‘A dream come true’
The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo’s 2005 Premier Exhibitor loves to create family memories and heirlooms by making handmade gifts, but most of all, she loves a challenge.
Marie Hanson took home the coveted 2005 Premier Exhibitor Award when she accumulated the most points in all home arts departments with 174 entries.
“Last year was a real challenge for me,” says Hanson. “It was a dream come true. I received 66 blue ribbons, 35 red ribbons, 20 white ribbons, one special premium, one honorable mention, three Super One awards, one Best Cook plaque, and then the Premier Exhibitor Award plaque.”
The 2006 fair theme is “Blue Ribbon Good Times,” and the dates are Aug. 23 through Aug. 27. The event is held annually at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene and attracted 80,641 attendees last year.
Hanson was encouraged by her neighbors to enter some of her oil paintings in the 2003 Fair, which was the first time she had ever won a blue ribbon.
“The thrill of receiving a ribbon for my creations was exciting, and I decided I wanted to expand my entries the next year,” she says.
In 2004 she entered paintings again but expanded her entries to include crocheting and knitting. She won even more ribbons.
When 2005 rolled around, Hanson decided she wanted “to go for it.”
Hanson knew she would be up against some stiff competition because Carolyn Sampert had taken home the Premier Exhibitor Award in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
“I decided I would work really hard to teach myself new crafts that I did not know how to do,” Hanson says. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could be the best of something.”
Hanson studied the Fair Exhibitor’s Handbook and calculated about how many entries she would have to make to achieve her goal.
“I started the day after the fair to pick projects that I would like to learn for next year’s fair, and I never looked back,” Hanson says. “The fair was a perfect place to get ideas and learn new skills.”
American fairs are a combination of education and festivity. Although many people attend to consume fair food, watch grandstand entertainment and ride carnival attractions, many others work year-round to enter the competitions for premium ribbons.
Competitive entries are a vital part of the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo, according to Chris Holloway, fairgrounds manager.
“Young and old alike join the fun of entering,” says Holloway. “They enter their prettiest flower, largest pumpkin, best cake or pie, and can hardly wait to go to the fair and to see if they have won anything.”
All residents of Boundary, Benewah, Bonner, Shoshone or Kootenai Counties can enter and earn cash awards.
There were 4,403 entries last year in Home Arts categories, not counting livestock. It is possible to enter exhibits in more than one department but only one item can entered in a specific class.
Typically, blue ribbons are given for first place, red ribbons for second, and white ribbons for third. Cash awards are given based on placement although there are also Grand Champion and Special Premium awards. Other special awards include the Best Cook or Green Thumb Gardener.
The Best Cook Award is given to the exhibitor accumulating the most points in the breads, cakes, sponge cakes, cookies, pies and candy sections of culinary arts.
The Green Thumb Gardener Award is given to the exhibitor accumulating the most points in fruits, nuts and herbs, vegetables, field crops and flowers.
The fair uses the American system of judging, which means that all exhibits in the department are evaluated and judged against each other. Depending on the department, judging typically takes place the morning after or immediately after entry closes.
Pre-registration is not necessary but competitors need to fill out an entry tag when they bring their entries to the fairgrounds.
Entry tags can be picked up on entry day or at the fairgrounds prior to entry day during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding the lunch hour. The fair office will also mail entry tags if a self-addressed stamped envelope and postage is provided.
The North Idaho Fair Exhibitors Handbook includes open class rules and regulations as well as an entry day calendar. It also details information needed to enter all fair exhibits and what criteria judges use to award ribbons. The handbook is available on the fair’s Web site at www.northidahofair.com.
For those who do not have Internet access, the printed version of the handbook can be found at various locations throughout North Idaho. A complete list of locations is available on the fair’s Web site.
“The first ribbon I received was such a thrill,” says Hanson with a smile. “At the age of 62 it gave me the encouragement I needed to try new things. I hope this helps others realize that nothing is impossible in your older years.”