on.

For spectators there is a kaleidoscope of images to recall: leaping horses, Chinese acrobats, rabbits and chickens, floral arrangements, woodwork, terrariums and aquariums.

Popcorn, candy floss, hot dogs and ice cream.

Blazing sunshine, drenching rain, crowds and cameras, colourful outfits and crying babies.

For dozens of exhibitors the memories are of medals and ribbons won or lost -- the joy of competing, the gladness of winning, the disappointment of losing -- but knowing that, either way, their work brought pleasure to thousands.

Although entries in the various food sections were down at least 50 percent on last year -- there were no wedding cakes, for example -- those which were submitted reflected the usual hours of hard work and creative flair which have characterised previous Exhibitions.

In these photos, Taste 's camera captured some of the winning food section entries submitted by amateur and professional competitors of all ages.

Photos by Tony Cordeiro DON'T TOUCH! -- An anxious exhibition-goer tries to keep curious little fingers from touching the "passengers and crew'' of this nautical fantasy created by Mr. Norbert Fernandes of Fourways. Judges saluted his imagination and hours of hard work with a gold medal in the marzipan class of the Professional culinary section.

DAINTY MORSELS -- Eye appeal and attention to detail helped Dawn McCabe win with this attractive selection of petit fours .

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED! -- This dynamic showpiece, created entirely of chocolate and incorporating dozens of roses, was impressive enough to earn Simon Klingberg Jackson of the Elbow Beach Hotel pastry section a gold medal.