Fair Season 2014- Guthrie County Fair

Once again it's time to load up the jars of home-canned goodies and head off to the Guthrie County Fair. I'm not here for the concerts, or the mud bog racing. The animal competitions and deep fried fair foods really aren't on my agenda. I am headed to the Open Class Competition, to show my jars of colorful foods and hope for a few ribbons. Last year was the first time I'd ever entered anything, and took home 10 ribbons out of 13 entries- I'd say that's pretty good for a newbie! 

2013 Guthrie County Fair winners

I've been busy! Canning is a year-round project for me. If it's not in season, I froze it when it was, and jams, jellies, mustards, relishes- you name it- can be made anytime. When the wind was howling and the snow was piling up, the canner was whistling away, warming the house and filing it with wonderful aromas.

On the list of entries for this year are-

• salsa verde 
• green beans
• wax beans
• carrots
• hot pickles (dill pickles with a cayenne pepper added to each jar)
• cowboy candy 
• spiced pears
• pear halves
• applesauce
• dill pickles- whole, spears and chips
• corn 
• tomatoes
• pumpkin cranberry ale mustard 
• pickled green tomatoes
• apple butter
• cherry jam
• peach jam
• Kinky Blue Goose Jam
• Pineapple Blueberry Jam 
• Summer zucchini relish 
• Apple Cranberry Jam 
• dehydrated hot peppers
• "sun dried" tomatoes

I've also decided to enter things other than just canned foods this year and see how that goes, so you will notice I have some dehydrated things on my list too.

And now.......the waiting. Our fair is only 5 days long but it's a very very long five days waiting to see if I am lucky enough to snag a ribbon or two! As long as I'm here, I might as well enjoy some of the fun fair stuff. Of course, the ever-popular fair food and rides are all around. The campground is filled to the brim with campers, many have had the same spot for generations, and it's a reunion of sorts- old friends and new, sharing food, drink and stories. The livestock buildings have everything from bunnies to chickens, lambs to cows.

Thursday is free admittance day, and drop-off day for exhibits like mine. Livestock judging, the dog show, family meal and the Bill Riley Talent Search competition take place on this day. Don't forget, the carnival rides and fair food all open too!

Friday the fair has lots of fun things for all ages. 4-H and FFA kids show their horses in the morning, poultry in the afternoon followed by pets. You better brush up on your cribbage skills for the tournament. Little buckeroos can demonstrate their prowess at mutton bustin', and the evening is capped off with the IRCA sanctioned Grand River Rodeo in the grandstand.

Saturday the fun kicks off with the parade in the morning, followed by more livestock and animal shows, mud volleyball, antique tractor show and the MPA and MAPA Truck and Tractor Pull in the grandstand. 

Sunday begins with church service bright and early at 7:30 am. Bring your appetite and your wallet to the pie auction, and stay for the Baby Olympics. If you're feeling competitive, sign up for Arm Wrestling. Gunnar and the Grizzley Boys take the grandstand stage to wrap up the day, followed by fireworks.

After Sunday, the weekend may be over, but not the fair! Labor Day closes the fair for the year with livestock auctions, mud bogs, and a last chance to take a spin on a carnival ride or enjoy a funnel cake or hot dog. It will also be time to pick up my entries and see what the results are! Make sure to watch for an update!