While I was at the Puyallup Fair yesterday I snapped a few photos of the fruit and vegetable displays. I’m not sure what the exact rules are, but I would imagine people have to grow everything they put into their displays.
Personally I think it would be rather difficult to have a pumpkin, tomato, pepper and an ear of corn all ready to harvest at the same time. Not to mention the fruit and vegetables would have to be near perfect fit if there was any hope of a ribbon.
Look at all the peppers in this one. I bet this person has a greenhouse.
I really liked how this person used smaller vegetables in their display. Can you see the tiny purple cabbage on the bottom right?
I wonder where this person was from. I had no idea you could grow grapes here in Pierce County. I know there are several wineries around, but those are a bit father north. Hmm. Maybe I should give grape growing a try.
If I was a judge, I would have picked display number 3 or 4 for first place. I liked how they were able to pack a ton of stuff in such a small container giving their displays a bit of order {that’s the OCD talking}.
Do you have a favorite?
Which on would you have given the blue ribbon to?
Do you go to your local county fair every year?
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Sharon says
They all look good to me! You’re lucky to see them when they are new! By the time I usually get there (most times near the end…) they are wilting their way to compost!
Usually on the Puyallup Fair website (thefair.com) you can find all the information for entering anything. I found printed information several years ago in the food, quilt, etc. area (the hobby building?) with someone to answer any questions passing it out. At that time their were some decent prizes from manufacturers for winning food items. The person I talked to said the competition is fairly stiff though. There are people who enter 20-30 items in different categories and take it all very seriously. You might do well entering heirloom vegetables if they let you since they are much more interesting than the usual.
Sometimes we try to find the most funny craft. Things like plant hangers made out of crocheted rainbow yarn holding a cut Clorox bottle. (What are these people thinking???)
patti m says
Grapes – Oh yes! It takes about 3 years to get them going, but you can do it! The plants are very pretty in your yard too. You will need some kind of arbor or supports for them, but it is easy peasy.
Bree says
AAAHHHHH!! You live in the same area as me! (I live in Thurston county) This is super exciting! I just found your blog and I hope to be like you soon (next year I am starting my garden. I seriously want to just grow food lol. You are inspiring : )
Michaela says
Grapes do amazing in Pierce County. Outside of Gig Harbor is an island called Stretch Island and a lot of grapes are grown there. Also up in the Port Angeles area a lot of grapes are grown for wineries. The Olympic Pennisula wineries are awesome if you are ever looking for a fun weekend that is relatively local.
Great pictures of the fruits and vegetables. I am always fascinated by the photography and flowers, as well as the fruits and vegetable display.
Zak says
I have entered at county and the state fair for years. I have won many prizes and developed lifelong friends. There are many different categories, but the vegetables need to match in uniformity, lack of disease or blemishes, variety, color, and basically all be exactly the same. It is a lot of work:) My county and state do not have group entries like these design categories. That would be fun too. Good luck with your garden. I enjoy your blog.
Zak
Zoe says
I wouldn’t want to leave all that beautiful produce at the fair just to have it wither up on me. I’d want to eat it right away!