After the Fair is over, people always ask if we’re glad it’s over. Of course, it is nice to take some time off and recoup, but the Fair is something we plan for all year, get excited about, generate ideas and execute some, work with generous volunteers and then … It’s over.

On the Monday after the Fair, the families have returned home, kids are in school, the carnival and vendors are gone, the exhibitors and exhibits have been cleaned out of all the buildings and grounds and it is time for us to move forward to the next event and planning for next year’s fair.

Our hope, when it is over, is that the county had a Fair that was memorable, fun, a place where you met old and new friends, had a moment to relax and eat good Fair food, shared time with children or grandchildren, and are looking forward to attending next year’s Fair … Grant County’s 100th.

See the chart with this column for a comparison of the number of exhibitors, entries, ticket sales, and livestock auction at this year’s Fair and the 2007 Fair.

Our new board member, Les Zaitz, asked fairgoers for their input on the Fair, both through conversation and written survey. From the 31 surveys completed, tradition, 4-H/FFA, and exhibits were the primary reasons people attended. Some of the other things fairgoers mentioned enjoying were the talent show, Mutt Strutt, entertainment and rodeo. Areas cited they would like to see improved were parking, additional carnival rides, and more things to do. We’re looking forward to putting some of their ideas into action for next year’s Fair.

Meanwhile, there are other events coming up at the Fairgrounds. The Grant County Quilt & Art Show will be Friday to Sunday, Sept. 19-21. The featured quilters are the “Sister Act” – Zola Pike, Tami Gould & Kristie Bobbitt. The featured artist is Sharon Shultz.

If you are interested in displaying some of your quilts or fine art, please contact the Fair Office. Quilts do not need to be made, owned or quilted by the exhibitor. Fine art must be in a frame and ready to hang.

Three workshops are offered at $15 each: 1) Needleturn Appliqué, 2) Quilt Binding, and 3) Jean Circle Quilting. Pre-registration through the Fair Office is strongly suggested, as the maximum number in each class is eight. Handmade quilted potholders, made by our local Grant County quilters, will be for sale at $5 each.

Also, mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 11, for the second annual Fall Market at the Fairgrounds.

Stephanie Walters is the manager of the Grant County Fairgrounds