Second Place, Amanda Vassaur, 17 of Fillmore.

Third Place, Joel Mayorga, 13 of Ventura.

May 13, 2012 - Ventura County children in Grades 5 through 12 competed in the third Ventura County Fair Poster Contest with entries that illustrated the Fair's 2012 Theme: "Rides, Ribbons & Rodeos". Of 45 entries, three were chosen by a panel of judges as the winners of the 2012 Ventura County Fair poster Contest.

First Prize went to Sam Coultas (18) of Ventura for his rendition of the Fair with an exciting Rodeo Rider in the foregrounds and a sweeping view of the Fair that includes the ocean and Channel Islands as well as an array of Fair Prize Ribbons. The work is rendered with amazing detail in watercolor paint with ink illustrations in a playful style that is colorful and fun.

Second place was won by Amanda Vassaur (17) of Fillmore for her vivid illustration of a Rodeo Rider in a style that is unique and skillfully colored. Visions of the Fair seem to leap off of the page as your eyes are drawn into the people, places and Fair things in this mesmerizing illustration.

Third place was awarded to Joel Mayorga (13) of Ventura for his electrifying depiction of a Fair Ribbon against an unmistakable Ventura County landscape peppered with creative images of carnival rides, Fair booths and people having a good time at the Fair. The artist's style illustrates the theme with whimsy and color.

"Congratulations to the talented winners of this year's contest," said Barbara Quaid, Fair CEO, adding "every artist who entered can be very proud of your uniquely crafted contributions to our community. You have told us many personal Fair stories, each in your own talented way. We thank every child who participated and encourage all children to continue creating and making art to share with us at the annual Ventura County Fair."

Cash Prizes are being awarded to the 3 winners and their artwork will be used to promote the 2012 Ventura County Fair. All contestants receive a prize and are invited to ride with the Junior Fair Board on a float in the
2012 Ventura County Fair Parade on Saturday, August 4. All contest entries will be displayed in the Youth Expo at the Ventura County Fair, August 1 - 12.

For more information about the Ventura County Fair, and to see the winning designs, please visit www.venturacountyfair.org.