It depends on the judging. Most smaller fairs have volunteers from another county to judge. Some have never made a quilt before so go by the wow factor for top ribbons. Some have quilt police as judges so one crooked miter and it's over. I wouldn't fret about what the fair judges are looking for or how they judge. And never take their notes if any as personal. Enter and have fun seeing your quilt displayed. It is exciting for me to see one of my quilts hanging up for many to see.