Harrah mom has winning tradition at fair

YAKIMA, Wash. -- When she was 10, Crystal Waddington of Harrah won Best of Show for her cake at the Central Washington State Fair.

Since then, winning fair exhibits has become commonplace for the mother of four. This year, she received 21 first-place awards in everything from canning to dried fruits. She was an active participant in the fair as a child and resumed the hobby after she married in 2000.

Some may think she's young to have such hobbies, but Waddington said she enjoys them. She hopes children, too, will embrace the crafts.

"I love the homemade, crafty part of the fair," Waddington said. "I remember appreciating that part and not wanting it to die. It's my turn, I have to get right in there."

More often than not, the 28-year-old uses her own resources to provide for her family. In the small town of about 540 residents, she grinds her own wheat to make bread. She cans everything from peaches to pickled garlic and she sews outfits for her children, who are between 7 years old and 18 months.

Her other hobbies include photography, scrapbooking and gardening.

"I like knowing I can go outside, grow my own tomato, pick my tomato and can it," she said. "I like having those skills. I think it's rewarding."

With her dad being a local farmer and her mom being a homemaker, learning to be self-sufficient came naturally to Waddington. But canning was a dreaded task as a child. Even today, she sometimes wonders if the whole-day production is worth the effort.

"I liked seeing my canned-food items win," she said about her motivation. "It feels good to have my hard work win a prize."

Ruth Anglin, fair activities manager, said canning is gaining popularity with the younger crowds and is not just for grandmothers anymore.

"Most of our fruit preservation people are young. In fact, most are high school kids ... or young mothers," she said. "We hardly have anybody who are elderly that cans."

Waddington's mother, Linda Calhoun of Wapato, said her daughter has always been creative. Part of it was learned through a Montessori school and being educated at home, but a lot comes from Waddington's quest for knowledge.

"It's her nature. She's wired that way," Calhoun said. "I think she just enjoys the fruits of her labor."

Waddington also values sharing her talents with her children. The two oldest, who are home-schooled, competed in the fair for the first time this year. They won ribbons for numerous categories, including woven potholders, molded clay cups and beaded jewelry.

"They won first in everything," Waddington said. "They were excited."

To earn an award at the fair, Waddington said details count. The heaviness of the fruit and syrup, pretty jars and proportions matter in canning, while baking requires several test runs at home.

Although she enjoys the recognition for winning, she said that's not her top priority. What matters most is trying her best and having fun.

"I love entering stuff," she said. "It's not always about the first-place ribbon."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.