Science Fair Conundrum

You may recall that, back in January, I went to a planning meeting for a homeschool science fair. I was under the impression that they just needed a few more volunteers for this year, when in fact, the lady, Katrina, who is in charge, is trying to get one going for February, 2006. There has never been a big homeschool science fair in this area, at least not one that is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). So I am definitely in on the ground floor of the planning committee, that's for sure, and now I even have an official position--ISEF Liaison. Here's the deal: we want our top students to be able to advance to other science fairs, such as a regional one, and then the state one. We on the planning committee are pretty much all located in Loudoun County, so I tried there first. They absolutely do not alllow homeschoolers or even private school students to participate in their regional science fair, so we were out of luck. Next I tried Fairfax County. They are open to homeschoolers, but they aren't sure if students living outside Fairfax would be able to participate. We're still looking into that scenario, which would be the best if they would allow all of our winners to go there. But if they can not allow students outside of Fairfax to participate, then it looks like we are going to have to go through ISEF and become our own regional science fair. (I say "we", but that is actually my sole domain, so far.) This involves a whole boatload of paperwork, as well as making sure that all the projects, including how the research is conducted, are completely in line with ISEF guidelines. There's a $500 affiliation fee, and we would be responsible for paying the expenses for our top 2 students and one teacher/chaperone to go to the international fair. We also have to have at least 50 students participate. The other committee members are all excited about this option, but I feel very overwhelmed with it all. I don't think they realize exactly how much paperwork this will involve, and we are going to have to start out with a real bang as far as advertising, fundraising, etc. goes. Since the affiliation process starts in September or so, that is when we need to know that we will have at least 50 people. How many eager science fair students do you know who are anxiously getting in their registrations for a February fair in August?! So far I am the only person on the committee who has actually had any kind of personal experience with science fairs, so it seems to me like everyone is a little unrealistic about our expectations. Also, it would be so much better if our fair could be a local "practice" fair, and then we could send the best ones on to the regional fairs, which here in VA are all county fairs. It's really not going to be fair to the students to send students who might just be mediocre but are the best of a very small pool directly on to the state level (and the top 2 on to the international fair!). So this is what has been occupying my thoughts lately. I just wish that Fairfax County would email back and say, "Yes! Let all your winners come here, no matter where they live!" LOL! Fat chance! But I can dream . . .