2026 Fair and Rodeo Indoor Exhibits Award Winners!

Published on August 10, 2026

Outline of a cowboy hat, with ornage hue with snowcapped mountains and trees in the background. In the forreground there is a cowboy riding a bull in black and white. Over the image is says,

The 2026 Indoor Exhibits competition showcased a remarkable display of talent across multiple categories, celebrating the creative achievements of participants of all ages. Congratulations to all of our award winners for their outstanding submissions!

The 2026 Indoor Exhibits competition showcased a remarkable display of talent across multiple categories, celebrating the creative achievements of participants of all ages. Congratulations to all of our award winners for their outstanding submissions!

  • Horticulture
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Laurie Hixson (Lambs Ear)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Laurie Hixson (“Sunset on the Range” Design)
  • Fine Arts
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Karen Rose (”My Garden Wall")
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Hannah Waldschmidt ("Mothman" Sandhill Crane”)
    • Youth
      • Grand Champion: Leja Melashenko (“Apples”)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Alexa Melaschenko “Butterfly Watercolor”)
  • Hobbies & Crafts
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Rashall McElderry (“Collage Landscape”)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Charlotte Lehman “Rio Grande Weaving”
    • Youth
      • Grand Champion: Chloe Blackburn (Multi-Strand Necklace)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Arden Matthews (Pyramid w/Interior Scene Lego)
  • Photography
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Martin Oltmanns (White Sands Sunset)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Alex Pittman (Lotus Flower)
    • Youth
      • Grand Champion: Melody Naes (Best Friends!)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Lucy Smith (Jellyfish in Madrid)
  • Baked Goods
    • Adult 
      • Grand Champion: Bernadette Lauritzen (Native Fry Bread)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Adam Lane (Carrot Cake)
  • Quilts
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Carol Mahan (Pastel Flowers)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Claire Swinhoe (George's Hummingbird)
    • Youth
      • Grand Champion: Alina Redman
  • Knitting
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Nancy Graves (Prayer Shawls: Sweet Sixteen Cousins)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Katherine Walters (Loon & Baby Sweater)
  • Crochet
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Evia Love (Tree of Life)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Catherine Price (Granny Square Cardigan)
    • Youth
      • Grand Champion: Benjamin Coronado (Bunny w/jumpsuit)
  • Needlework
    • Adult
      • Grand Champion: Judy Crocket (Agatha Christie)
      • Reserve Grand Champion: Bill Gorman (Needle Felt Jackalope)
  • Best of the Best
    • Horticulture: Laurie Hixson (Lamb’s Ear)
    • Creative Arts: Rashall McElderry (“Collage Landscape”)
    • Culinary Arts: Bernadette Lauritzen (Native Fry Bread)
    • Photography: Martin Oltmanns (White Sands Sunset)
    • Quilts: Carol Mahan (Pastel Flowers)
    • Fiber Arts: Nancy Graves (Prayer Shawls: Sweet Sixteen Cousins)

4-H Division Highlights

  • Animal Science
    • Grand Champion: Sylvia Stanek (Rex Rabbit Genetics poster)
    • Reserve Grand Champion: Kayleigh Hollowell (Poultry Self-Determined “Eggs”)
  • Family & Consumer Science
    • Grand Champion: Kayleigh Hollowell (Green Chile Cheddar Sourdough)
    • Reserve Grand Champion: Conner Hollowell (Sourdough loaf w/white choc, raisin, & pecan)
  • Creative Arts
    • Grand Champion: Emilia Blackburn (Cat Mask)
    • Reserve Grand Champion: Nick Booton (Leather Portrait)
  • High Point Novice: Kayleigh Hollowell
  • High Point Junior: Conner Hollowell
  • High Point Senior: Sylvia Stanek

We applaud all our participants for their dedication and creativity. This year's exhibit showcased the depth of talent in our community.

For more information or to inquire about future events, please contact Angela Prada with the Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Service at (505) 662-2656.

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