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judges waved to the crowd as the wagon circled the arena. A livestock display was the last event. Grown-ups and children slowly walked their horses, cows, sheep, and pigs around and around the arena. The band played another tune and then the grand opening was over. The mayor walked to the center of the arena and picked up the microphone again.
    â€œThank you all again for coming to the Greenfield County Fair,” the mayor said. “I have just a few announcements. The baked goods competition begins at 12:30. The craft competition begins at 1:30. Tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M. will be the grand opening of the livestock show. Then the art competition will began at 1:00 P.M. Welcome again, one and all, and let’s have a good time at the fair!”
    Immediately after the mayor finished her announcements, hundreds of balloons were released from the ceiling.
    â€œWe’d better hurry over to the baked goods tent,” Henry said. “I want to get a front row seat.”
    â€œMe, too,” Courtney said. “This is so exciting. I’m glad you told us about the fair.”

CHAPTER 6
    The Competition
    W hen the children arrived at the baked good competition, a large crowd was gathered outside the tent. Many people were yelling, and the judges were trying to calm down the crowd.
    â€œI wonder what’s wrong,” Jessie said.
    â€œThere’s Susie,” Violet said. “Maybe she knows.”
    The children worked their way through the crowd until they reached Susie’s side.
    â€œHi, Susie,” Jessie said. “Do you know what’s going on here?”
    â€œI’m not sure,” Susie said. “But I think something happened to the baked goods that were entered in the competition.”
    â€œOh, no,” Benny said. “What happened to our pie?”
    â€œDid someone eat it?” Michael asked.
    â€œI don’t think so, Michael,” Henry said. “Look, there are the judges. I think they’re going to explain what happened.”
    The three judges whispered among themselves for a while. Then, one of them stepped forward. He held up his hands to quiet the crowd.
    â€œFolks,” the judge began, “I have some sad news about the baked goods competition. It seems that someone has deliberately damaged most of the contest entries. Out of a total of seven entries, two cakes and three pies were damaged.”
    â€œOh, no,” someone who was standing behind Violet said. Violet turned around. She came face to face with Kristie Stephens and her mother.
    â€œI can’t imagine why anyone would do such a thing,” Violet said. “Can you?”
    Kristie stared at the ground. Her face was beet red.
    â€œAttention, please, everyone,” the judge said. “The contest officials have asked me to announce that they are offering a reward. Fifty dollars will be given to anyone who provides information leading to the identity of the person or persons who have been damaging the property and entries in the Greenfield County Fair.”
    â€œI certainly hope that my lemon cake wasn’t damaged,” Mrs. Stephens called out. “I worked very hard on the frosting.”
    â€œI’m sure all the contestants worked hard on their entries,” the judge said. “We apologize for this awful turn of events. Unless we think of something quickly, the contest will have to be canceled.”
    The Aldens and Courtney and Michael began to whisper among themselves. Then Jessie raised her hand. “We have an idea that might work,” she said.
    â€œYes,” the judge said. “What’s your suggestion?”
    â€œMaybe the contest could be for the best- tasting baked goods. No matter how they look,” Jessie said.
    â€œThat’s a great idea,” the judge said, smiling. “The contest will be judged on taste alone. The appearance of the baked goods will not matter. Let’s start the competition!”
    The crowd