Blooming for a blue ribbon — dahlia lovers compete at the fair
Dahlia show Judge Mike Valler examines the entries at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Mike Valler helps Eileen Schmidt categorize her entry in the dahlia show at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Neighbors Laura Workman and Tom Woodhouse work together on their entries in the dahlia and gladiolus shows at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. Workman said this is her first year participating in the show. They have been growing their flowers together as part of a community for the event. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Dahlia show Superintendent Sharon Askelson and Kathy David write down entry information before the show at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Dahlia Show Judge Mike Valler examines the entries at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
A dahlia sits on the work table in the Floriculture Building at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Montana Dahlia Society member Pat Rankin prepares his entries for the dahlia show at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Mike Valler measures a dahlia to determine what size category it belongs in before the dahlia show at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
A dahlia is illuminated by the work table light as it is prepared for the show at Flathead County Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 18. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
From a 4-foot tall potted yellow dahlia to a 4-inch purple dahlia held between his fingers, Martin Rippens brought an array of flowers to compete at the Northwest Montana Fair on Friday.
Rippens, who has been around flowers his whole life, has been growing the beloved plant for decades...
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