In article
>,
Beti > wrote:

> While at the fair today, we checked out the preserving exhibits.
> There was some nice stuff - a few pretty marmalades, apple butters,
> pie fillings and tomatoes but nothing really out of the ordinary. One
> odd thing we saw was many jars seemingly in the same categories, e.g.,
> multiple strawberry jams, all with 1st or 2nd or 3rd place ribbon
> sticker on them. I asked a gal at the info table and she said that
> all entries are judged independently, not against one another. So
> basically if an entry meets the basic criteria, it "wins" a little
> blue ribbon sticker. There were a few special entries, a sort of best
> in show situation, that were put out in a special case.
>
> Has it always been that way and I just haven't noticed? I thought you
> entered your strawberry jam and if it was the best of all it got a
> blue ribbon. This just seems to make everyone's entry an "also
> ran".

I'm not sure I understand your last paragraph.

At the Great Minnesota Get-Together, canning entries are judged
individually with a 100 point maximum score with points for things likes
color, texture and consistency, processing, and flavor. Flavor is
always worth the most points (typically 35), with the other categories
worth 10-20. The assessments are made, the points totaled, and the
rankings established, first to fifth. First through fourth place are
awarded ribbons: blue, red, white, and pink, respectively; money is
awarded for first through third place, the amount depending on the
category (jams, jellies, pickles, etc.).

You may want to remember that we're ribbon sluts, not ribbon whores
because there's no money in it. "-)

> Not to criticize the entries at all but after perusing the "winners",
> I am feeling pretty confident about entering next year.

Go for it. If you've never entered a fair, you'll find it's a fun
experience * and you'll never be the same. <grin>
--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Holy Order of the Sacred Sisters of
St. Pectina of Jella
"Always in a jam, never in a stew;
sometimes in a pickle."
Where are my pearls, Honey?