Numbers may have been down in the horticulture division at Central States Fair, but experts say entries have been better than ever.

Hubbard squash as big as basketballs, peaches as large as softballs, red torpedo onions and a blue pumpkin are nestled in with the rest of the fruits and vegetables lining the shelves at the Alfalfa Palace at the Central States Fairgrounds.

Superintendents NanCee Maynard and Mel Glover, both Master Gardeners, pointed out that the blue pumpkin was now ripe, but if left on the vine would eventually turn bright orange. They also pointed to the unusually colored spaghetti squash, with its smooth, bright orange surface next to a more traditional yellow neighbor.

Maynard applauded the efforts of the local gardeners as well as the army of volunteers and master gardeners, who brought in a rich harvest that belied a difficult growing season.

"They're the backbone of the fair," she said of the volunteers and gardening enthusiasts.

In a notable year of firsts, Maynard said the fruit division expanded as well.

"We've had our first ever peaches," she said.

Brought in by Mike Kissinger of Rapid City, Maynard said he recently moved to the state from California, where he showed garden entries at Fresno and Turlock. North Rapid City gardeners brought in an unusually good harvest to show at the fair as well, she said.

"They brought in a whole bunch of entries that are just beautiful," Maynard said.

But what has helped the 412 entries retain the freshness and beauty exhibited when they were entered last week has been the addition of central air conditioning.

"Our horticulture building has air conditioning for the first time," Maynard said.

Although that blast of cool air has helped extend the life of the entries, she was still disappointed in the 30 percent drop in entries since last year.

"We're way down in flowers and herbs," Maynard said.

Cream Puffery's Pat Clanton, also an avid gardener and 29-year fairgoer, said it wasn't surprising that entries were down in horticulture.

"It's been a tough year, with it being so hot and for so long," she said.

Contact Jomay Steen at jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com.