Antelope Valley Fair officials were inundated with more than 440 "peach"-themed entries for next year's AV Fair.

Reviewing the large crate of entries, marketing manager Wendy Bozigian remarked, "It's clear the community has fun with this contest and the cleverness of so many entries always creates a challenge when selecting a winner."

Nonetheless, the board of directors selected the entry submitted by Cindy Farrow, a kindergarten teacher at Mesquite Elementary in Littlerock, as this year's winner.

Her phrase "Peaches n' Screams" followed theme criteria and captures the essence of what the fair experience is all about. Bozigian continued, "We also look for themes that allow us to graphically express the excitement associated with the fair."

Farrow will ride in the 2008 AV Fair parade as a VIP, receive two tickets to all fair concerts and arena entertainment and will be recognized at the annual kick-off dinner held in August.

Additionally, the winner receives parking and entry passes to the Bridal Show on Jan. 13, the Home & Garden Show March 28-30 and the 11-day fair itself Aug. 22-Sept. 1.

When told of her winning entry, Farrow said, "I felt it appropriate to enter because of Littlerock's proud history of peach orchards."

With 70 years of fair themes on the books, the challenge of submitting a winning theme has become a community tradition. Board president Stephen McElroy commented, "I'm regularly approached by folks anticipating the next year's contest."

Fair officials indicated that they are considering establishing the theme criteria for multiple years, allowing contest regulars to 'think ahead."