The Mystery at the Fair Read Free Page B

“Mrs. McGregor is showing them how to make pie crust.”
    â€œI can’t wait to see how their pies turn out,” Violet said.
    â€œI can’t wait to taste one,” Jessie said.
    â€œYou’re starting to sound like Michael and Benny,” Courtney said as she climbed inside.
    Jessie and Violet showed Courtney their boxcar treasures. Courtney smiled when she saw Benny’s pink cup with the crack in it.
    â€œThis is a great place to play,” Courtney said.
    â€œIt sure is,” Jessie agreed. “We love it out here.”
    â€œYou’re just in time,” Violet said. “We’re about to get started on our fair projects.”
    â€œGood!” Courtney said. “I’ve bought something special to show you two.” She placed a small wooden box on the table. Jessie smiled when she saw what was inside.
    â€œLook at all the beautiful beads,” Jessie said as she scooped up a handful.
    â€œI’ve never seen anything like them,” Violet said. “I love the colors.” She held a small purple bead in her hand. It sparkled in the sunlight.
    â€œThese beads were made in Africa,” Courtney explained. “My parents brought them back for me when they visited there. I thought we could make a beaded necklace and earrings like some African women wear. Then we could enter them in the fair.”
    â€œThat’s a wonderful idea,” Jessie said.
    â€œHave you decided what you’re going to paint, Violet?” Courtney asked.
    â€œI finished the sketch last night,” Violet said.
    â€œI’d love to see it,” Courtney said.
    Violet opened her sketchbook and showed the drawing to Courtney. It was a vase, filled with flowers of all types, sitting on a small wooden table near a window.
    â€œThat’s going to be lovely,” Courtney said.
    â€œThank you,” Violet said. “I’m hoping one of us wins first place, then we can buy Grandfather’s surprise birthday present.”
    â€œOh, so that’s why you all want to win so much,” Courtney said, smiling. “That’s a wonderful way to use the prize money.”
    â€œHe’s always doing something nice for us,” Jessie explained. “We want to do something special for him.”
    â€œWell, let’s get started,” Courtney said. “The sooner we finish, the sooner we can enter the contest.”
    Violet set up her easel by the door, where the light was good. Jessie and Courtney arranged and rearranged the beads until they made just the right combination. The girls worked all morning on their projects.
    â€œLook, Violet,” Jessie said. “We’re finished with our necklace.”
    â€œOh,” Violet said. “It’s beautiful.”
    â€œWe need to buy some more silver wire before we can finish the earrings,” Jessie said.
    â€œYou’re right,” Courtney said. “There’s only enough left to make one earring.”
    â€œI need to go to the crafts store, too,” Violet said. “I’m just about out of yellow paint.”
    The girls walked into town to the crafts store. Jessie and Courtney followed Violet over to the art supplies aisle.
    â€œHere it is,” Violet said. “Shimmery Yellow #7. Can you see the little bits of metallic paper mixed in with the paint?”

    â€œI’ve never seen paint like that before,” Courtney said.
    â€œIt’s new,” Violet explained. “The metallic paper helps to reflect the light. It makes the paint look like sunshine. I’m going to use it to put the finishing touches on the flowers in my painting. The best thing about this paint is that as long as it’s still wet, it’s easy to remove. That way, if you make a mistake, you can still fix it.”
    â€œYour painting is going to be beautiful, Violet,” Jessie said. “Come on. Let’s find the wire we need to finish those earrings.”
    An