It is less than three weeks from the turn-in day for entries to the Mountain State Fair, and I am in the process of getting it all together. This year, the turn in day is September 1, the earliest it can possibly be. The first thing I did was to register online for all the categories I entered in previous years. I may not actually have an entry for everything, but it is far easier to turn in an unused entry tag rather than try to add an entry. I printed out the entry list, and started looking around for things I’ve made over the last year that could go in. I’ll enter a set of Folded Fabric Stars, using a couple of little ornament hangers to make them display nicely. The Kaleidoscope piece will go into Pieced Wall Hangings. The ‘cluck it’ hot pads will go into Crafts, embroidered items. I attach some zipper bags to the list so I can separate the entry tags into categories. This makes it easier when I pick up the entries and check out.
I pulled several produce bags for the Crafts division Household Items category. The set of honey and bee hot pads will go into Senior Crafts Machine Quilted. The cards I made for sale at the Fiber Fair will go into paper crafts.
I pulled smaller quilted items and put them on pant hangers to keep them from wrinkling. I’ll put the “It’s My Birthday” wall hanging into the Quilting division’s Appliqued Wall Quilts. Koi Pond will be in Quilting, Wall Hangings Mixed Techniques with Embellishments. Projects from last fall’s Fall Fortnight will go in Quilting, Crafts, and Senior Crafts.
Lemon Twist will go into Quilting, Pieced Bed Quilts. It is the only one that will need a sleeve, and I’ll finish that this week. The others are small enough not to need one.
Next will be to decide which photographs to print for the Photography competition. I have a year’s worth of photos to look through, and I have only begun to do that. So, I’ll show you my most exciting result in this competition from the past, my Best of Show win in 2023.
I am busy testing recipes, trying to get them just right for the cooking competition. I am not entering all the contests this year, I just don’t have the energy to go every single day of the 10 day fair, plus the take in and pick up days. So, I’ve chosen six of the 10 competitions, and I may not do all of those. But, it doesn’t hurt to enter then withdraw, as you cannot enter after August 8. I cannot reveal what I am working on, so I’ll show you my first place ribbon from last year for the tomato competition. The dish is a pasta and Italian sausage dish with red and yellow Roma tomatoes placed on the mixture, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. Yes, I do know that you want the recipe, LOL!! Here it is – Fresh Tomato Pasta.
I have not been able to come up with a good idea for the pork competition. The theme is PassPork to Flavor again this year, meaning an international theme. Last year I did Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps and placed third. Here’s that recipe if you’d like it – Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps.
I think I am set on recipes for the Dairy, Egg, Blueberry and Apple competitions. So, I still have some work to do and only about 2-1/2 weeks to get it done. I have to get the recipes decided and printed on the forms, and the photographs printed and mounted. I have some more cards to make, but if I don’t finish, it’s not a problem. I have plenty to enter already. I have already decided not to push myself to make a new wreath or a silk flower arrangement, so those tags will be turned back in. I didn’t make a throw size quilt this year, so I won’t enter that competition either. I am in good shape, but it will be next week before any more progress is made. Luckily, I don’t have much to go.
From My Carolina Home 
How fun! I used to enter a county fair in Illinois but since Covid they have struggled and have far fewer categories for crafts and cooking. You have inspired me to think about entering next year.
Nothing like a competition to ramp up excitement!
I’m betting your Koi quilt will earn a nice ribbon!
You’ve got multiple choice to pick from on your photo captures!
Enjoy the journey!
Jo Anne
I am always impressed by all you make for the fair and the many ribbons you take home. It will be fun to see the results – and your beautiful projects – in a few weeks. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go back and forth so many days – that is a huge commitment in itself.
Carole,
You make such beautiful projects. Best wishes for 1st place!
Beverly
Good luck! Be sure to highlight your ribbons at the end of the fair. I’m finishing up a few aprons to enter at our local fair. I have several quilted items for those categories also, but they’ve been done for a while. It’s always a nice end to the summer here in Allentown, PA.
Best of luck at the fair. So many lovely entries I’m sure you will do well. I’m going to try the tomato-pasta dish this weekend when my daughter and son-in-law visit.
Wow, you always amaze me with your entries. Best of luck in every category!
So fun to see what you’re entering in the fair, Carole! I’m sure you’ll come home with some ribbons. Those little display stands for your folded star ornaments are a great idea. And the pasta recipe sounds yummy – I’m going to have to try that one!
WE ARE CHEERING FOR YOU CAROLE!! YOU HAVE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL ENTRIES.
GOOD LUCK !!
you’re such a busy lady! Good luck! What about a jerk pork recipe?
Best wishes for your entries. You’ve certainly covered a lot of categories!
I’m so glad you are entering Koi Pond and Lemon Twist, though I knew you would as soon as I saw them. All your work is so lovely! It’s a lot of work to enter. Good for you! Good luck!
When you put it all in a pile it makes you realise how busy you’ve been and how much you’ve achieved over the year.
GOOD LUCK with your entries and I hope the judges are suitably impressed so they attach ‘Best in Show’ ribbons to your pieces. 😂
Mary :))
All of your projects look great, but Lemon Twist is just so lovely! The colors are soft and delicate and it really sets a sweet, summery mood. Good luck!
You will certainly be a busy bee with all your entries. Best of luck, and with the cooking classes you decide to do. I’m worn out just reading about your plans.
Whew! I’m tired just reading about all you are entering. I think ribbons will be coming your way.Carol
Best wishes!!! I’m sure you’ll do great! Looking forward to your report when it’s all over.
WOW, Carole! You have a lot of wonderful entries.I look forward to seeing your photos entries and the cooking entries as well, when you are able to share. Best of luck! I hope you win several ribbons-your work is so beautiful!
You are so organized Carole! I decided to enter nothing this year; I was feeling a little guilty for getting best of show in sewing for 5 years running, so opted to not do anything. We were gone during check in day, so that also encouraged me to hold back. I am excited for you; you have some beautiful things! We just had a Korean dish with ground pork last week. It was a stir fry of sorts. Maybe that gets you thinking. My daughter also mentioned that she used ground pork in stuffed bell peppers…so maybe that could be a starting point for something Italian. I know you’ll come up with something yummy.