By CARRIE WILLIAMS
Take a stroll through BYU’s ballroom in the Wilkinson Center Monday and Tuesday to observe the works of participants in the annual Young Craftsman Fair.
“Doing the dishes and eating together gives parents and children a time to talk. Parallel activities make it possible to talk heart-to-heart,” Klein said.
Every year, during the second week of May, students in grades 6-12 from all over Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming, compete in what has evolved into an impressive contest of skill and craftsmanship, said coordinator Jerry Grover.
The fair has taken place at BYU since 1976. Grover said the first few years he saw some poor projects. But through the years, the teachers have pushed their students to a high level of craftsmanship.
“Some of the projects are so advanced that students can’t improve,” Grover said.
Timpview High School in Provo has won the award each year for having the greatest number of participants. Following the school’s tradition, this year 100-120 students will submit projects.
“Kids put their hearts and souls into what they create,” Creer said. He said the contest creates stiff competition among the schools, which drives the students with the desire to give it all they have.
Grover said some schools are hesitant to allow their students to participate, since participants miss two days of school. Grover said his argument to this is, “If you let kids out for athletics, why not let those involved in craft areas out for two days?”
Once principals come and see the quality of the work at the fair themselves, letting their students enter projects is not usually a problem, Grover said.
Projects include woodworks, drafts, electronics, metallics, automotives, graphic arts and crafts such as clocks and plastics. Parents are supportive of the students, especially when they may get a new piece of furniture from it, Grover said.
In addition to the projects, there will also be skill competitions involving both written and skill tests. Students will be asked to perform an auto technique in a certain amount of time. There will also be a bridge crushing contest that will measure the amount of force the participants’ bridges can take.
“It’s amazing some of the ideas these kids come up with to solve problems,” Grover said.
In addition to first, second and third places, every participant will receive a large ribbon. Those who place in the skill competitions will receive much-sought-after laser engraved wooden plaques, Grover said.
Judging of the projects will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, by community tradespeople. The awards ceremony will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m.. in the Varsity Theater.
