Two of the most popular volumes in Orange County, the 2004 Orange County Fair Competition Handbook and the Livestock Competition Handbook, are currently available to potential exhibitors and other members of the public.

Copies can be obtained at the reception area of the Fair’s Administration Building, or by calling (714) 708-1553, or online at www.ocfair.com.

Up to $61,000 in cash premiums may be awarded, according to Joan Hamill, director of Community Relations.

Among new contests added this year for competitors are “Best of Pesto” and “Pack Your Bag-Chicago in January” in Home and Hobbies, “Children/Families” in Visual Arts, and “Avian Knowledge” in Livestock.

The deadline for entry forms to be received at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is May 19 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 18 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 19.

The Livestock Department is reinstating Poultry divisions, which were dropped last year because of the epidemic of Exotic Newcastle Disease, and the Open Breeding Sheep, dropped several years ago.

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