(Publisher’s note: Today begins Chelsea Update’s daily Chelsea Community Fair coverage as we count down to the 80th annual event, which runs from Aug. 22-26.)
By Elizabeth Richardson
At last year’s Chelsea Community Fair, I had the honor of being named adult runner-up Homemaker of the Year. It was a long hard year of preparation and a fun and fulfilling experience.
I love the Chelsea Fair. So, after fair 2015, I decided that I would make 2016 a year of learning new things and enter the Homemaker of the Year competition. I knew this was going to be tough as there are so many talented women who were also entering. Luckily, I did have my friends as coaches, critics, taste-testers and a husband who was a one-man cheering squad.
I really appreciated the superintendents for each different department who helped me to enter the correct category and were very patient. From the organizers setting up and planning everything to the wonderful ladies in the office, I met the most hard-working, knowledgeable and welcoming people.
I made lists of the new things I wanted to try to do. I asked a lot of questions. I learned to can fruit and vegetables, bake desserts, grow veggies in hanging pots and expanded my needlework and craft skills.
In preparation, I made a year-long plan with monthly goals. I often had to have a plan B as not everything worked out the first time. Luckily for me, I had good friends that gave me their honest advice and let me experiment on them with crazy recipes. At times, we all needed a sense of humor.
Friday during fair week is Ladies Day when they crown the Homemaker and runner-up for both adults and juniors. I love Ladies Day. Mary Tobin, the former superintendent for Ladies Day, had been so encouraging. I attended as a reporter for a couple of years and got to watch her in action. She always did a remarkable job. This year, she is stepping down and the fair board recently found a new Ladies Day superintendent, difficult shoes to fill, but I’m sure it will be very rewarding.
I loved being a part of the Chelsea Fair. It is the essence of the Chelsea Community’s spirit and Midwest values.
As this year’s contestants get ready for the 2017 Homemakers of the Year, I look back on my year of preparation and fun before the 2016 Chelsea Community Fair. This year, I don’t have much to enter but for 2018, I might just get back to my lists and plans … I’m all about the fair.
Very nice, Elizabeth, and thank you for the kudos!