LAKEPORT – An all new exhibit area will debut this year at the Lake County Fair.

The new display will feature all of the sewing, needle art, embroidery, weaving, and quilting exhibits entered in fair competition categories, along with textile related commercial demonstrations.

The fair runs through Sunday, Sept. 6.

The Theatre Building, used in recent years to house a science discovery exhibit, will be converted to showcase all of the hundreds of quilts, sweaters, afghans, blankets, handwoven clothing, needlepoint and other handmade items entered for judging.

Along with all of the items entered in competition by Lake County residents, several commercial exhibits will be found in the Theatre Building, all of them clothing and textile related.

Kerrie's Quilting, a Lakeport business which has sponsored the new exhibit area, will be one of the commercial exhibitors.

Fairgoers interested in any kind of quilting, stitching, or sewing will be able to get information about their favorite textile activity, or find a source for materials.
 
Hands-on activities for children are planned as well.
 
“It's been really tough to properly display all of the sewn items entered in the fair competitions over the last few years, because there just isn't enough space in Lewis Hall,” said Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons said.

“As a result, large items like the quilts and blankets got folded, which makes it hard to see and appreciate the handiwork,” Persons continued. “So when the Theatre Building opened up, several clothing and textile enthusiasts jumped on the opportunity to create a whole new space just for textile related goods. We're hoping the public embraces the new exhibit as much as our volunteers have."
 
The new exhibit will be open each day of the fair, from the opening of the gates until 10 p.m. It is free with fair admission.

Regular admission prices for the Lake County Fair are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 11. Admission prices are unchanged since 2007. Children under 6 years old are admitted free everyday.
 
The Lake County Fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport.