Big Doings at the Fair

The votes are in!

Big Decisions Afoot!	We all prepare to vote and eat.

It was decided some would work at our Master Gardeners information booth. So, they did. Others volunteered for the 4-H Skillathon.  They did, too.

Our Information Booth

Three Master Gardeners arrived at the New Merchants Building on Tuesday to reserve our space.  They found the booth designations were already posted.  We got a good spot! The set-up crew brought in displays and equipment on Sunday, the 23rd.

the left side of our booth--looking from the aisle	the right side of our booth

During the Fair we passed out informational Fact Sheets on various gardening topics. We also had sign-up cards for people interested in becoming Master Gardeners.  Over one thousand people entered our drawing for the basket (not shown) of gardening tools and supplies.  The free candy was very popular.

4-H Skillathon

Other Master Gardeners volunteered to be judges at the 4-H Skillathon.  Naturally, we judged the gardening portion.  Ms. Faye Mahaffey was in charge of creating the Skill Station matching games for:Hand Tools, Common Seeds, Annuals-Sun or Shade, Wildlife Visitors.  Doug created a tie-breaker skill station on the corn plant.

	Judges: Nancy Willis, Peter Sedler, Susan Barber, Linda Banyea, Doug Dyer Photographer: Cheryl Beyer Registration: Barbara Williams, Sharon Frye Tally: Hannah Watson Prizes & Troubleshooter: Faye Mahaffey

The Skillathon was held in Rhonemus Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25th. at 4:00 P.M. We got there at 3:00 to get ready. The 4-H kids competed in three age groups: 8 to 11, 12 to 14, 15 up. Grand prize was an XXL green Master Gardener tee-shirt.  No-one cried, so we did well.

Cattlemens' Concession

Doug pitched our services to the local Cattlemens' Association.  At the last minute they gave us the chance to make some loot on Tuesday, the 25th.  Training started at 2:00; some of us had to leave at 3:00 for the Skillathon, but ambled back afterwards. 

Have we got a deal for you!	Gayle and Mike discussing important stuff

We served up thousands of steakburgers and ribeye sandwiches.  Our special thanks to Mike and Doug.  If not for them, we'd be serving steak tartare; it was that hot at the grill. Others helped, but they soon got out of the kitchen!

Dave cooks!	the backroom gang makes the sandwiches

We were informed we set a sales record for Tuesday sales.  <---Believe it!

We Have a Winner!

At our October business meeting John drew the winning name for the gardening basket displayed at the fair. We had over one thousand entries. Mrs. Ellen King won!  Linda Banyea agreed to deliver the prize.

The Fair was great!  We all worked hard.  We had a great time.

Good Job!