I had a new experience yesterday. I was asked to judge a section at our local show. I had been nervous about doing it as I've always been on the other end - putting in entries - but once I got in the swing of it, I really enjoyed doing it. Not sure if everyone will be happy with the decisions (I had another judge with me) but I soon found I knew what to look for and by a process of elimination I was able to give a 1st prize. Hardest bit was choosing Best Exhibit from all the first prizes within a section.
How many of you ever enter your local show? Our shire has a large population and it was very sad to see so few entries (mind you it still took over 2 hrs to do what we had). Entries are what makes a show so if you are ever near a small town show, check it out and see if they allow entries from 'out-of-towners'. If not, at least attend the show and add to the numbers. I'm sure you'll find you really enjoy it.
I enter photos in our local show. My Dad loved his horses so we all rode in our local show and then when I got married hubby and the children also rode and now some of the grandkids ride and some enter their stud cattle - all good fun. Yes I can see what you mean about seeing different shows - different ideas etc.