Clay County Extension Seeking Home-Canned Entries for Sept. 26 Contest

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County residents who excel at home food preservation can enter their best jars in the From Garden to Jar Home Preserved Food Contest, set for Saturday, Sept. 26, during Clay County Ag Day at Hayesville Town Hall.

The contest, sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension, celebrates the tradition of canning and other home preservation methods. Categories include jams, jellies, pickles, vegetables, salsa, sauces, meats and dehydrated foods. Blue, red and white ribbons will be awarded in each category, along with a grand prize for the overall top entry.

Entries must be dropped off between Sept. 21 and 23 at the Clay County Cooperative Extension office, 25 Riverside Circle, Suite 2, Hayesville. The contest is open only to Clay County residents. All entries must follow official contest rules and current safe home food preservation guidelines.

Winners will be announced Sept. 26 during Ag Day.

For complete rules and entry details, visit go.ncsu.edu/gardentojar26, stop by the Extension office or call 828-389-6305.