The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection; Gina Welborn; Cynthia Hickey; Jennifer AlLee; Angela Briedenbach; Darlene Franklin; Carrie Fancett Pagels; Amber Stockton; Niki Turner; Becca Whitham; Barbour Publishing; Christian; inspirational; historical; romance; state fair; county fair; south dakota; sioux falls

All’s Fair in Love and Friendly Competition

The competition is fierce at state and county fairs when nine women between 1893 and 1930 go for the blue ribbon to prove they have something valuable to contribute to society. From sculpting butter in Nevada to baking pie in Colorado, from stitching quilts in Michigan to polishing pigs in Arkansas there are grand prizes to be won. Walk the displays and watch the judging of contests as men and women meet at the fair and enter into the greatest prize pursuit—that of a devoted and godly heart.

Seven Medals and a Bride by Angela Breidenbach

Chicago World’s Fair, 1893

A Taste of Honey by Darlene Franklin

Vermont State Fair, 1895

Requilted with Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Michigan State Fair, 1895

Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn

Turner County Fair in South Dakota, 1901

Better with Butter by Jennifer AlLee

Nevada State Fair, early 1900s

Driven to Distraction by Becca Whitham

Western Washington State Fair, 1918