2007 Rules and Classifications (NEW RULES! READ CARFULLY!)

NEW RULES– Please read carefully! Judges decisions are FINAL!

Definition of Classes: Youth – 15 years old or younger. (May also compete as a Novice carver) Novice – One who is new to the art and is considered to be at the entry level of competition. Amateur – One whose work has established oneself beyond Novice level. (Best of Show placements at the Novice level would certify one to advance to Amateur status.) Professional – One whose carving rank at the highest level of Artistic skill and expertise. Open – Highest level of competition, the standards for judging are the most demanding in this category. Usually reserved for Purchase Awards. (Competition is open to all levels of carvers, First Place winners in this category are ranked as Professional thereafter.)

General Rules: 1. It is the responsibility of all carvers to select the category for their work. It is also the responsibility of the carvers to see that his or her entry is placed in the proper registered category. 2. Any carvings that do not conform with the rules will be disqualified if brought to the attention of the judging committee before any of the divisions are judged. 3. All registered entries will remain on the competition tables during judging. No entries will be moved or handled by anyone but the Festival Committee. 4. Any objections to proceedings during the judging shall be immediately brought to the attention of the judging coordinator. 5. All registrations are final. 6. Once a carving has been entered it cannot be touched up with paint, weights or keels added, moved or otherwise altered. This will result in disqualifications. 7. No machine made carvings will be allowed. Also, no reworked birds. If they are suspected by the judges, they will be eliminated from competition. 8. Carving can be entered by any documented team, and must be registered as such, with all names on the registration form. 9. The Festival will not be responsible for lost or damaged pieces! 10. Birds previously competed in the Cajun Heritage Festival cannot be re-entered. 11. All entries must remain on the competition tables until close of festival Sunday afternoon. 12. On Sunday morning, carvers who have reserved tables will not be allowed to move their carvings from the competition tables to their own table for display. 13. Cast feet are not allowed in all “Open” class context regardless of classification. If they are detected the piece will be disqualified. 14. The Best of Show will be selected from each 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers from each division or category. The Best of Show will be one of the Best in Division or Category entries. Replacement rules applies for all contest. 15. Cast feet are not eligible in any contest except Novice and Amateur. Feet must be manufactured by the artist and if molds are used they must be made available to the judging committee. 16. Any members donating an original decoy, carved by the donor, for 100% auction donation, the registration fees for all for all other entries will be waived except for purchase award fees. 17. Members who donate a decoy for the raffle will have membership dues for one year waived. 18. The Judging Committee has the final Say on any interpretation of any rule in all competitions. The Judging Committee’s decision is FINAL!

Purchase Award Rules 1. These are open class contest, unless otherwise stated. 2. All carvings will be made of wood. Cast bills and cast feet are not allowed. If detected, entries will be disqualified. All elements must be made by the carver. Glass eyes are allowed. 3. All decorative decoys floated in the tank need not have exterior keels nor do they have to self-right. Fine detail in carving and painting will be required. 4. All decoys will be required to float perfectly, sinking birds will be removed. 5. Any work previously competed in the Cajun Heritage Festival cannot be re-entered. Carving can be entered by “Professional, Intermediate, or Novice” carvers, however, winning a Purchase Award will require moving up in classification at the next Festival.

Division “A" Competition Grade Decorative Decoy 3 Categories (in tank) Marsh Duck, Diving Ducks, Confidence & Geese A highly decorative carving that features extreme detail and likeness to the specie. Raised primaries, authentic bill size and detailed painting are required. These decoys will be required to float perfectly, but need not self-right. Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd and Honorable Mention for each specie. Ribbons for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Best of Categories. Medallion, ribbon and $75 for 1st Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $25 for 3rd Place Best of Show. Amateur and Novice will receive medallion and ribbons. Monies will be awarded to Professional only. $50 Novice and Amateur 1st Best of Show only.

Division “B” Decorative Lifesize Wildfowl Carving Category (not in tank) The entry wil consist of one or more birds of any species with emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purpose. They are to be hand-formed with exception of eyes. Entries wil be judged on craftsmanship, accuracy, essence of the species and artistry. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in Professional, Amateur and Novice categories. Medallion, ribbon and $200 for 1st Place Best in Show. Ribbon and $75 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 3rd Place Best of Show. Amateur and Novice will receive medallion and ribbons for Best of Show Places. Monies will be awarded to “Professional” only. No tank or flat bottom decoys allowed. $50 Novice & Amateur 1st Best of Show only.

Division “C” Decorative Miniature Wildfowl Carving Category (not in tank) The entry will consist of one or more birds of any species with emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes. They are to be hand-formed with the exception of eyes. Decorative Miniature Wildfowl shall be one-half life-size or less. Maximum length of subject is 8 inches. Entries will be judged on craftsmanship, accuracy, essence of the species and artistry. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in “Professional”, “Amateur” and “Novice” categories. Medallion, ribbon and $200 for 1st Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $75 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 3rd Place Best of Show (“Professional” only!) “Amateur” and “Novice” will receive medallion and ribbons for Best of Show. $50 “Novice” & “Amateur” 1st Best of Show only.

Division “D” Interpretive Sculptor (Open Class) This is for entrants who may be interested in creating an interpretive piece rather than following the more traditional style of realism. Subject may be of entrant’s choice, not a decoy. Stained is intended to mean the use of Non-Pigmental Solution to achieve contrast. Any Polychrome Pigmented material not allowed. Medallion and ribbon for 1st Place Best of Show. 2nd Place Best of Show ribbon and 3rd Place Best of Show ribbon.

Division “E” Best in Lafourche Songbird (youth) This contest is for Youth only. f Any Specie Songbird, Cast feet may be used. 1st Place – Medallion and $25 2nd Place - $15 3rd Place $10 All ribbons Best of Show. No entry fee for this contest, limit one entry per contestant.

Division “F” Cajun Open Working Decoy “Open Class” (Bird Must be Donated) An “Open Class” division (any specie) in tank. 1st Place Medallion and ribbon, 2nd and 3rd Place ribbons. All donors will receive 75% of the auction price of decoys. Number of entries are unlimited. No entry fee! Best of Show ribbons. Rules: 1. Carving must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed. 5. Bill must be sturdy, but may be dressed up. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual’s discretion. 9. Remember this is a working decoy.

Division “G” Louisiana State Championship Decorative Head (Open Class) (Head Must be Donated) An open class division (any specie). 1st Place Best of Show $100,ribbon.2nd $30 and 3rd Place $20. 1st placewinner becomes property of the Festival to be auctioned off on Sunday with 100% going to the Club. All other entties may choose to enter auction at a 75/25 split to the carver,it is no longer mandatory. * $5 entry fee.! !

Division “H” Louisiana State Championship Minature Boat (Open Class) 1. Contest will be comprised of 5 main categories: A. Heavy industrial type boats (tugs, supply boats, crew boats, lift barges, etc.) B. Commercial fisheries (trawler, oyster, tuna, etc. C. Sporting type (yacht, sailboat, speedboat, etc.) D. Pirogues and canoes. Any accessories may be included. (Ex. Paddles, push-pole, etc.) E. All Lafitte skiff 2. Boats must be hand crafted only. NO kits! 3. All types of boats eligible. 4. Maximum length is to be 36 inches. 5. No glass or plexi-glass display case allowed during judging. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons will be awarded in each of the 5 categories. All the 1st place winners in each category will be judged for Best of Show. 1st Place Best of Show medallion and Rosette, 2nd and 3rd Place Rosettes. Entry fee is $5 per entry. Best in Category and Best of Show. $50 1st Best of Show only.

Division “I” - Jimmy Lynch Memorial (Open Class) Feather Carving 1. Carving may be feather from any species of wildfowl. 2. The carving must be mounted on a plaque, along with the real feather from which the carving was copied. Both must be viewed from the front & back. 3. Carving must be 98% wood. 4. Contestants may enter as many feathers as they wish (all donated). No entry fee! 1st Place $100 and Medallion. 2nd Place, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention ribbons. All other to be auctioned with 70% to the carver. Best of Show ribbons to be awarded. 1st place winner becomes property of CHS inc. to be auctioned on Sunday. All other enteies may be put in auction at a 75/25 split to the carver, (At the carvers discretion, it is no longer mandatory.) .

Division “J” Cajun Classic - Working Decoy 3 Categories: Puddlers, Divers, and Geese – Confidence. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention Placing in each category. Medallion for 1st Best of Show, Ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Best of Show. Professional – Amateur – Novice Classes. 1. Carving must be made strong, durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. These decoys should be designed to be hunted over and be rugged enough to withstand the rigors to which gunning decoys are subjected. 3. All weights or keels used for self-righting or ballast must be practical and non-fouling in nature. No swinging weights are allowed. 4. No burning or stone texturing are allowed. 5. Raised primaries allowed with NO undercutting. STRAIGHT CUT ONLY, NO ANGLE. SLICK BIRD ONLY! 6. Bill detail other than indentions to define nostril not allowed. There will be no upper or lower mandible details, “no carving to show upper and lower mandible.” 7. Painting will be traditional and have no extreme detail. Practical, simplified patterns which are easily reproduced will be allowed. 8. No blending or stipling to be viewed as vermiculation. No hand formed vermiculation. Block painting only. No feather splits or breakage. 9. Any decoy which is determined by the Judging Committee to be in violation of any of the rules will be removed from this class and entered in Division “K”.

Division “K” Cajun Classic - Decorative Gunning Decoy 3 Categories: Puddlers, Divers, and Geese – Confidence. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each category. Medallion for 1st Best of Show, Ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Best of Show. Professional – Amateur – Novice classes. 1. Carving must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed with undercut. 5. Bill must be sturdy, but may be dressed up. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individuals discreation.

Division “L” Louisiana State Championship - Fish Carving Competition (Open Class) All fish will be entered in 3 categories.1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons in categories. 1st Place Best of Show - $75 and Medallion, 2nd Place Best of Show - $50, 3rd Place Best of Show - $25. Freshwater fish, Saltwater fish, Exotic fish categories.

Division “M” - Louisiana State Championship - Head Whittling Open Competition Specie to be the same as Division II. 1st Place $100, Medallion and Ribbon; 2nd Place $30and ribbon; 3rd Place $30 and ribbon and Honorable Mention. 3 hour carving time; hand tools only. Donors will receive 75% of auction price. No entry fee!

Division “N” - Stained or Natural Finish Decoy (Open Class) Subject may be of entrant’s choice. No woodburning or strong texture allowed. Stained is intended to mean the use of non-pigmented solution to achieve contrast. Any polychrome pigmented material not allowed. Medallion for 1st Place Best of Show, ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show.

Division “O” Youth - This category is for our youths that are 15 years of age and under. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. No entry fee for each category. Categories: A - Waterfowl, B – Songbirds, C – Gamebirds, D – Birds of Prey, E – Any Gunner, F – Miniature, G – Miscellaneous. 1st Place Best of Show - $50 Gift certificate, 2nd Place in Show - $30 Gift certificate, 3rd in Show - $20 Gift certificate.

Division “P” Backyard Carvers This category is for the carver who doesn’t go to any class. This is what they do on their own at home. There will be no rules. It will be shelf judging “only.” No floating. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. First entry $5 plus $2 per each additional entry. No limit to entries. Categories: A - Waterfowl, B – Songbirds, C – Gamebirds, D – Birds of Prey, E – Any Gunner, F – Miniature, G – Miscellaneous. 1st Place Best of Show Medallion, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show ribbons.

Division “Q” Decorative Shelf Decoy These decoys will not be floated. Same standards as Division “A”. No categories. “Professional”, “Amateur” and “Novice”. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. Entry fee $5. Medallion for 1st Place Best in Show.

Division “R” All Others - Open Competition This is an open category to all carvers. It can be anything that is not in the brochure. Anything goes. Example: Carrousel Horses, Chip Carvings, caricature, Figure Carving, Animals, etc. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. Entry fee $5. Medallion for 1st Place Best of Show.

Division “S” Cajun Cocktail Class - Open to All Carvers – Decoys must be Donated 1. Subject may be any specie of waterfowl and must be carved as a decoy. 2. Subject decoy must not exceed 2 ½ inches in length. (Tip of breast to tip of tail. Tailpin feathers of species such as Pintail, Old Squaw, etc. will not be included in this measurement) 3. Decoy must float. Decoys will be floated in their respective wine glass. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show – Medallion for 1st Place Best of Show. These decoys will be displayed and judged Friday night and will be voted on by the public attending the Wine & Cheese Dedication Social. These decoys will be auctioned Sunday with 75% of sale going to the carver. Sponsored by Curt Fabre. $100 1st Place, $50 2nd Place and $25 3rd Place.

NEW Division “T” Walking Cane Competition An open Carving Competition. Open to any form and style of Walking Canes. Canes do not have to be functional. Creativity is encouraged. Carving, painting & form left to carver's discretion. Entry fee is $5.00 75% at auction if donated.

NEW Division “U” Animal Carving Competition. An open class division. Open to any animal species. Carving, painting, base, & habitat left to carver's discretion. No size restrictions. Entry fee is $5.00 75% at auction if donated.

NEW Division “V” Flower Carving Competition An open class division. Open to any species of flower. Carving, painting, base, & habitat left to carver's discretion. No size restrictions. Entry fee is $5.00 75% at auction if donated.

Division I Cajun Heritage Decorative - Miniature Wildfowl Championship (Open Class) 1st Place – (Purchase Award) $200, Medallion and Best of Show Rosette 2nd Place - $50 and show ribbon 3rd Place - $25 and show ribbon Entry fee is $5 per entry All prior judged or exhibited carvings are allowed, but all entries for this competition must have been completed within in the last twelve (12) months. This carving is expected to be a Fine Art three-dimensional original composition. The carving must be full-bodied and free-standing (no decoys on plagues allowed). The carving must be ½ size or less. No carving is to exceed 8 inches in any measured dimension. Any carving exceeding this 8 inch dimension will be disqualified. The piece is open to any feathered subject. Raised feathers, detailed bills, texturing etc., will be expected. Anything else in nature can be added to set the scene, e.g. adding grass, leaves, stumps, or rocks as components, but must be carved or hand-formed. Any carving found not to have hand carved or hand-formed components will be disqualified! If encased in glass the glass must be removed for judging. (NO EXCEPTIONS). These carvings will be judged on originality, pose, composition, likeness to specie, painting and degree of difficulty.

Division II Best In Louisiana - Decorative Decoy - Lesser Scaup Hen(Open Class) Species will be judged to the live bird. Must float in lifelike attitude but need not self-right. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $1600 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $75 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $50 and Best of Show ribbon Entry fee $20 per entry.

Division III Best In Louisiana - Working Decoy Open to Any Species of Waterfowl. Except Shovelers, Widgeons, & Red Heads. (Open Class) Entry fee $5 per entry, on limit to entries. Rules for this contest are. 1. Carvings must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed. but no swinging weights are alllowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed. 5. Bills must be sturdy. 6. Tails must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to carver's individual's discretion. 9. Remember this is a working decoy. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $300 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $75 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $50 and Best of Show ribbon 60% at auction if donated.

Division IV Best On Bayou Decorative - Working Decoy - Gadwall Hen (Open Class) Entry fee $15 per entry Rules for this contest are the same as Division “K” Cajun Classic Gunning Decoy. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $1000 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $25 and Best of Show ribbon 75% at auction if donated.

Division V Best On Fourchon - Purchase Award Rules - Gadwall Pair - (Open Class) The subject is a Miniature Pair Hen & Drake. Rules for this contest are the same as Division “C” except that they will be floated. Entry fee is $10 per entry 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $300 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $75 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $50 and Best of Show ribbon Honorable Mention Best of Show ribbon

Division VI Lafourche Cajun Carvers - Purchase Award Rules - Age 19 and Under Only (Open Class) Entry fee $5 per entry. Species will be any specie. Rules for this Category are the same as Division “J” – Classic Working Decoys. Ages 19 years old and under. NO SLEEPERS. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $200 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $30 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $20 and Best of Show ribbon

Division VII Best In Grand Isle - “Slick On A Stick” Shore Bird - Purchase Award Rules Entry fee $5 per entry. Any species of shore bird may be selected that is identified in the Audubon Field Guide to identifying shorebirds. One life-size bird is required, either male or female. All decoys must be hand made of wood. Glass eyes may be used. Decoys must be slick and may have raised primaries. A highly decorative paint job is required. Pieces must be mounted on a stick or dowel on a base, no habitat is required. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $200 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and ribbon 3rd Place - $25 and ribbon Honorable Mention – ribbon 75% at auction if donated.

Division VIII Best In Louisiana – Hummingbird - Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) This category is open to all carvers. Carving can be any specie of Hummingbird. Lifesize decorative carving, with the live bird as the model. The bird should be depicted in it’s natural surroundings, habitat. Winning carving will be auctioned at the Festival, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Festival. $5 entry fee. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $150, ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place – $30 & ribbon 3rd Place - $20 & ribbon All other carvings are eligible for 75% auction if donated.

Division IX - Deep South Songbird (Open Class) This category is open to all carvers. Carving can be any specie of songbird. Life-size decorative carving, with the live bird as the model. Cast feet will not be allowed. If discovered, carving will be disqualified. Bird should be depicted in it’s natural surroundings, habitat. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $200, Best of Show Ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place – $50 and Show ribbon 3rd Place - $25 and Show ribbon Winning carving will be auctioned at the Festival, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Cajun Heritage Festival. Entry fee $5. All other carvings are eligible for 75% of auction, if donated.

Division X - Old Style Decoy This category is open to all carvers. Carving and painting are left up to the carver. Decoys will not be floated and judged on shelf. Entry fee is $5 per entry, NO limit to entries. 1st Place – (Purchase Award) - $300, Best of Show Ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place – $100 and Show ribbon 3rd Place - $50 and Show ribbon All other carvings are eligible for 75% auction, if donated.

Cajun Artist (Open Class) Theme shall be “Trappers Cabin.” Scene shall be artist own design. Can be any size up to 24x36 inches. Painting may be done in any medium. Must be ready for hanging. Entry fee $7. 1st Place – $50, Medallion and Rosette. 2nd Place – $25 and Show ribbon 3rd Place - $15 and Show ribbon

Fine Art Rules DEFINITIONS: PROFESSIONAL - One who paints part/full time to sell paintings. AMATEUR - One who paints as a hobby and sells to supplement painting materials and painting aids. NOVICE - One who is new to the field and who has been painting under one (1) year. Children - 10 & under, Youth- 11-15, Teen, 16-18. 1. All entries will be painted and owned by the participating artist, framed, and ready for hanging on pegboards. 2. Subjects of art will be limited to cajun wildlife and/or cajun heritage only. 3. Unlimited entries each. 4. Awards will be as follows: Professional - Rosette for 1st place, ribbons for 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention Ribbons for all other classifications. 5. Fee will be $5.00 per entry. 6. Ribbon for People's Choice Award. 7. All artists must leave their arts on display until 4:00 PM, Sunday. 8. No previous winning art from Cajun Heritage Festival may be entered.

Decorative Painting Contest Rules 1. This is an open contest. 2. Paintings may be done with any medium on any object, i.e., painting on a hard hat, paddle, saws, etc. 3. Subject of art will be limited to cajun wildlife and/or cajun heritage. Maximum size 24x36 inches. 4. No limit. 5. Fees will be $5.00 per entry. 6. Awards will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons.

Pen & Ink/Scratch Art Colors allowed and anything that is black and white art. Cajun, Wildlife or Cajun Heritage. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place & Honorable Mention ribbons. Entry fee is $5.00. Ready for hanging.

Flat Art Wood burning only. Cajun Heritage or Cajun Wildlife ONLY. Up to 24x36 inches. Entry fee $0. Ready for hanging. 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Honorable Mention ribbons.

Photo Contest (Open Class) Photo contest is an open contest limited to Cajun Heritage Only. Entry fee is $5.00. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place ribbons. Judging will be People's Choice. Picture must be framed. All pictures 8x10 only. 3rd Annual Sgt. Bradley John Bergeron Memorial Award. Cajun Heritage Festival 2007 Open Awards 1. Place $30 & Certificate 2. Place $20 & Certificate 3. Place $10 & Certificate For further information please contact Art Chairperson: Rose L. Portier (985-876-4552) Co-Chairperson: Myrna Waters (985-693-3115) Divisions: Theme: Cajun's Good Old Days of Yesteryear ($7/entry) all other entries listed below is $5/entry. You m,ay enter as many divisions as you wish.(Entries no bigger than 24 x 36 inches) 1. Fine Arts: Cajun Heritage or Cajun Wildlife 2. Decorative Art: Cajun Heritage or Cajun Wildlife 3. Pen & Ink Or Scratch Art: Cajun Heritage oe Cayun Wildlife 4. Woodburning: Cajun Heritage or Cajun Wildlife 5. Poto Contest: Cajun Heritage or Cajun Wildlife P.S. All art must be registered Friday and no later than noon Saturday. Art may be picked up Sunday at 4pm. Judges decisions are final.