Log In


Reset Password
Lifestyle

Horticulture competition unites local growers at La Plata County Fair

Participants can enter in hundreds of categories
Robin Walsh, left, and Krista Schwettman check in items for the horticulture competition at the La Plata County Fair. They will be on display through the weekend.

On Wednesday, all kinds of colorful fruits, vegetables, flowers and fairy gardens started to adorn the halls of the La Plata County Fair in preparation for this year’s competitive event.

The annual horticulture exhibit brings together ranchers, backyard gardeners and anyone else who wants bragging rights to the finest looking produce in the county.

“You can essentially bring anything,” said Darrin Parmenter, director and horticulture agent of the La Plata County Extension Office. “We’re always looking for the highest quality flower or vegetable, but we’re not opposed to the biggest or weirdest looking one.”

Parmenter said there are hundreds of categories participants can enter, which can include six different types of squash, and aside from the satisfaction of growing top produce, winners can take home gift cards and other prizes.

But underneath the good-hearted competition, Parmenter said the horticulture exhibit helps encourage local growers and continues year after year to build on that community.

“Our local growing community is growing,” he said. “We’re seeing more backyard gardeners and farmers, so hopefully, the turnout at the fair can mimic that.”

Meredith Page, dropping off hosta leaves Wednesday, said it was her second year entering the horticulture competition. She hopes to take home a blue ribbon again.

“It was grown in the city, and they do great here,” Page said. “It’s a beautiful plant.”

However, Southwest Colorado’s temperamental climate can affect growers. Parmenter said in bad weather years, he has seen a decline in turnout at the fair.

Theresa Erwin, who has participated at the fair off and on for the past 50 years, said this was the first year in probably 25 years that her plums and apricots did not freeze. She said the local weather is tough to grow in, but that doesn’t stop her.

“And then we have to save it from the deer,” she said.

Parmenter said submitted horticulture items will be on display through the weekend, with winners selected throughout the fair.

“My goal is always to have more food production in the county, this is one way to have fun and highlight and celebrate what is grown here,” he said.

jromeo@durangoherald.com

Aug 7, 2016
La Plata County Fair holds to time-proven recipe
Aug 3, 2016
4-H members to star at the La Plata County Fair


Reader Comments