When visitors walk through the Arts and Crafts entries at the Angelina County Fair next week, they may notice something unusual among the entries — a set of seashell trees with interchangeable seasonal toppers.
Those trees were created by Lanna Rice.
Lanna, the daughter of Luther and Lindsey Rice, is carrying on a family tradition of participating in the county fair along with her older brother, Ledger. Lanna’s mom says she is a very sweet kind gentle soul, who loves Jesus and making friends. She is a 9-year-old in 4th grade at Pineywoods Community Academy in Lufkin.
Her parents were both involved in youth livestock and project programs growing up, and now they are watching their own children experience many of the same opportunities.
Last year Lanna showed rabbits and entered cookies in the fair. This year she decided to try something different by entering the Arts and Crafts division while also showing a goat.
Her project began with a collection of seashells gathered during family vacations.
“My arts and crafts project this year is a set of seashell trees with interchangeable tops,” Lanna explained. “My family collects seashells when we go on vacations and my mom had a lot saved. I wanted to make something unique so I came up with the idea of interchangeable magnet toppers so they can change with the seasons.”
Her mother Lindsey says the fair allows children to explore different interests.
“It’s all about finding what you like and enjoy doing,” she said. “I love seeing our kids grow and discover what they enjoy and what they’re good at. Sometimes it’s stressful, but it’s worth it for the kids.”
The Rice family has certainly stayed busy with fair projects. Ledger has shown pigs, goats and lambs and is building a kitchen hutch for the arts and crafts competition this year. He is also involved in both FFA and 4-H and recently served as an ambassador for the fair.
Lanna’s goat project has also tested her determination.
“The goat she has this year can be really stubborn,” Lindsey said with a smile. “But she shows him who is boss. We’ve seen some grit in her this year that we didn’t know was there.”
The Arts and Crafts division at the fair, sponsored by SafeCo Security Systems, includes categories such as fine arts, photography, woodworking, metal-work, and an open division. Nearly 300 students from across Angelina County will enter projects ranging from jewelry and quilts to benches, mosaics, sculptures and photography.
Creating her project required patience — and plenty of hot glue.
“The hardest part was the glue,” Lanna said. “I did so much gluing and even burned myself. But I learned you can use thimbles on your fingers so you don’t burn yourself.”
Despite the challenges, she says creating art has been worth the effort.
“It’s fun and exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking,” she said. “It builds confidence knowing you were the person who put in the hard work.”
Entries will be judged Thursday afternoon at the fairgrounds, with results announced later that evening. The top projects from the pre-junior, junior and senior divisions will be sold during the youth auction on Saturday at 4 p.m.
As for me, I’ll be pulling for Lanna’s seashell trees.
Projects like hers remind us that the county fair is not only about livestock. It is also a place where young people can discover creativity, learn patience, and take pride in something they built with their own hands.
For more information about this year’s fair, visit www.angelinacountyfair.com.
