Paint or photograph? Plant or prune? Decorate or design? Collect or create? Any kind of talent or hobby can be an award-winning entry at this summer's OC Fair. To assist in the quest for a blue ribbon and possible cash premium, two of Orange County's more popular publications, the 2005 OC Fair Competition Handbook and the Livestock Handbook, are currently available to potential exhibitors and other members of the public online at www.ocfair.com.

For the first time, the two handbooks will be available online only. Additionally, participants will be able to complete their entries online at ocfair.com. However, entries for all Fair competitions, excluding Livestock, can still be submitted in person or by mail. Livestock entrants may only enter online.

Up to $180,000 in cash premiums may be awarded, according to Joan Hamill, director of Community Relations. Among new contests added this year for competitors are "Avocado Cooking," "Chili Cooking," "Mardi Gras" and "Fourth of July" tablesettings in Home and Hobbies; "Tastiest Guacamole" and "Rooster Crowing & Hen Cackling" in Youth; "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" movie memorabilia in Collections; and "Avian Bowl" in Livestock.

The deadline for entry forms to be received at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is May 18 at 5 p.m. Entry forms received after that time, despite postmark, cannot be accepted.

Exhibit delivery times are noon to 7 p.m. on June 17 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 18.

Consult the Livestock Handbook for times of animal delivery, judging and pickup and for the annual junior livestock auction.

In 2004, there were 5,703 participants entering 13,690 exhibits in competitive departments. Additionally, more than 9,000 fairgoers of all ages took part in contests offered around the fairgrounds.

The annual OC Fair takes place Friday, July 8 through Sunday, July 31, and is closed Mondays, July 11, 18 and 25.