Not only is August the month for school to start, but it also brings us the Kingfisher County Fair.
This year, I had decided not to enter any of my paintings. I had a lot going on the week of the fair, and since entry pickup was Saturday, it just wasn’t going to work for me. That was my plan until I visited with my co-painting friend, Rose Wilczek.
Rose offered to deliver and pick up my entry. But Rose also commented that she didn’t have anything ready to enter. I begged to differ, knowing she had a beautiful horse painting I’d watched her bring to life. With a little encouragement, and since she was already going to deliver mine, she entered her horse painting. I entered a portrait I had done of my dad.
I did make it out to the fairgrounds to help the Lions Club make steak sandwiches for the 4-H group. This is their yearly fundraiser. I give my fellow Lions Club members a hard time! We look like someone herding cats! Between the chaos, mishaps and plenty of laughs, we always seem to get the job done. It’s always a great time and a good way to give back to a great group of kids.
After the fundraiser, I was off to my next obligation. I soon received a text asking if I’d visited the exhibits after judging. I was informed that I’d received Reserve Grand Champion. I was thrilled to know I had done so well. The painting taught me a lot and is very personal to me.
But now I can also give my friend Rose a hard time since I’m the one who suggested she enter her horse painting. She won Grand Champion! My dad would be laughing that he came in second to a horse.
But seriously, Rose doesn’t realize what a master she is at painting, especially horses. I won in another way because I got to watch her bring this horse to life. She spent hours perfecting every detail. After watching her, I had to purchase a detail brush like hers, and I named it “Rose” after my friend.
You see, the ribbons are about more than satin material and bragging rights. They’re about being a part of Kingfisher County.
I grew up in this county and have watched the changes it has endured. The fair is about fellowship. It’s about seeing a group of ladies sitting together, listening to a judge offer tips and tricks about each quilt on display.
It’s about my pre-K friend, Violet Snow, wanting a pink ribbon. Violet is already a veteran participant in the fair. Between Grandma Denise and the ladies at the library keeping her busy during the summer months, Violet always has plenty of entries.
But she was also excited to see her friends. They shared what they had brought to enter and enjoyed their time together. Hopefully, they have started a tradition in their own journeys that will continue for years to come.
The day the Kingfisher County Fair ends, plans begin for next year. Now is the time to start working on your projects. Get your crafts started, dust off your sewing machines and clean out those canning jars.
If you have questions, give Heather Leitner a call at the Kingfisher County Extension Office. She can also help you with any 4-H questions.
Let’s keep the fair traditions going! Open yourself up to learning something new. Ribbons or no ribbons, you will leave with new ideas and friendships made.
The biggest win is showing up for Kingfisher County!
About The Author
