Clay County Fair Victoria Axtell Textile Award

Vicki Axtell loved to sew.  Throughout her life, she made clothing and other items for herself, her friends, and her family.  Vicki and her family never had much money, so it was especially important to save expenses by making her three children clothing.  Whether it was a pair of pants, dresses, jackets, or even Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations or stuffed animals, Vicki’s work was a study in love and perfection.  She never asked for applause or even thanks, but she took quiet pride when people asked her family members where they bought such wonderfully made clothing.

One year, mostly on a whim and with a bit of encouragement, Vicki decided to enter some of her sewn items in the Clay County Fair.  To her surprise, she took home a slew of ribbons.  Satisfied with that bit of validation, she never entered more items in the Fair or other competitions, but for years her ribbons hung proudly at home, in the basement, near her sewing machine. 

With those memories in mind, her family established the Victoria Axtell Memorial Textile Award at the Clay County Fair.  Each year the award is given to the top first time entrant into the Textile class.  The award’s purpose is to encourage people like Vicki to keep and pass on their skills and to take pride in their craft through exhibiting, at least once, at the Fair.  The first winners of her award are shown below.