Howard County Fair 2025 ‘Best of Show’ Winners Announced
The 2025 Howard County Fair wrapped up with a celebration of local talent, creativity, and hard work as this year’s “Best of Show” winners were announced across a variety of categories, highlighting standout entries in everything from agriculture and baking to photography and art.
In the Horticulture division, John Scott took home the top honor in the adult category with his impressive jalapeño peppers, while in the youth division, Guy Cooper Kroll earned “Best of Show” for his eggs.
Photography awards showcased local creativity, with Gayle Castleberry winning in the adult category for her animal-themed photo of a dog in the direct color division. Guy Cooper Kroll also earned a second top honor in the youth category for a candid shot in direct color.
In the Flower Show, Rinda Duggan claimed the adult “Best of Show” for cut flowers, and Carol Mitchell was recognized for live plants. In the youth division, Amorah Moore received top honors for her cut flower entry.
The Art Department featured several talented artists, with Renta Vilar taking home the adult award. In the youth divisions, Luci Kate Thompson earned “Best of Show” for 7th and 8th grade, and Klaire Hendry was awarded in the high school category.
In Clothing, Deb Sims received top honors in the adult category, while Ember Boyce won “Best of Show” in the youth category.
The Baked Goods category was a crowd favorite, with Dana Newberg winning in the adult division for her layer cake, and Luci Kate Thompson adding a second win for her youth pie entry.
In Food Preservation, Melanie Schwartz stood out in the adult category with her pickled sliced peppers, while Lillian Wilson took youth honors with her sliced dill cucumber pickles.
The Needlework category honored Lauren Whisenhunt in the adult division for her crochet work, and Lily Trombley earned “Best of Show” in the youth division for her quilt.
In Household Arts, both Charles Blue, Sr. and Lillian Wilson were recognized for their wooden cutting boards in the adult and youth categories, respectively.
Educational Exhibits also received recognition, with the Howard County Master Gardeners winning in the civic group category, and the 4-H Food Challenge Club taking top honors in the 4-H division.