Not all old farm tools are put out to pasture

One person’s trash just might be another person’s treasure.

The 2015 Merced County Fair is kicking off its “Farm Junk” yard art sculpture contest. The contest will be held during the fair, June 10-14, but for those who want to enter the competition, it’s time to get working on those sculptures, according to a Merced County Fair press release.

Participants can combine iron, steel, copper or any other material such as old tools, nuts, bolts, mower blades, recycled bicycle parts, salvaged machinery, used vehicle or tractor parts, or any other discarded materials typically found around the yard, garage, shed or barn, to create a work of art.

The one requirement is that the sculpture must be able to stand on its own. The fair won’t accept any entries that aren’t self-supporting, the release said.

The works of art will be displayed at the fair and the “People’s Choice” judging system will be used, so fairgoers can vote on their favorite sculptures. The first-place winner will receive $300, the second-place prize is $150 and the third-place contestant will get $75.

Entry forms are due May 7. Entries are limited to one per exhibitor, whether it is an individual, group or business. Sculptures must be delivered to the fairgrounds from Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31.

The theme of the 2015 Merced County Fair is “Five Best Days of Summer.” For information, call the fair office at (209) 722-1507, email info@MercedCountyFair.com, or go to www.MercedCountyfair.com and connect with the fair – find it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.

This story was originally published March 7, 2015 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Not all old farm tools are put out to pasture."