By Dave Roberts

Connecticut State Grange Lecturers have decided to host two previous contests to give Granges an opportunity to display their talents and have fun.

The first contest is a Talent Contest and Connecticut State Grange will host the State Grange run-offs.  Here are the details for this contest:

• Each Subordinate/Community Grange may host their own Talent Contest and select one winner for the State Run-offs.
• There will be no Pomona-level judging. All entries will go directly from the Subordinate/Community  Grange to the State Grange for judging. 
• The Connecticut State Grange run-offs will be held at Hillstown Grange Hall (first floor) starting at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 14.
• Performance time allowed for each entrant is six minutes (includes set-up and performance).   
• No piano will be provided at the State run-offs, so if a Grange needs to bring an electric keyboard, please coordinate this with the State Grange Lecturer prior to the event.
• Any Grange wishing to compete in the Talent Contest at the State Run-offs MUST notify the State Grange Lecturer, Dave Roberts, at 858-775-9241 or dave@daveroberts.org not later than 8/1/22.  
• A panel of three judges will select the first, second and third place Talent Contest winners.  The decision of the judges is final.  Appropriate prizes will be awarded and a Certificate will be presented to each Grange that participates.
• The first place winner of the Talent Contest will be invited to perform at the Friday, October 21^st banquet at the Connecticut State Grange 2022 State Convention in Norwich.  If the first place winner cannot perform for any reason, the second place winner and/or the third place winner may be invited to perform at State Convention.

       The second contest is called the “A Number” contest and Connecticut State Grange will host the State Grange run-offs.  Here are the details for this contest:

• Any number (skit) suitable for a Grange meeting is eligible. 
• Time Limit: 6 minutes (includes set-up and performance). 
• All entries will go directly from the Subordinate Grange to State for judging. 
• The Connecticut State Grange run-offs will be held at Hillstown Grange Hall (first floor) on Sunday, August 14, immediately following the Talent Contest run-off which starts at 1:00 PM.
• A panel of three judges will select the first, second and third place winners.  The decision of the judges is final.
• Numbers will be judged on presentation, quality, audience appeal, appropriateness of theme, and originality.
• No piano will be provided at the State run-offs, so if a Grange needs to bring an electric keyboard, please coordinate with the State Grange Lecturer.
• Any Grange wishing to compete in the “A Number” (skit) Contest at the State Run-offs MUST notify the State Grange Lecturer, Dave Roberts, at 858-775-9241 or dave@daveroberts.org not later than 8/1/22.  
• The first place winner of the “A Number” Contest may be invited to perform at Friday, October 21 banquet at the Connecticut State Grange 2022 State Convention in Norwich.  If the first place winner cannot perform for any reason, the second place winner and/or the third place winner may be invited to perform. 

Other State Grange Lecturers might like to try these contests or share contests that work in their states to give other Lecturers ideas to generate bonding among Granges and allow members to have fun.  It is also a great way to get members to attend State Grange Convention who might not normally attend.

For information on either of these contests, please don’t hesitate to contact  Connecticut State Grange Lecturer Dave Roberts at dave@daveroberts.org or call me at 858-775-9241.