Northern Lights: Topsfield Fair

I went to the Topsfield Fair on Sunday.  Crummy weather kept the crowds down, which was nice.  I got to see my quilt - with it's second place ribbon!  <Squeal!>  I was so excited to see any kind of ribbon hanging from my quilt, but to see the red - oh, I was thrilled.

It was a banner day for ribbons.  My friend who had submitted applesauce and salsa took first place and honorable mention, respectively.  My family and friends all love her applesauce, but now she has proof that it's really good stuff.
 

Mmmm... applesauce

She was briefly disappointed when it looked like her entry was the only one in her category - what fun is first place then?  After asking around we discovered that placing wasn't compared against the other contestants in a specific category, but merited from it's individual qualities.  Makes me even happier with my second place ribbon.

Click on photo for larger view

All of the quilts there were magnificent.  I loved all of the patterns and color combinations.  I wish the tags were a bit closer to the ground, so I could see what category each one belonged to.  I also would have liked to have gotten a closer look at the stitching, especially the hand quilted ones.  On the other hand, I appreciated that the quilts were out of reach.  I was so busy looking at the quilts I nearly missed some of the other great artwork at eye-level.  There was a lot of talent packed in that hall.

No guinea pigs - I to be a rabbit

We had a good time at the rest of the fair, even with the drizzle.  We saw some of the animals before the electricity cut out in the halls.  (I am so glad we checked out the quilts first!)  We had to admire the bees, veggies, poultry and flowers in the dark.  I happened to be right next a rogue chicken when she popped open the door to her cage, landed on the floor with a loud "cluck!"  and took off for a darker part of the hall.

Overall, it was a good trip.  I'm looking forward to pick-up day and finding out if the judges jotted down any comments about my quilt.