Field and Garden: Understanding 4-H judging at the Fair

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to judge the 4-H wood-working exhibits at a fair in a neighboring county.

I recall one young boy, beaming with pride as he placed his project on the table before me and then took a seat, eagerly awaiting my assessment.

My first impression was positive, but when I reached down to pick up the project, my fingers touched paint that was still tacky.

“Is wet paint a...