Time To Start Thinking About Fair Fine Arts Entries

By CHARLENE PAUL

The Progress

After a two year pandemic sabbatical, the Clark County Fair and Rodeo is returning in full splendor on April 6-10, 2022. And the Fair‘s Fine Arts Director Robin Maughan says that it is never too early to get your Arts and Crafts entries ready.

And that even includes homemaking arts like canning foods. “If you did any home canning, be sure to set aside two jars: one for tasting, one for showing,” Maughan said. “And while you don’t want to set aside baked goods just yet, it’s not too early to start perfecting your favorite breads, pies, cakes, or cookie recipes.”

With the lockdowns and shutdowns of the past couple of years, crafting has taken center stage for many people. From seasoned crafters to newbies, there has been ample time for quilting, sewing, and handicrafts. Maughan said that all of these would be welcome exhibits in the upcoming Fair.

“We hope to see lots of handmade items this year,” Maughan said. “It doesn’t matter how long ago a project was completed, as long as it has never been shown before at the Clark County Fair and Rodeo, it can be entered in the exhibits.”

Maughan said that crafters, artists and makers of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to enter their wares into the Fair. And to keep things interesting there is a division for everyone.
“For the high school kids, we encourage them to enter things they make in their classes or groups,” Maughan said. “Elementary-age kids are encouraged to enter their artwork or other treasures.”

Those entering the Fine Arts building at this year’s Clark County Fair and Rodeo will see lots of surprises and new additions. Maughan and her team of creative enthusiasts have big plans to completely overhaul the look of the exhibit this year.

“It’s been two years since we had the Fair, so it was time for a change,” Maughan said. “The building will have a brand new look and feel, and we think everyone will enjoy it.”

For those wishing to sell their items, there is even a Country Store in the building for homemade and handmade items. The store sells items on consignment for a small fee.

“We have missed our popcorn balls, fudge, and other homemade goodies,” Maughan said. “We have also missed the Country Store. Anyone with handmade items or homemade goodies they’d like to sell should definitely bring them over.”

Maughan has made arrangements for pick-up points for entries in Lincoln County, Las Vegas, and Mesquite. These are meant to make it easier for those in neighboring towns, cities, and counties to enter the exhibit.

More information about where and when these pick-up points will take place will be announced at a later date. Watch The Progress for details. Entrants will fill out their entry forms and meet at the appointed place on the appointed day where a volunteer will gather their items and bring them to the Fine Arts Building in Logandale. After the Fair, arrangements will be made for the items to be returned.

“We want to make it easy for everyone to get involved,” Maughan said. “We realize it may not be feasible for everyone to bring their items personally, and our volunteers are excited to help. Don’t let distance keep you from participating in the Fair.”

So, set aside those bottled fruits, vegetables, jams, and jellies. Get those quilts and afghans finished. Paint those pictures. Frame those photos. Pull out those projects you weren’t able to show for the past couple of years. The Clark County Fair is back!

“We want to see all of the things people have been working on,” said Maughan. “We think this year will be one of the best we’ve ever had in the Fine Arts Building at the Clark County Fair and Rodeo.”

For more information about Fair entries or about selling items in the Country Store, contact Maughan at 702-278-0704. General information is also available at the Clark County Fair website at ccfair.com.