Originally Posted by
lots2do
Quilt show judging and Fair judging really seem to be two different arenas, at least around here. I've heard grumbling, locally, that a blue ribbon apple pie gets a higher monetary price than a handquilted quilt.
Much the same here in Ontario ..... you don't want to get me going as to the strange things that happen via the coordinators of the classes at the fairs, and then the judging!
FruitLoop ... this is probably something that should be discussed with the conveners of the fair classes, rather than the Judge. S/he may be at no fault as to how the "judging" was done and may only be following the established rules/protocols of the fair and done her/his job as prescribed. You could always inquire as to the "rules" if not published along with the class listings, to understand more as to what they may be.
Here, most fair classes are judged with a 1st (red ribbon in Canada!), 2nd and 3rd. If the judge does not feel an entry merits 1st, then it is not given ... but that can be totally different from one judge to the other, with most giving a 1st, with the argument that it was the best that was shown for that class. The odd time there will be a class with notations in advance that it will not be judged, and the entries will be awarded ribbons of merit. Still requires the judge to "judge" as to how many get reds, blues or whites .......... many again, take the easy route and just give out reds to all.
As for the values of prizes ..... hardly balances with the values of the quilts we enter, and the risks that we take in showing them. For sure, you are not into fair showing for the $ !!!!