All of Jacob Linden’s hard work during the 2019 Northwest Montana Fair has paid off.

The 9-year-old from Kalispell entered 58 items into seven different categories and was recently awarded the title of Open Class Exhibitor of the Year. The accolade is given to the open-class exhibitor with the most blue ribbons in at least five categories. Linden took home top honors in agriculture and horticulture, crafts, floriculture, home culinary and needlework. The winner receives a $100 gift card courtesy of Express Employment Professionals, along with the honor of having their name printed in the fair book in a list of Exhibitor of the Year recipients.

“I was really excited,” Jacob said of his victory. “I [can’t] wait to get the next fair book and then I could see my name in it.”

Linden and his brother, Dyson, 13, entered a combined total of 112 items, each hoping to claim the exhibitor of the year award. Jacob earned 29 blue ribbons, according to Flathead County Fairgrounds Office Coordinator Mark Niemeyer. Niemeyer noted that Dyson was Jacob’s stiffest competition, with 22 blue ribbons.

Jacob said he plans to help his brother chase the title next year.

“It feels really good and I’m really happy — and now I can help Dyson,” he said.