From the 2017 La Plata County Fair guide: “Pies. Crusts should be golden brown, flaky and crisp eating, cut easily with fork or knife but hold shape when served ...”

It is fair week in La Plata County, with a multitude of events involving 4-H members and almost everyone else at the fairgrounds at north Main Avenue and 25th Street. Judging is occurring now, with the winners designated with ribbons for visitors, most of whom will walk through the grounds on Friday and Saturday.

If locals are aligned with what is possible, there will be scarecrow entries (less than 6 feet tall), short stories and poetry in the language arts category and examples of mechanical sciences. Plus the four-legged categories, large and small, and two-legged with feathers, and more.

Examples of all, or almost all, that is grown and produced in the county, along with the results of popular and unusual hobbies by young and old, will be on display. There will be award ribbons by the hundreds, and deservedly so. Youngsters and their parents, in many cases, will have had experiences to share, with both going away richer. Grown-ups, with their winning garden produce and cut flowers, will be held in awe by their neighbors and friends.

The not-to-miss activities: For those attending the popular barbecue supper prior to the Saturday evening 4-H livestock sale, 4-H youth will be selling products related to their projects. Look for leather craft items, for example, and even goat milk soap. It is titled “4-H Marketplace,” giving members an opportunity to combine business skills and marketing with their hobby, perhaps leading to an appreciation for entrepreneurship.

And for those who prefer to watch and listen rather than do, “Kyle Park,” country music performers from Austin, Texas, will be performing in the rodeo arena on Friday at 8 p.m. This may be the first time the arena and stands have been used for musical entertainment.

Spend an hour and a half or two hours at the county fair this weekend. You will feel the energy levels, appreciate the good-natured competitions and feel the pride of accomplishment shared by everyone there.