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4-H general, leisure education and food projects were judged at the Moffat County Fair Tuesday.

Participants handed in projects and then were interviewed by judges concerning their knowledge of the category and what they had learned while working on their project.

Jacqueline Kinder, 14 years old

This was Jacqueline Kinder's first year for cake decorating but she has participated in the county fair for five years.

Her cake was a white, rectangle with a balloon made out of candy and lined with red stripes.

Kinder said she looked through different magazines and decoration books for cake patterns.

It took her a couple of days to make the cake and to do the record book, which contains a story of what she learned in the

process of making the cake, what process was used and pictures taken during the cake-making

process.

She said she doesn't get nervous competing at fairs because she has previously shown sheep.

"It is nice that they interview you," Kinder said.

The judges ask all participants questions, such as what techniques the cake decorator used to spread the frosting or how he or she hid the crumbs.

The fair is a busy time for Kinder and her brother, she said.

"We are wandering around and trying to get our projects done," Kinder said.

After the judge was done asking questions, the judge filled out a checklist of different categories and the ranking of the participant in that area.

Kinder said she enjoyed the experience so much she has decided to participate in cake decorating next year.

Jay Whaley, 22-shooting sports

This is Jay Whaley's second year as a judge for the Moffat County Fair, he resides in Routt County.

"We talk a lot about goals for the future," Whaley said.

For shooting sports, participants must complete a record book and make an item the correlates with shooting or a display.

"I look for someone who is knowledgeable and has learned something through their projects," Whaley said. "I tell (the participants) what I look for and I write it down for their parents."

Whaley's favorite part of the fair is to see outstanding projects and the life skills that 4-H members have learned through their activities.

His least favorite part is having to select one child over another.

"(The project) is just the tool that 4-H uses to teach responsibility and hard work," Whaley said.

Austin Lee, 9 years old

This is Austin Lee's second county fair. She is participating in the 22-shooting sports for the second year.

"One of my best friends is in 4-H," Lee said of one of the reasons she likes 4-H.

Her favorite part is finding out what she scored on her

projects.

"I get really nervous right before I bring my projects in," Lee said.

Eric Wellman, 4-H junior leader

This is Eric Wellman's eighth year in 4-H.

"We basically help with younger and newer members," Wellman said. "I help people get to the right place at the right time," he said of his role during the judging of 4-H projects.

Liz King is an intern with the Craig Daily Press. She can be reached at 824-7031 or eking@craigdailypress.com.