First the Dupage County Fair. I have to say that I was very disappointed.
They have 11 canning categories. I had entries in 5 of those categories, and
was the only entry in 4 of them -- there was one other entry in
Jam/Maramalade/Oreserves. The 6 categories I didn't enter had no entries.

So I got the blue ribbon for every entry I had, but since there was no
competition, it hardly means anything. I also got a Special Award for my
Strawberry-Rhubarb Jelly (awarded by judges for overall excellence and
creativity).

For the record, here are my 5 blue-ribbon-winning entries:

Jelly:
Strawberry-Rhubarb Jelly

Jam/Preserves/Marmalade
Plum Orange Jam

Pickles
Bread & Butter Pickles

Salsa - Hot
Spicy Salsa

Salsa - Mild
Peach Salsa


So, on to the Illinois State Fair. I entered four items:

Jelly - Any Other Kind
Strawberry-Rhubarb Jelly
No ribbon
(Note that this was the same item that got a Special Award at the Dupage
Fair. Go figure.)

Jam - Any Other Kind
Plum Orange Jam
Blue ribbon
Rosette for Best of All Jams

Bread & Butter Pickles
Bread & Butter Pickles (natch!)
Blue Ribbon

Salsa (Tomato-Based)
Chile Salsa
Blue Ribbon
Rosette for Best Sauce or Relish

So except for the somewhat disappointing result for the jelly (I can't say
I'm totally surprised -- it didn't come out all that clear), I won 3 blue
ribbons and 2 purple rosettes. The only downside of this is that I can't
enter in the Jam - Any Other Kind or Salsa (Tomato-Based) classes next year.

Regardless, I am very happy.

Oh, and Ping Barb:

I used your recipe for B&B Pickles, so you can chalk up another two blue
ribbons for it.

Anny