How to resolve AdBlock issue? By Rebecca Davis
Saratoga TODAY
BALLSTON SPA – Legos building blocks have transcended generations as a toy that allows kids of all ages to express their creativity, imagination, and innovation. These skills can be put to use at the 174th Saratoga County Fair in its third annual Lego contest.
The theme for the contest is “A Day at the Fair.” Participants are encouraged to build animals, buildings, farming equipment, fair rides and games or whatever vision they have that has to do with the county fair. Popular entries from previous years include demolition derbies, barns, and even a Ferris wheel.
Susan Leahey, who is on the fair’s board of directors and runs its education department, came up with the idea for the contest with her daughter, Kimberly. After seeing her grandchildren participate in a Lego contest at Saratoga Elementary, she knew it would be a great addition to the fair.
“My grandchildren just love Legos, so I thought this would be a good idea. We thought we’d try it out,” Leahey said. “But it’s become very popular. It’s a challenge for the kids; they get so excited about it. It’s also just amazing what the children can build.”
The age categories are 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 9 years old, 10 to 12 years old, 13 to 15 years old and family. There is no entry fee with a paid admission to the fair. All entries must be labeled with name, age, and title of their Lego design.
This year, the prizes are family four-packs to the Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady and cash prizes from ITT Technical Institute. The total value of the prizes is $500, with prizes being awarded to first, second, and third place winners.
Lego creations should be brought to the Saratoga Country Fair Talent Pavilion/Family Center between 10 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, July 22. Kids and their families will then have a chance to set up their display how they want it to look and put on the finishing touches to get ready for judging.
The entries will be judged based on how age-appropriate the displays are and how well they match the fair theme. No pre-made Lego kits are allowed to be used so the creations have to come from their own imaginations.
Judging will begin at 2 p.m. and the Saratoga County Fair Education Committee will have the Legos on display until 4 p.m., when the Legos can then be taken home.
Entry forms for the contest are available at the Fair Office at 162 Prospect Street in Ballston Spa or at Saratogacountyfair.com under “fair forms.”
The Saratoga County Fair will run from July 21 to 26.
