Solano County exhibit at state fair takes top prize, again - third year in a row

County exhibit at state fair takes top prize, again 8/20/2007

Best of Show at the California State Fair once again went to Solano County – making it the third year in a row that the County has claimed the title for county exhibits.

The County also garnered the awards for Best Use of Animation and the Best Agricultural Display – the latter being one of only two awards that had eluded the County in the past.

“These exhibits showcase the pride we have in our county, and the judges and visitors told us that we have a lot to proud of,” said Supervisor John Vasquez.

The County has created a tradition of winning at the state fair in recent years. Four out of the last five years, the County has been named the Best of Show. Until this year, the County had won every special category award except the Best Agricultural Display and the Best Craftsmanship Award. In all, the County has won 40 awards over the last eight years.

“Winning the Best Agricultural Display has been a goal of mine, because we truly produce an incredible display of crops and livestock in this county,” Supervisor Vasquez said.

County Administrator Michael D. Johnson set next year’s goal on getting the craftsmanship award. He praised the high quality of craftsmanship in this year’s exhibit, which features a Victorian-style farm house with dancing bears in a water tower and a cow on a swing above the house. The house and grounds are filled with artifacts that represent life in Solano County.

“I can’t say thank you enough to all of the county employees and other volunteers who put their heart and soul each year into this exhibit. The judges can see the pride from each and every one of them in all the incredible details, and it accurately shows the state why it is ‘Home Sweet Home in Solano’,” Johnson said.

About 40 people helped construct the exhibit and about 140 greeters will staff the exhibit to give out goodies from Solano County – Jelly Belly beans or Emerald dry-roasted peanuts.

One other award is still up for grabs this year – the People’s Choice Award.
“The People’s Choice Award is really the best award. The judges tell us how hard our team worked on the exhibit, but the People’s Choice Award tells us how it touched the thousands of visitors. That’s who we are really trying to impress,” Supervisor Vasquez said.

Fairgoers will determine select this award by casting ballots during the fair’s run.

The California State Fair runs through Sept. 3. A drawing for a commemorative Nut Tree Family Park tin will be held at 5:30 p.m. each day at the exhibit. Entries deposited at the exhibit that day will be eligible for the prize valued at more than $300.

Visitors are also encouraged to help Solano children who are without health insurance by “feeding the lamb” and listening for the slot machine sounds. Everyone doubles their money. The Solano County Board of Supervisors will match donations dollar for dollar. Proceeds will go to the Solano Kids Insurance Program.

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