08/06/2026
Thinking About Entering Your Home-Canned Products in the Middle Tennessee District Fair? 🏆🥒🍓
A blue ribbon can start with something as simple as the correct headspace in your jar!
Whether you're entering jams, jellies, pickles, fruits, or vegetables, proper headspace helps create a good seal, maintains product quality, and gives your entry a polished appearance that judges notice.
✅ Headspace Guidelines
🍓 Jams & Jellies: ¼ inch
🥒 Fruits & Pickles: ½ inch
🌽 Vegetables & Meats: 1 inch
🥫 Large Low-Acid Foods: 1 to 1¼ inches
🔍 Before canning, remember to:
✔️ Inspect jars for chips or cracks
✔️ Use new lids
✔️ Keep jars warm before filling
✔️ Never use damaged lids
🍅 Food Preservation Safety Reminders
✅ Use fresh, high-quality food
✅ Follow tested recipes
✅ Measure ingredients accurately
✅ Have pressure canner gauges tested yearly
✅ When in doubt, throw it out
🎡 Ready to show off your canning skills? Now is the perfect time to start planning your entries for the Middle Tennessee District Fair Food Preservation Division.
Review the official catalog, classes, and entry rules here: https://lawrenceburgtnrotary.org/fair-catalog.php
📍 If you have questions about food preservation, canning methods, or fair entries, contact Stacy Clark, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, at the Lawrence County Extension Office. We would love to help you prepare a safe, beautiful, and prize-winning exhibit!
