Well, I mentioned in the Schaller State Fair Report thread that Penrith
Show was on this weekend, and that I and some of the family had some
entries in it. This is just a small, local show. The NSW equivalent to
the Minnesota State Fair would likely be the Sydney Royal Easter Show
(http://www.eastershow.com.au/) - I've not yet had the courage to enter
anything in that (for one thing, the entry fees are fairly hefty compared
to our little local show!) but maybe one day.

Anyway, I stopped by the show today to see how we went, and here are the
results!

I entered a couple of pieces of needlework, but didn't place at all with
those this year - I didn't expect to as they were a bit rushed. Trying to
enter things each year though, as if entries dwindle away, the sections
close.

Baking - 4 entries, 4 placings.

Scones(any variety other than white) - I entered pumpkin scones. I wasn't
entirely happy with them, but didn't have time to make another batch.
Shouldn't have worried as it turns out - I got a 1st for these. All the
others in the class appeared to be fruit scones of various sorts
(sultana, date)

Shortbread - 1st

Banana Cake - 2nd (got a 2nd for this last year, too - same person came
first again)

Boiled Fruitcake - 3rd (got a 2nd for this last year, so either I've
slipped or the competition's improved <g>. For those in countries where
fruitcake is less popular, a boiled fruitcake is one where the fruit,
butter, sugar is boiled before mixing in the rest of the ingredients)

So, I can't be unhappy with those results. Now, for the really important
ones.

My sister's boys both had some baking entries also, in the 12 years and
under section.

Alex (11) entered scones(white) and placed 1st

Nathan (9) entered chocolate cake (got a 1st), chocolate muffins (got a
2nd), and banana and carrot cake (unplaced).

My sister's husband decided to have a go this year

Scones (white) - unplaced
Special Rich Fruit Cake - 2nd (this is a class where they provide a
recipe that you have to follow. This particular class is held at local
shows all over the state - each winner is eligible for Zone judging,and
the Zone winner competes at the Sydney Royal)


So, the family did pretty well over all. I'm glad the boys both got a
first. Nathan didn't place at all last year and was most disappointed -
he'll be happier this year. I need to practice that fruitcake, and hunt
down the banana cake winner and dispose of her <vbg>. I could probably
enter more than 4 lots of baking next year, if I take a day off work in
which to make them all! There are a couple of names that you see repeated
over and over on the prize cards - I figure those women probably don't
work, or else they take some time off! Most of the baking you really need
to do the day before it's due in at the earliest, if you want it to be at
its best.

I've also got a couple of needlework projects that I wish to do, which
will hopefully be finished in time for next year's show!

Rhonda Anderson
Cranebrook, NSW, Australia