I am not the most artsy-craftsy homeschool mom you’ll meet. I’ve had a few shining moments of “let’s make this thing,” glory, but I definitely run towards more practical handiwork. I mean… mosaic coasters are fabulous. Truly. And they tie in beautifully to any study of the Byzantine Empire. But tearing my kids away from knitting dishcloths that we need to make coasters that we don’t feels a bit counterintuitive most days… not to mention messy and expensive.
So usually, we stick with the things we know. And we do it always, not just when a unique chance for a unit study pop up. We paint, we sew, we work with wood. We knit, we use clay, we draw. And every so often I spice it up just a bit— mostly in the name of exposure to various mediums. Because, well, that’s important, too.
But Fair… Fair is a time to run with what you (think) you do best. If it’s mosaic coasters, so be it. If it’s dishcloths, go for it. Fair is the chance to create one special thing, and put it out there for more eyes than your family has to offer to take a peek, to weigh its inherent charms, and to see what, if anything comes of it.
This is our family’s 13th year participating in our local county Fair. And while we haven’t been submitting items for judging quite as long as we’ve been homeschooling, the rich tradition of the contests definitely makes up an important part of our fall rhythm. Over the years, we’ve had family members show animals, give speeches, submit interactive displays, bake breads and cakes, participate in challenges, and enter everything from a handcrafted coffee table to photographs. We’ve won everything from Grand Champion to pfffft, nothin’… and always walked away better for the experience.
It’s been interesting to see the regional differences in Fairs. The Fair closest to us in Washington was a huge, well-orchestrated affair that boasted well-known national acts and a bustling midway— but also multiple lively animal barns, and three separate exhibition halls for everything from agricultural displays to kids’ Legos. Our county Fair here is much smaller, and seems more geared towards fun and games than reveling in our rural roots. Still, there’s a very nice tractor display we’ve enjoyed every year, a couple of animal areas, and two home- and farm-based arts buildings.
This year, the only family members entering items for judging are me (a jar of dill pickles), Phineas (a painting), John Mark (a sign he made from pallet board and painted to look like the Tennessee flag), Birdie (a pocket doll family), Simon (a pencil holder made from a knot of driftwood), and Jude (a painting). It’s one of our smallest showing in a while but well, that’s to be expected, right?
The project planning began way back, ummm… last year on Fair pick-up day. Over the summer, a few plans were made. But as we moved into August, preparations got real. Of course, there were adjustments. Birdie had originally wanted to enter a different doll, but since our sewing machine has been out of operation, she had to move to her backup plan. John Mark thought he would write an inspiring verse on his sign. As time grew nearer, though, it became clearer that something less time intensive was necessary.
On several days, school ended with a long crafting session— usually outside, despite the heat.
Finally, drop off day arrived. And then… the wait.
We journeyed to the Fair Monday morning, early enough to avoid the crowds and also on the Student Free Day to avoid paying enough to feed a small army just to get in the gate. Believe it or not, everyone took home a ribbon! Five delighted kiddos not only reveled in some recognition for their hard work, but celebrated one another’s achievements. Plans are already under way for next year’s entries. Stay tuned for Fair 2020!