HOT SPRINGS—The Isle of Wight County Fair received top honors in the communications segment for Best Large Fair Overall in 2012 during the Annual Virginia Association of Fairs Conference in Hot Springs.

Competing against fairs with an overall attendance of 30,001 or more, the Isle of Wight County Fair received the award after placing in 14 out of 18 competitions at the conference. Forty-nine fairs across the state were represented at the event.

This also was Isle of Wight’s first chance to compete on the Large Fair level after attendance peaked of 33,732 in 2012.

First-place ribbons were awarded in the categories of Billboard created by Insercorp, Media Scrapbook created by Hollie Bickley, New Age Scrapbook, Newspaper Ad printed by The Smithfield Times, Radio Ad created by Eagle 97, Website created by Insercorp, T-Shirt created by West Sportswear, Premium Book printed by Modlin Printing and Pageant Book printed by MultiPrint Inc.

Second-place ribbons were received in the categories for Fair Booklet printed by Apollo Printing, Photographic Essay and Fair Theme. Third-place ribbons were received for Fair Map and the Fair Tabloid printed by The Smithfield Times.

“Coincidentally, our theme this year at the convention was Ready, Set… Grow!,” said Event/Fair Coordinator Darlene Keyt. “The Isle of Wight County Fair is doing just that — growing at a record rate with admissions year after year and winning awards and setting the pace for 2013. This award was definitely gained by a team effort.”

“Receiving this award is indeed a team award but, I can’t say enough of the efforts of Darlene Keyt who spent so much time and energy putting it all together,” added Fair Committee Chairman Mike Stephens. “She knew what it took, organized it all, and, got it set up at the conference. She deserves a lot of the credit for our success.”