We had a great conversation on Facebook about entering quilts into your local fair. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that! Do you enter? No? Why not?
So many families were involved in the county fair when my kids were little. It was an event! I worked the textile department, including quilts and watched the judges. We all brought in decorations according to the theme and some of the department heads spent late nights putting up amazing displays of art, quilts, clothing, Native American handwork and children's art, collections and baked goods. It really was something we all looked forward to.
I think our fair went downhill when the entry fee for our fair got priced beyond what was reasonable. What's the point of entering if your entire family couldn't afford to attend and you couldn't even go see if you won a ribbon without having to pay a ridiculous amount?
A couple of years ago there was a big push to get locals to enter items in the fair. It was very cumbersome and no comments were issued by the judges at all. I used to help in the textile dept and the judges we had took the time to write comments for people who entered. I'm not sure how our judges get qualified now. Their choices have been pretty dubious.
I made a quick trip to the fair yesterday after hearing from others and was really disappointed. There was maybe 20 quilts hanging and I'd say about 1/2 of them were by one person.
The room was dismal (junk hanging out int he corner of the room) and the woman manning the quilt section had no idea which one was the Best of Show! I think they had a box to choose your favorite but she didn't say a thing to me about it.
I'm not even sure how to volunteer to help, but clearly they need some!
Here was the Best of Show quilt. It was darling.
Loved this little saying at the top of the quilt.
Nothing very creative about this display. I actually tripped over one of the legs- thankfully I didn't fall!!
I also thought the judges comments should have been private- folded and closed so only the maker could see it.
The native American display used to be really amazing. The handwork still is something to behold, but there just wasn't much of it. The vest, (above, behind glass) is beadwork!
I believe this is a wallet. And yes, they make them and use them.
What's a fair without animals? We do have great 4H participation and the businesses get behind the kids in a huge way when it comes to the animal auctions. (always Saturday night and about 100 degrees!!)
The pigs always have a hard time staying cool fair week. The vet visits often to assist overheated animals.
It always cracks me up how these sheep get primped!!
The cow is looking at the girl through the slat and the girl is looking at the cow. So cute!!
I don't ever remember seeing camels at our fair!!
This lovely wagon of flowers greets fair-goers. And you know what? We hired a new fair manager and getting in FREE has helped get people to the local fair, which I think is terrific. We live in a low economic area and need a place families can go and have fun together and not break the bank. I think that was the best idea we've had in many years!!
I'd love to hear about your county fair!! Have a fantastic weekend.
