The Open Class of the 2015 Grundy County Fair showed an increase in number of exhibitors and exhibits. The efforts of participants, volunteers and judges made for a successful Open Show. This year the youth clubs of Boy Scouts of Wellsburg, YMCA of Grundy Center, and the After School Kids of the Kling Library also entered exhibits at the Open Show. A total of 76 participants entered 345 exhibits, up significantly from 2014.

Photography with 86 exhibits and textiles & fine arts with 73 exhibits were the most popular classes entered. Quilts of all kinds are always a highlight to the show.

The judges’ choices for purple ribbons were: a pieced medallion quilt by Dorothy Bakker; a black & red 40″x40″ quilt by Bonnie Christians; a red, green & gold Christmas quilt by Bonnie Christians; photo by Jim Everts; a Santa Claus stamped embroidered wallhanging/quilt by Jolene Hippen; a crocheted child’s cap by Amy Hook; a photo by Ana Kuznia; framed machine embroidery bird collage by Darnell Nederhoff; an oak cutting board with exotic wood accents by Marvin Nederhoff; and a pieced table runner by Darrell Shuey. The variety within classes was very interesting and of high quality.

The committee invites all exhibitors to participate again next year and encourages you to tell your friends about the Open Show.