Wow! Between your gut feelings and the good advice from the nice people here, I think you'll make the right choices. Good luck!
I am in a quandry when I consider my county fair, because I worry about theft. I have never heard of a quilt getting stolen from the county fair, but I would be devastated if it ever happened! Usually when I get a quilt finished I save it for the quilt show at my Mom's church. It's a very relaxed show, and there is no judging or strict quilting "law" there. That show is about a month after the fair, so if anything "happened" to a quilt at the fair, it would mess up being ready for the church show.
Perhaps I should look into the county fair security before I should assume the worst. And, now that there are two quilt shops fairly close by, perhaps I can ask other quilters about their fair experiences. Shame on me, I haven't even gone to the fair in years! And I live within spittin' distance!
Sorry to be so long winded! Melanie, your work is gorgeous! I love your avatar!