Don't forget Open Class

When planning your trip to the Red Willow County Fair, be sure to include a visit to the air conditioned, exhibit-filled Community Building. It will be worth your time, because the open, indoor space abounds with more than 750 Open Class exhibits.

These homemade and homegrown exhibits are extra special because they fulfill the fair's original purpose of displaying the bounty of the county. This year, 240 exhibitors entered more than 750 projects, with up to 30 items entered by some individuals and families.

Judging took place Tuesday night, with seven outstanding projects judged as "Best of Show" in their sections. In alphabetical order, those winning top prizes were:

Oren Carter, McCook, winner in the Vegetable Section with a five-vegetable variety display.

Hanna Esch, Indianola, winner in the Cooking Section with an entry of watermelon cookies.

Cecelia Kotschwar, McCook, winner in the Flower Section with a display of gladiolus.

Murietta Proud, Indianola, winner in the Craft Section with a leather trunk, featuring an 1872 lid photograph.

Linda Richards, McCook, winner in the Cross Stitch Section with a framed miniature needlework entry.

Doris Ruppert, McCook, winner in the Art Work Section with an acrylic still life.

Audrey Suiter, McCook, winner in the Quilt Section with a crazy quilt design.

As "Best of Show" winners, the top seven Open Class selections will receive giant yellow-and-navy rosettes and $15 cash prizes. Their entries are being displayed in a special exhibit in the middle of the Community Building.

On your visit to the Community Building, pay special attention to Hanna Esch's watermelon cookie entry. The winning exhibitor is only six years old, which makes winning quite a feat since she was competing against many older, more experienced cooks and bakers.

Also, during your Open Class tour, stop by to see this year's featured artists, Deb Goodenberger and Anne Kennedy of McCook. As an added attraction, Deb and Anne will be demonstrating water color techniques during the fair.

Include the Open Class in your fair plans. The displays are special because the entrants are keeping alive the original intention of the fair: displaying the county's bounty. Let's honor them by observing their varied and creative entries.