County Fair Takes the Cake, And Some Dolled-Up Spuds

Creativity in Several Arenas Is on Display

Colleen James, 15, won first prize for a beaded spider in a web and a decorated jar top at the Prince William County Fair, but she wanted more. She had hopes set high for her tomatoes, squash and, most important, a decorated spud.

"Mrs. Potato" had brown hair and a dark blue dress with light blue flowers. The wardrobe choice was simple:

"It was easier to make a dress on a potato than pants," said Colleen, of Manassas.

The Prince William County Fair, which runs through Saturday, is, for many, a carnival midway accented by livestock exhibits and a demolition derby. But in the Home Arts Division, competitors of all ages and specialties get a chance to win a blue ribbon, even for a potato in a dress (in the Best Decorated Potato category).

"It opens it up; there is something here anybody can enter," said judge Andrea Weakley, 34, of Linden.

There were other potato-themed entries. In the 13-and-under division, 16 potato dioramas lined the top of the produce shelves, vying for the Best Decorated Potato Scene. Pirate potatoes competed next to spud flamingos.

Weakley said, "Having the home arts here makes [the fair] different from a carnival. Otherwise it would be a Kmart carnival."

Home arts would be nothing without art. Or, in one case, art's rewards. Larry O'Connor, 19, of Manassas framed the grand-champion ribbons he won in past fairs as a hobby collection.

It won a first-place ribbon.

The home arts competitions -- which include flowers, photography and poundcake -- showcase the best of residents' gardens even as agriculture in the county slowly dwindles.

"Now more than ever as the community changes, I think it is valuable to see quality products" grown in Prince William, said Charlotte Bear, 52, the Home Arts Division manager.

Bear noted that because of the drought, fewer flower and produce entries were competing. "All my garden stuff is not what it used to be," said Billy Michael, 66, of Manassas. "If I hadn't watered it a bit, it wouldn't have done anything."