Participation in Benalto Fair this year was higher than usual, said fair organizer Leora Ross. Participants ranged in age from four to over 90.
This year’s theme, “Salute to Flowers”, was carried over from last year and was echoed in the theme classes, where the item entered had to have a connection to flowers. While in the past, the theme was changed every tear it was decided to keep the theme for two years so the fair books could be reused, said Ross.
Item categories were not different from previous years.
“We pretty well do the same thing every year,”
The fair provides an opportunity for those entering to show their talents, in addition to being a competition. Winners in the children’s classes received up to $5 for regular categories. Winners in the adult classes received up to $6. Certain categories awarded additional compensation, donated by a sponsor. Funding for the regular prizes comes from Benalto Agricultural Society.
“There was one lady that was so blown away that she won first that she actually had some tears,” said Ross. She added that another first-place winner was a blind woman over 90, who had submitted knitting and crochet work.
This year’s Benalto Fair top winners are:
Children’s theme class winner: Courtney Smith and Haley O’Connor (tie).
Children’s high winner: 8 years and under Taylor Stauffer, 9-12 years Haley O’Connor, 13-16 years Kelsey Smith.
Best in 16 years and under: First – Jadon Fremont, second – Haley O’Connor, third - Cheyenne Smith.
Adult theme class winner: Elaine King.
Photo classes high winner: First – Aaron Petterson, second – Helen Petterson and Debra Hanna (tie).
Top in adult sewing and handicrafts: Irene Echlin.
Top in adult plants and flowers: Wendy Quick.
Adult classes highest points overall, top in baking and preserves, top in 70 years and over: Rosella Ojala.