How-to: The Puyallup Fair Rose Show

Here’s a step-by-step guide to exhibiting your roses at the three 2024 Rose Shows in September at the Puyallup Fair in Washington State. It’s one of the largest fairs in the U.S. and is visited by millions of visitors over three weeks each Fall.

Rose entries are evaluated by regional judges from the American Rose Society – so attention to detail makes a difference.

Entries are limited to 6 am – 8.45 am before the ARS Judging starts, each Show day.

Let’s start with the online registration process, then move on to the exhibition day details.

Preparation in advance will help your entire experience. More general Fair information can be found on their website: TheFair.com

Your TRS friends can also answer many questions about the whole process. They are very experienced Fair exhibitors with numerous blue ribbons.

2024 Resources

In order to enter your roses at The Fair, YOU MUST REGISTER BY AUGUST 26.

For questions regarding online entry registration, contact them by phone 253-841-5074, or email them at CompExhibits@thefair.com.

If you do not have access to a computer, you can arrive at the Fair vendor gate with your roses and register when you enter the Floral Building.

Online Registration

To register online, start by going to theFair.com.

From the main headings, choose “Get Involved”.
Then choose “Enter a Competition”. Go down the list and choose “FLORAL”.
Then go down to page 4 which has the FLORAL REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS.
Choose ONLINE ENTRY REGISTRATION – then choose REGISTER
I am a (Choose a type) EXHIBITOR
Add your FIRST and LAST NAME
Choose: “I am a new exhibitor” or “I have yet to register this year” & Continue
Enter your password if you have one, or create a new password & Continue
Fill in the rest of the personal information, confirm the information & Continue
Add Department (choose a Department) FLORAL SHOW
Add Division (Choose a Division) FLORAL PRE-REGISTRATION, DIV 554
Add Class (choose a Class) CLASS 001 PRE-REGISTRATION
Add the whole entry to the CART & Continue to REVIEW
Edit as necessary & continue to Checkout.
Fill in YES to the “I agree” statement and SUBMIT your registration.

Printing your copy

Print out a DETAILED REPORT for your Show visit. It is important to have this printed registration, since you may be asked to show it when you arrive at the Fair gate with your roses. You will also need it at the Floral Barn to check in.
Also email a copy of your Registration Receipt to your own email address for your records just in case.
A smartphone image might work at the entry gate, but a paper copy is best.

Printing a copy of the Show Schedule

It is a good idea to print out the “SCHEDULE” for the Rose Shows.
Go back to GET INVOLVED > Enter a competition > Floral > Rose Show.
Scroll down to THE SCHEDULE. Print it out.
There will also be reference copies of the schedule on the setup tables inside each Show, but it’s handy to have your own as a reference.

It’s helpful to print a copy of the FAIR MAP from their website. It’s a large & congested venue. A map will help.
They will probably have some at various INFORMATION BOOTHS too.

When You Arrive at the Fair

If you are an exhibitor, you’re special & your entry to the Fair is FREE!
Entries are only accepted in the barn from 6 am to 8:45 am before Judging starts.
Because you are a special part of the Fair, you get to drive into the Fair through the vendor & Exhibitor route behind the horse barns & park at the Floral Barn to unload.
When you enter the Floral Building, you will check in at the desk near the entrance.
There you will show your REGISTRATION PAPERS, get an exhibitor number, and some entry tags.

There’s Always Paperwork

The entry tags are two pages.
Enter your EXHIBITOR NUMBER from your Registration
Add the DIVISION NUMBER (Sept 1 is 533, Sept 8 is 534, Sept 15 is 535),
Add the CLASS NUMBER and VARIETY (This will depend on the rose you are entering)
(NOVICE DIVISION NUMBERS are: Sept 1 is 539, Sept 8 is 540 Sept 15 is 541. A novice is a person who has won ten or fewer blue ribbons).
Add your Exhibitor name – we usually use small mailing address labels on both pages but you can just write your name here.
Before putting the entry tag on the provided vase, tear off the first page. Fold the second page so it covers your name and use the provided paper clip to close it.
Put your roses or arrangements that are ready to enter at the front of your table and a Show Staff Member will put your roses in the correct spot.
When you have entered all your roses, gather up the pile of “first pages” and put them in order by class number. Paper clip them together and hand them to the Staff Member at the front desk.
Congratulate yourself, you’re entered. Now go have a scone with your coffee!