Historical contest featured at the fair
From quilts to crafts to canned foods, there is something for everyone inside the Myers Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, but at this year's fair, one special exhibit took center stage.
As the state of Kansas continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary, the first and only Sesquicentennial Awards Class is being shown through the week. Myers Building superintendent Joyce Gobl said the fair board decided to host a unique contest to mark the occasion.
"We're doing this to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the great state of Kansas," she said.
About 15 items were entered in the one-time contest ranging from a notebook to a Bible and several photos. Gobl said the one thing the items have in common is that they can be documented as originating prior to 1900, which was one of the requirements for entry.
The Grand Champion, receiving an award of $100, went to Kelly Collins for her family coverlet that dated back to the covered wagon era. Collins said the woven coverlet belonged to her great-great-grandparents and was made in 1849. Her great-great grandparents were pioneers who came to Kansas in the 1870s and homesteaded in Rooks County, located in the northwest part of Kansas.
"It's special to me. My grandfather gave it to me in 1988. It's a real special family piece," Collins said.
The Reserve Grand Champion, receiving an award of $50, went to Clara Dunn, who entered a wooden candy machine.
Gobl said the prize money, totaling $150, was part of the sesquicentennial theme as well.
Each entry was judged on its authenticity and condition. In addition, the items were also judged on their individual histories.
The Sesquicentennial Awards Class, like all the other exhibits in the Myers building, was available to any resident of any age. Gobl said the best thing about the display is that it allows the community to showcase their talents.
"Anybody can enter at any age," Gobl said. "It's just a way for people in the community to exhibit."
According to Gobl, the photography exhibit has been growing in popularity and the quilt exhibit has "really blossomed." She added that there were more quilt entries this year than ever before.
In addition to photography and quilts, Gobl said the canned and preserved foods and produce exhibits have shown tremendous growth.
"I thought when I came in here that I was going to be looking at a lot of bare tables," she said. "I am amazed at how much garden stuff came in."
Gobl said she and other volunteers discussed what could have caused the increase in entries in the garden categories and they believe it could be due in part to the slow economy and the general public's desire to grow their own produce.
"We were trying to decided if it's because of the economy, or whether the gardens were good," she said. "This year I don't think it's the gardens."
The exhibits in the Myers building include quilts, photography, produce, antiques and crafts.
The items will be on display through Friday and will begin to be removed Saturday morning.