Judging begins as County Fair nears

Lauren Woelbing, 15, of the Raymond 4-H Club, won
a variety of ribbons from Judge Eileen Mirsberger

The Racine County Fair doesn't open until 8 a.m. Wednesday, but there's plenty of activity already under way at the Fairgrounds in Union Grove on Highway 11. Set-up, of course, but also the judging of numerous 4-H projects.

The "official" opening of the Fair is noon Wednesday, but that's preceded by Junior horse and dairy judging, and the antique tractor pull. Don't take our word for it: there's excitement every day: livestock and produce judging, truck and tractor pulls, motorcross jumpoff, antique tractor parade, bands and singers, the crowning of the Fairest of the Fair and country singer Sara Evans on Saturday night.

Complete Fair schedule is here. The Fair continues through Sunday.

One bit of advice: When it comes to that great County Fair food, pace yourselves.

Here are some more pictures of the early 4-H judging, taken for us Monday by Linda Peterson.

Carson Bunker, 10, won a 2nd place ribbon from Judge Charlie Reich

Charlie Reich, who's been a judge for seven years, said, "It's great to see so many young people carrying on the fine woodworking tradition. A lot of credit goes to parents for their encouragement, and to instructors Dale Helgerson, George Henderson, and others. I look forward to judging every year...it's the best job I've ever had."

Kathy Braun judged Open Class photos in front of avid photographers

First-year woodworker Alex Westman, 10, won a blue ribbon

Lindsay Woelbing's baskets earned blue and red ribbons.
She's 18, and has been a Raymond 4-H member for nine years.

Cloverbud Morgan McNamara, 7, talks with Junior 4-H judge Marissa Meinke

A perennial exhibitor, Paisley lawn furniture, is in its usual location.

Kelly Pum, 4, waits cheerfully while her brother's project is judged