From the midway to roller coasters, the concerts to the butter sculpture; there is something for everyone at the New York State Fair. One aspect that continually draws participation from a number of Cazenovia residents is the robust competition.

Every year, thousands of New Yorkers enter their baked goods, preserves, wines, crafts, flowers, artwork, even livestock into contests, to see where they place in the state. This year, along with several other Cazenovia residents, culinary artists Mary and Susan Reeve brought back multiple blue ribbons.

“Years ago I entered many categories and won, but hadn’t competed for some time. When my daughter-in-law Susan first showed interest in participating, she inspired me to enter a few competitions this year too,” said Syracuse Road resident Mary Reeve “It’s thrilling, submitting your dishes and seeing where you place. I’ve been lucky enough to acquire a few pretty good recipes.”

“This is my first year, and I’m actually participating in 12 competitions,” said Susan Reeve. “My mother-in-law got a hold of the entry booklet and showed it to me. I’ve always been interested in cooking, but I guess I kind of went crazy when I saw all the different categories. It’s just so exciting.”

Mary was awarded two blue ribbons and one red ribbon during the first week of this year’s fair. On Aug. 25, her sauerkraut won over judges for the Canned or Pickled Vegetables competition. The next day, her homemade red raspberry jam placed first in the Freezer Jam category and her Irish sodabread recipe garnered a second place prize.

Susan received a blue ribbon for her sausage bread entry in the Filled Bread Roll competition. She was also one of the 67 New Yorkers to enter in the Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship. The competition was stiff, but Susan’s smooth chocolate mousse cake sat well with judges and she placed just out of the running in fourth.

Susan’s 13-year-old son, Matthew Reeve, was also awarded first-place honors at the fair in the 4-H Goat Bowl Junior Individual Competition.

Many other Cazenovia residents also received recognition, and blue ribbons, for their contest entries during the first few days of the New York State Fair.

Beth Broadway was awarded the first place prize in Quilting Class 01 for her infant/child-size quilt. She also placed third in Class 05 for her small wall hanging.

Julie Mattina won a blue ribbon in Arts & Crafts Class 07 for her adult-sized garment made from handspun yarn. She also entered a pictorial quilt, with the longest dimension measuring more than 36 inches, that drew lots of positive attention.

Nancy Sellers was awarded a blue ribbon for her involvement in Jewelry Special Category Class 02 group competition.

Cazenovia FFA member Molly Woodworth placed first in Division Two Botany during the Agriscience Fair on Aug. 26.

For more information on contests at the fair, and full results, visit nysfair.org.results.

Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].