Interview Judging sets the stage for fair exhibits
Caitlyn Ward takes part in Interview Judging at the Lake County Fair. (Marla Hall/For the Leader)
The joy on the face of this Cloverbud reveals his excitement for becoming a 4-Her as soon as he is age eligible. (Marla Hall/For the Leader)
Cloverbud Daniel Moran receives advice and praise from County Commissioner Gale Decker who put in dibs to be a judge for the little tykes. (Marla Hall/For the Leader)
This FFA member enjoys talking to a judge who just happens to be Montana State Senator Dan Salomon. He surely got good advice from Salomon who was in 4-H and FFA himself before going on to study at MSU. (Marla Hall/For the Leader)
Kiara Sherman talks with a judge about her beautifully decorated wedding cake. This talented 2022 graduate will have entries in a number of wide ranging categories from sewing to market beef. if past performances are good indicators she is likely to walk away with several purpple ribbons and perhaps some Grand Champion Awards as well. (Marla Hall/For the Leader)
Excitement was in the air on Monday afternoon as the 4-H'ers and FFA members brought their non-animal projects to the fair for the interview judging.
With such a wide array of projects, the Ronan Community Center was filled with rows of tables set for the participants to show off their hard work to the judges. Judges worked one-on-one with the youths in 20-minute segments. To make the transitions from one exhibitor to another move smoothly areas were set up, outside the Community Center for those "on deck" and those "in-the-hole."
The interviews are designed to give the participants the opportunity to describe their work on their projects while the judges observe the projects and give feedback. It is a wonderful learning experience not only for the project areas, but in interviewing and public speaking skills.
Some of the exhibitors were very serious in their presentations while others appeared quite relaxed. The anticipation and enjoyment of the participants radiated throughout the building. The judges, who come from all walks of life, were very approachable which surely helped put the newcomers at ease.
All of the 4-H and FFA exibitors (ages 8-18) received a ribbon of purple, blue, red or white on their projects based on the quality of their work.
Cloverbuds, those aged 5-7, received green participation ribbons. Those who received purple ribbons ultimately had their work compared with the other purple ribbon winners in their project area. Grand and Reserve Champion winners were then determined by the consensus of all of the judges who interviewed in that project area.
While the Interview Judging is not a public event, it sets the stage for the rest of the fair. The exhibits and their ribbons will fill the Community Center and the building to the east of the center. Animal show events will take place in front of the Grandstands and also in the Auction/show ring.
Fair activities continue through the weekend so there is still plenty of time to take it in.
