Good for you for entering! I know that's always a tough decision -- can you part with your quilt for that long!?!?
I can only answer for my local county fair, but the judges in the past several years have not been quilters and are more versed in clothing and other homemaking topics. We've found that quilters who are using new techniques are receiving lesser awards and odd comments becuase of this. We don't take it to heart becuase we know the judges aren't all-knowing about quilting.
A good way to find out what judges look for is to ask them. Go to quilt shows and ask the judges exactly what they check for. Many times a quilt is only evaluated for 60 to 90 seconds.
Two of the big things are even stitching and does your batting go all the way to the edge of the binding.
If you are part of a Guild, maybe you can invite a certified quilt judge to give a presentation to your group....?
Hope this helps.....