We have open judging at our fair and I've sat and watched it a few times. I learn so much! For preserves, there are lots of criteria they judge on and one is taste so the product is opened and then must be discarded after the fair closes. If you can't make the open judging you do get the judging sheets and that gives you a breakdown of how your entry was scored. I've always done well in the pantry division of our fair. I've never entered the hobby division which is where quilts are exhibited.
You get to enter 10 items for a flat $5 fee and even though I've brought it up to the superintendent of the fair, you don't get a free pass. There are small cash prizes for ribbons.
I have to say security is pretty good in the Creative Arts building. They have "floor walkers" that monitor all the goods. You are not allowed to touch anything. Even your own item. I got busted touching my own jar of jam! If you want to examine a quilt or something more closely, the monitor will help you.
I wish more people would enter something. I've gotten my DS to enter since they added a lego category. Now they have a Modern Maker category that includes machine embroidery, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Some quilts were entered in that category because of the embroidery. Cool stuff!