 200 words or 20 lines, whichever is greater, excluding title line.  All poems may be either neatly handwritten or typed, single or double line spacing.  Poems may be of any form, or style. All entries must be original works.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: subject matter, aesthetic appeal, technical proficiency, creativity, and originality.

 

Class 17: Crafts Related to Beekeeping

A craft is a pastime or a profession that requires particular skill and knowledge of a specialized field or subject.  Craftsmanship typically denotes experience, knowledge, skill, and expertise in making things by hand.  An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related craftwork of their own composition.  The craftwork must be related to some aspect of apiculture and must be the original composition of the Exhibitor.  The craftwork must be mounted or freestanding in design.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: subject matter, aesthetic appeal, technical proficiency, creativity, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the either the card or the exhibit.  If the exhibit is already signed or marked in some identifying way, the exhibitor may obscure the signature or identifying mark.

 

Class 18: Needlecraft Related to Beekeeping

This class includes any decorative or artistic exhibit of needlecraft, some examples of which might include knitting, crochet, lace, embroidery, quilting, cross-stitch, needlepoint, or weaving, relating to honey bees or beekeeping.  An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related needlecraft of their own creation.  The back of the work must be accessible for inspection.  

Judges evaluate entries on the following: subject matter, aesthetic appeal, technical proficiency, creativity, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the either the card or on the exhibit.  If the exhibit is already signed or marked in some identifying way, the exhibitor may obscure the signature or identifying mark.

 

Class 19: Notions, Potions, & Lotions

An Exhibitor may submit one example of any health, bath, or beauty product, or any cleaner, polish, tincture, compound, or concoction of their own creation.  The recipe for the entry must include honey, beeswax, and/or propolis produced by the Exhibitor.  Entries are to be presented in a re-sealable container appropriate to the item.  All entries will be sampled.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: appearance, uniformity, texture, aroma, tactile feel, functionality, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item and the recipe (including all ingredients & procedure) must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the card or on the exhibit itself.

 

Class 20: Beekeeping Gadgets

A gadget is a mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially one of an ingenious or novel nature.  An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related gadget of their own creation.  The gadget must be related to some aspect of apiculture and must be the original creation of the Exhibitor.   Judges evaluate entries on the following: craftsmanship, ingenuity, functionality, creativity, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item and its operation must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the card or on the exhibit itself.

 

Class 21: Photographs Related to Beekeeping

An Exhibitor may submit one example of any beekeeping-related photography of their own composition.  The photograph must be related to some aspect of apiculture and must be the original composition of the Exhibitor.  The photograph must be mounted and in in a free-standing frame.  Judges evaluate entries on the following: subject matter, aesthetic appeal, technical proficiency, creativity, and originality.

*A 3" x 5" white card with a description of the item must accompany each entry. No name or identifying mark(s) should appear on the card or on the exhibit itself.

 

 

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