It sounds like the fair uses the Danish judging sysytem vs the American.
In 4-H, and in many junior classes of events in state and county fairs, most judging involves the Danish system of judging. In this system, the judges do not judge one person's work by comparing it to another's. Instead, a judge determines whether the exhibitors meet or exceed standards.
The Danish system allows for multiple blue ribbons in a class or category. I would inquire as to which system your fair uses.