Judges savor a taste of the fair / LJWorld.com

Archive for Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Members of the Lock family of Lawrence listen to some tips from visual arts judge Bar Reser on Monday as the two siblings entered some artwork at the Douglas County Fair. From left are Stephanie Lock, her son Jimmy, 7, and daughter Alexis, 8. The fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds, near 21st and Harper streets.

By Alexander Parker

July 29, 2008

4-Hers vie for top cooking, craft honors

4-Hers show off their homemade cooking and crafts at the Douglas County Fairgrounds today. Enlarge video

Douglas County Fair 2008

Livestock, a world of entries, a carnival and a demolition derby - see the sights and hear the sounds of the 2008 Douglas County Fair.

Towering cakes, sugar-topped breads and other delectable treats tempted the taste buds of judges and entrants Monday at the Douglas County Fair.

On the ninth day of the fair, food took center stage, as home-baked goods and crops were judged, alongside arts and crafts.

More than 300 4-H'ers ages 7 to 19 competed, vying for the coveted purple ribbon, which would propel them to the Kansas State Fair.

Cathy Forge was judging pastries cooked up by 15- to 19-year-olds. As a massive, multitiered cake sat in front of her, she said she had the tastiest job in town.

"It's just more of a learning experience for the kids because we are here for the kids to help them improve," she said. "(The) 4-H saying is 'Make the best better,' so if they're good this year, hopefully next year they'll even be better."

Ten-year-old Piper Hubbell, Lawrence, submitted cinnamon rolls to the competition. He and his mother found a recipe in a magazine. He said he's looking forward to participating again next year. The best part?

"It was fun tasting them at the end," he said.

Lyle Turner, a crops and horticulture judge from Ottawa, said the fruits and vegetables on display were average, but not because of young farmers' faults.

"It's luck," he said. "They're pretty well limited by the weather."

Though he had yet to see any entries worthy of a purple ribbon, the judging veteran said, "I know one when I see one."

Turner has been judging 4-H fairs since 1973. He has noticed a downturn in participation in recent years, and he attributes it to sports and other distractions that keep young people away from the fields. Still, he's pleased that extracurricular activities didn't keep these 4-H'ers away.

"We're just glad to see that there are as many who came out to exhibit," he said.

The Douglas County Fair continues through Sunday.