The New York State Fair may have ended on Sept. 3, but the glory of the thousands of residents who won awards at the numerous fair competitions remains — and a number of Cazenovia residents have shared in that glory again this year.
The thousands of visitors who thronged the fair daily during its two-week run witnessed the skills and creations of Cazenovians in the horse arena, at the wine competition, and in the arts and crafts, fine arts, culinary and floral creations exhibits.
Mother and daughter, Jennifer and Ava Gurney finished first and second in the $1,000 Christy Nealer Memorial Hunter Classic at the fair on Aug. 27.
“I was leading with Ava in second after the first round, and they bring you back for the second round in reverse order. Ava put in a stellar second round on her horse, Namesake, to really put the pressure on me, but my horse, The Other Brother, had a great round for the win,” Jennifer said. “The class was named in memory of a wonderful woman, Christy Nealer, who passed away prematurely last fall and was a top equestrian. It was an honor to win it and accept the trophy from her mom Pam and sister Angela.”
In the commercial wine competition, Owera Vineyards won four medals: Gold for its 2011 Fontenac Gris; silver for its 2011 Chardonnay and its 2011 Cabernet Franc; and bronze for its 2011 Dry Reisling.
In the culinary competitions, Susan Reeve placed third in the Culinary C, Pot Luck Day, gluten free dish competition; and first in the Pie Day ethnic pie competition for her shoo fly pie. Theresa Reeve placed fourth in the Culinary C, Pot Luck Day, decorated cake – butter cream competition.
In the Fine Arts competitions, Ralph Beard Jr. placed second in the black and white or color photography competition, and Michael Chapin received an honorable mention for his submission to the fine arts – amateur competition.
In the arts and crafts competitions, Julie Mattina and Nancy Sellers each won three ribbons for their submissions. Mattina was awarded first place in handspun yarn, first place in toy, animal or doll and third place in lace; Sellers was awarded one third place and two honorable mentions in quilting.
In the artistic design competition, Sarah Sack placed third in the Geographical Gems – Capitol Region – The Executive Mansion competition; Anne Doherty placed fourth in the Historical Gems – US Military Academy: West Point competition; and Elizabeth Koennecke placed fourth in the Historical Gems – Boldt Castle: Alexandria Bay competition.
All of the above competition winners were found by looking at the state fair exhibits, on the state fair website or through submitted information. Not all fair competition winners were known or chosen as of press time.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].
