By Steve White swhite@nebraska.tv
Facebook / Twitter @NTVsSteveWhite
Shutterbugs, quilters, and bakers all show off their "blue ribbon" best at the Nebraska State Fair. The Nebraska State Fair is more than fun on a stick, it's also host to dozens of competitions.
Many people are familiar with the 4-H competitions, but anyone can enter in open class, where entries are quickly filing in.
Volunteer Linda Willman explained the process, as she tore into boxes of photographs.
"Take the photo out of the mailing box, put tags on them, so they can put them up," she said.
Arriving by the dozens. Photos stack up from across Nebraska to be judged and displayed at the state fair.
Photography Superintendent Sue Kemling keeps tabs on them all.
"Last count was 1,504 and I probably in my hand have another 50 I have to add to the list," she said.
The last photography superintendent retired after a dozen years, so Kemling stepped in to run the contest.
She said, "I enjoy pictures and taking pictures and that's my hobby."
Anyone can enter in a variety of classes. It's not just for kids, and there's no requirement to go to the county fair first. There are contests for handwriting, quilts, essays, jams, jellies, floral arrangements, even beer that along with photography, compete for blue ribbons.
"More photos than we have room for," Kemling said with a smile.
Photos come in the mail and in person and also from drop sites in North Platte and Seward.
For anyone who wanted to enter this year, the deadlines have passed. But keep an eye on www.statefair.org next year to learn more.
