We had a blast, and as for arts and crafts and such...we collectively had 42 entries, and we collectively brought home 42 ribbons.  9 entries did not place, several entries received two ribbons, and 1 entry received 3 ribbons.  I entered a doily which received a first place ribbon, and I entered 4 of my poems, of which one received a first and a lot champion, another received a second and a reserve lot champion!  I was excited about that!  DD (14 yo) entered 3 different baked items, first places on all, and a younger dd entered a Mix-In-The-Pan cake and won a first place ribbon.  Two of the kids received first place ribbons on art work.  My salsa verde got a second.  One son received a grand champion on his giant zucchini, and another son received a lot champion and reserve grand champion on his giant scalloped squash.

I'm still processing all of the skills we covered in one way or another to participate.  Lots of organization, not as much planning as we could have, though.  New skills such as preparing the wire on a frame for hanging.  Classification.  Presentation.  And more, I'm sure!  There were so many interesting entries.  Beautiful quilts.  As we stood in line to submit our entries, the kids observed a leather mask with feathers, and guessed that it would receive the "Judges Choice" ribbon for being most relevant to the theme of the fair, "Masquerade".  The kids pegged it!  There was a much higher participation in the food and horticulture than last year from what we observed.  Lots of children/youth/teen entries, as well.  We're examining our score sheets to learn what areas we need to improve in on art and photography!  The best thing is that we had fun, and that we learned!  Maybe some of us will branch out a bit in our crafting over the next year.  Or maybe that cake decorating idea I had will come to fruition!  And of course, I already have a great poem in progress based on the experience, perhaps a start to next year's entries!

Blessings from the ranch!