Stuff I Like. Winning Ribbons at the State Fair.

Since I started taking my crafting seriously several years ago, I've been entering my items in the county and State Fairs.  Part of this is because I am compulsively a bit competitive.  I like to make things, share them, and the chance to win something is just too much to resist! 

This year I was out of town and didn't want to worry about having somebody else deliver my items to the county fair.  So, I didn't get to participate.  I do have an entry (just one!) in the State Fair.  I'll be entering the Drunken Argyle.  In my experience, the most intricate of patterns don't do well with the ribbons.  I've received more first place ribbons for stockinette hats than something that took considerable more skill (I'm not bitter). 

I'm curious if any of you are like me and enjoy winning blue ribbons. 

• Have any of you entered items in your state fairs? 
• Were you happy with the results? 
• Do you craft specifically for the fair or enter items you would have made anyway?
• Do you enter any other items (baked goods, photos)?
• What is your favorite fair food?

I love corn dogs.