Esther Johnson’s children’s clothes project earned a champion’s ribbon.
WARSAW — For Esther Johnson, the 61st time was the charm.
Johnson entered the Kosciusko County Community Fair’s open class competition as she had been doing for more than a half century. Unlike previous years, she was shocked to see a purple ribbon attached to the children’s outfit she had sewn.
“One of the ladies who won a champion ribbon in the sewing department, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and she said ‘out of 61 years of entering things in the fair, this is my first champion ribbon,’” said Jaclyn Franks, extension educator for Purdue Extension Kosciusko County. “She was just so emotional, and that really that’s why we do what we do,” said Franks. “It’s a proud moment for the exhibitors as well as the volunteers who work in the building to see how happy people are.”
For Johnson, wielding a needle and thread has been a labor of love since before she was a teenager and she admitted to getting misty-eyed when she learned she’d taken top honors.
“I cried,” said the resident of Atwood. “I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years old, I’ve been sewing. I sewed all my children’s clothes, my husband’s clothes, grandkids, nieces, nephews, everybody.”
Johnson was one of numerous winners celebrated at the fairgrounds’ Home and Family Arts Building on Tuesday, July 9. According to Franks, the turnout for this year’s event was anything but scant.
“I’m really happy,” Franks said. “We felt like we were really busy on entry day, we were really happy with the quality of the exhibits and it brings us a lot of pride just to see the look on people’s faces when they see their exhibit hanging on the wall.”
Franks estimated the event boasted 1,000 entries. Winners in each category are listed below:
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In the sewing competition, Superintendent Marsha Miller, far left, poses with winners, from second to left, Debbie Wagner, best in show; Esther Johnson, toddler; Esther Wagner, adult; Darlene Lash, sewing for the home; and Julie Popenfoose, accessories. Not pictured is Sue Martin, adult, quick and easy.
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In foods, Superintendent Judy Egolf poses with winners, from left, Jane Schreader, best in show; Marcia Miller, cake; Heather Schuller, decorated cake; Joan Harden, yeast bread; Debbie Larew, quick bread; Rebecca Tusing, pie; Marcil Conley, candy; Martha Klinger, diabetic baking; Nolan Crabb (in front), youth; and Katelin Stroup, junior. Not pictured is Jane Schreader, cookie.
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Crafts Superintendent Marven Johnson, far left, poses with, from left, Best In Show Winner Doug Walls; Lisa Llawellyn, ceramics; Aimme Nellans, artificial flowers and nature; Bob Haney, miscellaneous; Kim Goshert, paper and glass; and Lee Ann Jaeger, handmade jewelry. Not pictured are Sue Martin, holiday and Kaylyn Wise, youth.
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Fine Arts Superintendent Peggy Parzygnot, far left, poses with winners, from left, Ron Wood, best in show; and Emily Wadkins, youth. Not pictured is Alicia Johnson, junior.
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Photography Superintendent Peggy Parzygnot, far left, poses with winners, from left, Karla Ellis, best in show; Jack Stover, junior; and Aliana Westness, youth.
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Food preservation winners are, from left, Tammy Boggs, best in show; Ellanor Watkins, canned fruits; Marvene Johnson, jams and jellies; and Pam Roberts, dried foods.
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Garden Flowers and Plants Superintendent Sandy Wise, far left, poses with winners, from left, LeeAnn Jaeger, roses; Kathy Conners, garden flowers; Deb Schroeder, arrangements; Roberta Tucker, foliage plants; and Nolan Crabb, youth. Not pictured was Best In Show Winner Kelsea Degaetano.
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Herbs Superintendent Amy Thompson, far left, poses with winners, from left, Sue Earl, edible; Kendra Thompson, medicinal; Lee Ann Jaeger, all other herbs; and Arrington Krull, junior. In front is Riley Hall, youth.
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Agriculture Superintendent Carolyn Zimmerman, far left, poses with winners, from left, Bonnie Hile, best in show; Eleanor Watkins, root crops; Teresa Landis, fruit; and Bryce Vargo, youth. Not pictured is Kris Hile, grain.
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Quilts Superintendent Julie Popenfoose, far left, poses with winners, from left, Judy Clayton, best in show; Vicky Ousley, machine appliqué quilt; and Darlene Lash, wall hangings and accessories.
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Needlework Superintendent Julie Popenfoose, far left, poses with winners, from left, Janet Boltosser, best in show; Geneva Veasey, crochet; Karen Loos, embroidery; Robin Shafer, miscellaneous. Not pictured is Patty Lenon, counted cross stitch.