Judges look over one of the many handmade items that were entered in the Cherokee County 'Fare' by talented area seamsstresses. T he Cherokee County Clemson Extension Service, in conjunction with the Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District, recently sponsored the inaugural Cherokee County ‘Fare’: A Brand New Tradition.

The goal of the event was to bring a few county fair events, such as competitive exhibits in agricultural products and home economic goods, back to the residents of Cherokee County.

The ‘Fare’ hosted contests in canned goods, baked goods, farm crops and sewn products, including a division for youth ages five to 19. Each class had several entry categories with each category being awarded first, second or third place ribbon. Entries were limited to Cherokee County residents and residents of neighboring Spartanburg, York and Union counties.

This cabbage weighing a whopping 10 pounds won the blue ribbon in the farm crops category of the Cherokee County 'Fare.' Thirty-eight youths and adults brought in 117 entries for judging. The farm crops category boasted a blue-ribbon winning, 10-pound cabbage.

In all, 49 blue ribbons were awarded by the judges who came from Cherokee and neighboring counties.

James and Nancy Allison won 27 ribbons for their canned goods and farm crops. Other winners were Nancy Lee, Elaine Dobbins, Kathy, Jennifer and Gloria Bobo, Wayne Powell and his grandson, Jacob, sis- ters Sarah and Sydney Allen, Frank and Barry Millen, Shelby Ann and Eli Clary, Bill and Sue Teaster, Amalia Chery, Teresa Gibbs, Dot Perry, Bobbie Dorshimer, Joan Hauze and Kim Clary.

Other happenings at the ‘Fare’ included free pressure cooker testing, a Cherokee County 4-H display booth, a Cherokee County Beekeepers Association exhibit, a corn kernel guessing jar, prize drawings, and a luncheon. Twenty-two invitees attended a luncheon, including sponsors from the Cherokee Soil and Water Conservation District, the Thicketty Creek Watershed and Ag South, as well as local officials.

CLOCKWISE: Ribbons adorn the winners of the canned goods competition while judges had a difficult task choosing the best of the entries in the baked goods, canned goods and farm crops categories. The event gathered over $800 in sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Hopes are high that, with support, this will become an annual event open to the public. There are opportunities for growth to include a photography contest, a flower show, crafts, and eventually a livestock show for local 4-H’ers.

Crops and canned good items still in good condition at the conclusion of the ‘Fare’ were given to local charities.