LEGO Open Exhibit encourages creativity

     LEGO toy sets have been around for decades. Kids and adults alike enjoy piecing together themed sets and creating unique structures.

     For the last few years, the Great Jones County Fair’s Open Exhibits has included a LEGO division in the Youth and Teen Creations category.

     Nancy Felton of Monticello has been volunteering for the fair for close to 20 years. Thirteen years ago, she took on the role of superintendent of the Open Exhibits.

     “I took over after Pat Anderson retired,” explained Felton of former GJCF Manager Andy Anderson’s wife.

     The role of superintendent includes many duties when it comes to the open exhibits.

     “It starts in early spring,” Felton said of the timing.

     She lines up judges for every Open Exhibit category. Felton also has to make sure the rules are up to date in the fair book, working with the Express on that task. For instance, this year, the LEGO class was divided into three age divisions versus one.

     She also has to order ribbons for exhibitors and make sure winner checks are cut.

     During the first year of the LEGO class, Felton said they had about 20 entries. Last year, it was close to 50.

     “It keeps growing,” she said.

     This year there are three age divisions for the LEGO class: ages 3-6, ages 7-12, and ages 13-18.

     “I didn’t want the younger ones judged with the older kids,” Felton explained the reasoning behind the age divisions this year.

     First place in every category receives $2, $1 for second place, and $5 for Best of show.

     Felton wants exhibitors to be aware of the size limitations. Entries are limited to 20-by-20 inches. The important part of the LEGO class is that exhibits must be created using one’s imagination. Felton said that’s what the judge looks for.

     “It’s based on a lot of creativity,” she urged. “We stress imagination with each category, and want the kids to make their own designs.”

     Among the 12 LEGO categories, there is a “Kit” category where youth can submit a LEGO creation based on a set design. The categories include:

     • Space

     • City

     • Farm

     • Ship/Water

     • Harry Potter

     • Kit

     • Mixed Media

     • Duplo

     • Barbie/Friends

     • Unspecified

     • Mixed Sets

     • Fairy/Princess

     Exhibitors can enter up to five different categories.

     “We keep increasing (the number of categories) with the new sets that come out,” said Felton.

     She said those who enter the Open Exhibits do not have to be involved in 4-H or FFA.

     “Everybody can enter,” she said. “That’s what is neat about it. The numbers keep going up; that’s a good thing.”

     All Open Exhibits must be submitted on Monday of fair week, July 17. The LEGO exhibit will be on display in the upper loft of the Berndes Center.