Jennifer Maxwell earned a second-place ribbon for this sewing bag she made - PHOTO BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON, SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Even though the number of entries into Better Living was far below pre-COVID numbers, there is still some spectacular work to be viewed at the show. Normally, there would be about 1,200 entries, but this year the number was just under 400. It is good news for those who did put something into the show, as it gave them a better opportunity to secure a ribbon.
Jennifer Maxwell has been volunteering with Better Living since about 2018, but she started submitting many years before. Maxwell and her daughter Emily (17 years old) and Logan (14 years old) have been submitting entries to the Better Living Show for about 10 years.
“We dabble in many different things,” said Maxwell, “baking, painting furniture, knitting, pottery and horticulture. I’ve got quite a few first-place ribbons and some second-place ribbons. I’ve placed in just about everything.”
For Logan and Emily, it is a venue where they can show off their schoolwork. They are proud of the things they’ve made in woodshop or sewing and like the platform of Better Living to display their hard work.
Maxwell, who is originally from Kelowna with extended family in Salmon Arm, has lived in Medicine Hat for over 20 years.
“I can remember my grandmother and great aunts always entering stuff into their fall fair. When I found out they do it here too, I thought I would try it and see what it is about. I kind of got addicted. After my first ribbon, I thought, oh, I can enter this next year.”
Better Living provides an opportunity for all creative souls in the city and surrounding area to show off their work. It also allows them to come in and see what others have been working on, perhaps providing inspiration for a new project.
“It’s so much fun,” stated Maxwell.
“It’s not even for the prize money, it’s coming in after the judging has been done to see what you’ve won and what you haven’t won. It’s a neat feeling.”
