As I have mentioned many times on the forum, most of my quilts are given to an annual Bible camp fundraiser. This NOT a quilt show, but they do have "bidder's choice" (similar to viewer's choice, except that you must have a bidder's card). In addition, they have an "auctioneer's choice", and a "camp neighbor's" (people who live around the lake) choice. In my mind the most prestigious award is the "quilter's choice" where the voting is done by quilter's who have donated quilts.
My 91 year old mother won the "auctioneer's choice" in 2014, but last year she won "bidder's choice". There are no prizes for this -- just applause at the event. But what a thrill it was!
My point is that a judged award is one thing, but there are other things that a show can do. There are shows that have sponsors, perhaps local businesses, vendors, etc. And someone from the sponsor's group selects a "favorite", and the group awards a modest prize. The more of these that there are, the more prizes that are received.
Last edited by Daylesewblessed; 01-24-2016 at 03:07 PM.