Don Beach reacts to a display on forensic science that included a jar of blood. He said it was the first time he had seen blood, although fake, in 35 years of judging the fair. To see more photographs of this event, log on to http://cu.faribaultcountyregister.com

Over 100 Blue Earth Area Elementary students tried their hands at creating projects for the annual science fair at the school. It was held last Thursday at Pemberton Auditorium.

There were 31 fourth graders participating, along with 82 fifth graders in this year’s science fair. It is optional for fourth graders, but mandatory for all fifth graders.

The students are divided into 12 groups, with 32 judges roaming the hall looking at all the exhibits. The fourth graders are each judged two times, the fifth graders three.

The judges are mainly local people from the community, and include businessmen and women, retired teachers and farmers.

After all the judging, a first and second place winner in each of the 12 groups is announced on Thursday afternoon at a program which is open to the public. The winner receives a trophy, the second place finisher gets a purple ribbon.

Both are then eligible to participate in the Regional Science Fair, held on May 2, in Mankato.

Student winners who qualify for the region have the option of attending or not. Teachers report that not all students will make the trip to Mankato.