A glance through the Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival's 2008 Premium Book is certain to stir cries of "Hey, I can win a blue ribbon, too!"

The 2008 Exhibits Entry Guide, commonly called the Premium Book, lists all entry categories for the Fair and is magical in its vast array of possibilities, including floral and potted plant displays, baked goods, cake decorating, table settings, preserves, ceramics, photography, sculpture and painting, metal, glass and woodwork, sewing and needlework, jewelry, gems and minerals, personal collections and antique glass as well as livestock.

It is now available free of charge at locations around the Antelope Valley.

"It's a lot of fun for people to enter the fair," said Antelope Valley entry coordinator Linda Ruby, who is assisted by her husband, Jerry Ruby, as a volunteer.

"People will stop you on the street and say, 'I didn't know you could bake a cake like that,' or 'I saw your quilt at the fair.' They might say, 'I saw your art work and I want you to paint a picture for my mom.' When people say, 'I saw your picture,' that's a good feeling," Linda said. "And it's exciting to win. You should see some of the kids who are walking down the aisle and spot their entry with a ribbon. They jump up and down and whoop and holler and call for their parents."

The 2008 Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival, themed "Peaches 'N Screams," will be Aug. 22-Sept. 1.

"There's plenty of time to prepare an award-winning entry," said Linda, who is proud of her own blue ribbon for a jacket she made. "You might surprise yourself."

New categories this year (Premium Book page 26) include - by popular demand - business and adult divisions for the flashy "Bling-a-Shoe" design competition that was so successful in its 2007 debut; "Family Tradition Cookie" from Grandma's cupboard; "Blast from the Past" doll entries from past AV Fairs; "Wheelbarrow Gardens;" and "Decorated Mailboxes."

The fair provides divisions for children, juniors, adults, seniors, handicapped, developmentally disabled, amateur and professional.

There are separate sections for youth exhibits from 4-H, Future Farmers of America and Grange. Antelope Valley high school classes also have been preparing entries for the Fair.

The Premium Book, or Exhibitors' Entry Guide, also contains a schedule for livestock showing, auctions and specialty shows, a complete list of rules and regulations, a universal entry form, a livestock volunteer application and other forms.

Every page of the Premium Book pops with ideas. Division 78 of the Home Arts Department, page 42, is "Teddy Bears" made from a pattern or an adaptation of a pattern; and Division 79 is for "Teddy Bears," original. Division 91, page 44, is "Gourds." Entrants can carve them, dye them, paint them or weave them in their quest for a ribbon.

Division 96, also page 44, "Wood," includes a class for refinished old furniture; Division 97, "Models," features a class for rockets; and Division 99, "Professional Handicraft," is for teachers and those who sell their work.

Division 239 of the Farm and Garden Department, page 68, encourages entries of "Monstrosities" - fruits and vegetables of unusual shape "that have no commercial value but have eye appeal to the public."

Division 240, page 69, solicits entries of "Scarecrows," which are judged on originality, humor or fright, suitability to the theme and judges' choice. The scarecrows can be up to eight feet tall.

The Farm and Garden Department is the home of entries for alfalfa hay and grain hay - the agricultural products that enabled the Antelope Valley Fair Association to purchase 80 acres in 1938 for the original fairgrounds for $2,800 (see Premium Book, page 12, for the full story).

At the fair, alfalfa is still king and is the heart of the annual celebration.

Entry fees average $1.50 and in some categories no fee is required. Premiums (cash prizes) vary.

Some categories with sponsored premiums have higher entry fees. Persons living within specific geographical boundaries are eligible to enter the Antelope Valley Fair. See page 23 of the Premium Book for the definition of "local" and boundary lines.

Paperwork for all entries is due at the Antelope Valley Fair Entry Office by 5 p.m. July 12.

Although entry deadlines for larger livestock are earlier, poultry and rabbits may be entered by July 12.

The new air-conditioned, small animal barn is expected to attract more entries than ever, including elegant breeding pigeons valued at $20,000 each.

Pick up your free copy of the 2008 Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival Premium Book at sponsor locations around the Antelope Valley, at public libraries, chambers of commerce, craft and feed stores, municipal buildings and at the Antelope Valley Fair Entry Office, 2551 West Avenue H, Suite 102, Lancaster.

Fo more information, call 661-948-6060, ext. 410, or visit www.avfair.com.

Entry forms and a complete pdf copy of the Premium Book to download are available on the Web site.