Q: What is the theme of the Douglas County Fair this year?

A: The theme is “Pledging Our Hands To Larger Service,” which is part of the 4-H Pledge. It’s a theme in which everyone can get involved.

First, we are having a Food Drive at the fair. All fair-goers are encouraged to bring packaged, nonperishable food and nonfood items to be distributed to food pantries in Douglas County. There will be a large food basket in Building 21 for the collection.

Also, to go along with the theme, the proceeds from the 4-H/Open Food Sale will be donated to Just Food, to be used to purchase food for hungry families. Just Food is a partnership of local pantries working to create a consistent supply of food for hungry families in our county. As a fair-goer and/or baker, the 4-H/Open Food Sale would welcome any “extra nonperishable baked food” from anyone who is interested in donating items to be sold – for example, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, quick breads, yeast breads/rolls, pies, etc.

The sale will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to noon July 30. Donated food items will be accepted anytime during the sale or from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

Q: Can I enter food to be judged at the fair?

A: Of course! In the food and food preservation area, anyone can enter foods to be judged in Open Class Food Preparation and Preservation, as well as the Naturally Nutritious Food Festival. For a complete listing, go to www.dgcountyfair.com.

In Open Class Food Preparation and Food Preservation, youths and adults can enter a variety of nonperishable food products and home-canned and dehydrated products from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday in Building 21 on the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds. Judging will be Tuesday morning. For more information, call 843-7058.

If you are interested in bringing perishable items, foods that feature Kansas ingredients, international cuisine, fresh salsa or foods that emphasize good health and nutrition, then the Naturally Nutritious Food Festival might be just your venue. This event will take place July 30 in Building 21 at the fairgrounds. Entries will be accepted from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Judging will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

Following the judging and the announcement of the category winners and overall champions, samples of the food products are offered to everyone who is observing the event. Again, for complete rules, refer to the Web site.

If you aren’t interested in making, baking and taking for the fair but just want to come and see all of the 4-H and Open Class food exhibits, Building 21 will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 30 through Aug. 2.