RBC I Each year, the Rio Blanco County Fair Board hires approximately 10 judges to evaluate the indoor exhibits. This year, though, an interesting challenge arose in the new exhibit hall when an abundance of needlework exhibits filled the tables.
A second judge was needed to get the judging done in time. The reason for this outburst of needlework exhibits? Violet Frazier, or Vi, as she likes to be called, is new to the Rio Blanco County Fair.
Frazier, who lives in Meeker, submitted more than 15 needlework exhibits at the fair this year, but one in particular stood out—a beautiful American flag afghan that garnered more than a few ribbons. She entered her afghan in the silent auction at the fair and the highest bidder (who may or may not have been guarding his prize) walked away the winner with a bid of $200.
Frazier also had a great time watching her granddaughters exhibit their 4-H and open projects, earning money with her needlework in the silent auction, and she even worked a deal on the side to make at least four more afghans.
This story shows exactly what the fair is about. It is an awesome opportunity to promote local talent and artisanship by entering projects the public can view and then potentially bid on, if the exhibit is entered in the silent auction.
The silent auction brought in more than $900 this year, with all profits going to the individual exhibitors.
The Rio Blanco County Fair Board believes this is a great way to encourage participation in the fair as well as promote local talent and perhaps generate a little revenue. With more than 200 classes at the fair and a great silent auction program, it’s never too early to start working on what you might bring to the 2015 fair.
The fair was a great success this year, which is all made possible by the many volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts.
The Fair Board and the Colorado State University Extension Office would like to thank all 4-H and FFA members, their families and friends, all the community members and businesses who offer support, and a special thank you to the individual fair department superintendents who spend countless hours making the fair run so smoothly.
Those superintendents are Arlene Estes, Betty Kracht, Bonnie Coryell, Bonnie Long, Chantae Pennell, Cheryl Johnson, Chris Uphoff, Chris Walters, Chris Webster, Jan Keller, Janalee Storey, Jane Oldland, Jeri Gilchrist, Judy Green, Karen Arnold, Linda Jones, Lori Farris, Laurie Zellers, Marlene Tate, Mary Washburn, Norma Carver, Norma Oldland, Pam Sullivan, Quentin Smith, Rita Proctor, Shane Mecham, Sherry Jordan and Stephanie Oldland. (Our apologies if we have missed someone.)
There is a small token of appreciation at the CSU Extension Office at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds for the supervisors, who are asked to stop in to the Extension Office.