 There are just a few more details to think about before you submit your eggs. Wash your eggs with warm, soapy water. Do not immerse your eggs, rather use running water. Simple dish soap and a dedicated egg sponge will do the trick when washing your eggs. Rinse eggs well, making sure nothing is left on the egg's surface. Allow eggs to air dry before packaging. Once dry, candle them to make sure you are selecting your best eggs. Weigh your eggs. Be sure to subtract the carton's weight. Enter your eggs in the correct size category to avoid a 10-point deduction. Use a kitchen scale at home or ask your local grocery store or post office to weigh your dozen announces. Put eggs in the carton with the pointed end down. When your carton is opened, judge's deduct points for eggs packaged incorrectly. One point is deducted for each egg packed with the pointed end up. Keep eggs that you have collected over a couple of days in the refrigerator until you have collected 12 eggs for your entry. Close the carton lid. Keep eggs in the center of the refrigerator until it is time to send them to the contest. Read and review contest rules to confirm the entry deadline. Pack a small version of your entry form with your eggs to ensure that there are no mix ups if you submit more than one dozen or if you ship your eggs with someone else's entries. Put the completed form in a plastic bag. Use a rubber band to attach it to your entry carton. If shipping your eggs, place your dozen in a Styrofoam cooler and surround it with packing material. Include an ice pack to keep your eggs cool during shipment. Tape the cooler shut. Make sure the lid is secure. Address the package and include your contact information. Use a 24-hour shipping service. Talk with the company to make sure you know the date and time you must drop off your package to ensure overnight delivery. Now you are ready to enter your best eggs. The 4-H Golden Egg Contest is waiting for you. Will you have the best eggs in the state? There's only one way to find out. We look forward to seeing your eggs soon.