Rural School Leaflet 



977 



As a general thing it is not necessary nor advisable to offer large prizes. 

 A few donations of useful articles can usually be provided. In many 

 districts breeders of live-stock or poultry are glad to donate an animal 

 or a fowl for the first prize. This is one of the most appropriate prizes 

 that can be given. In other cases, prizes of merchandise are usually 

 very easy to obtain if solicited. Whenever cash can be subscribed it has 

 always been found to be the 'most satisfactory prize. 



It is not wise to limit the prizes to two or three winners, as practically 

 every one who has entered the contest has made earnest effort and should 

 have some recognition. If cash can be provided, it has been found a 

 good practice to pro-rate it among those who have made a creditable 

 exhibit. If exhibits have been scored in a numerical way, pro-rate the 

 money among all who have attained a standing above 60 points. This 

 will probably make it possible for one half of the contestants, or more, 

 to share the money and it has been found more satisfactory than putting 

 all the money into two or three prizes. Ribbons make simple and in- 

 expensive prizes and in many cases are about all that will be needed in 

 addition to a small amount of cash for pro-rating. The ordinary custom 

 is to use blue ribbons for the first prize, red for the second, and white or 

 yellow for the third. The date and occasion can be printed on the ribbon 

 and this recognition of merit is nearly always appreciated. 



A prize of considerable value offered for grand sweepstakes is one 

 of the best advertisements, and is a means of keeping up interest in the 

 contest during the year. If this particular prize can be provided early 

 in the season, even before the contests are announced, and placed before 

 the contestants as a grand prize, it will stimulate much interest; but 

 there should always be a large number of small prizes, so that a large 

 percentage of those entering may receive at least some recognition. The 

 large sweepstakes prize might take the form of a trip to some point of 

 interest, such as the State Capital or the State College of Agriculture- 

 Such an award has real educational value. 



