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Quilting and needlework have greatly diminished in the competitions open to the general public at the Moffat County Fair, however, photography and art entries have seen an increase in popularity.

The open Pavilion competitions took place on Wednesday. The public entered everything from canned goods to ceramics in the judged event.

"(This competition) brings the community together," said Rena Olsen, superintendent in charge of the Pavilion. "It shows how creative our community can be."

This year there were 255 entries, which is up from previous years.

"Needlework is dwindling," Olsen said. "The older things are dropping away."

Olsen started getting the building ready for the competition Sunday. She said it takes about two full days of work to get it all set up.

"I took my vacation from my job to come and do this," Olsen said.

Quilting is another area in which entries from the general public have fallen off.

"I think that is a direct reflection of the loss of a quilting store in our community," said Elisa Shackelton, Colorado State University Moffat County Cooperative Extension Agent.

But the art portions of the competition saw an increase in participation.

"I think that kids are entering their artwork from school projects," Shackelton said.

But she said she thinks more people could enter.

"Without volunteers, (the competition) wouldn't happen," Shackleton said. "Without Rena this would not be what it is."

The competition needs about 12 judges who spend between two and four hours deciding what entries will get what placing.

But for Kendal Snyder, a ten-year-old 4-H member who entered her first fair this year, it's all worthwhile.

"I had two projects so I entered one in the show yesterday (the 4-H show) and one in this show," Snyder said.

She won fourth place in the ceramics competition.

"It is great to see how excited (the contestants) are when they win," Olsen said. "But it is also great to see the old timers. You miss those people who passed away."

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