Every so often someone comes along with a fresh idea for the County Fair. Some stick, and then evolve into a regular event, and somewhere along the way that event then turns into one of the fair’s favorite features.

For example, many islanders can recall a time when there was no Zucchini 500. It’s true.

San Juan County’s Fairly Outrageous Trashion Fashion Show, heartwarming, homespun, inspired and somewhat absurd, and most appropriately named, is just such an event. Last year’s production hit a high note in both its “costuming” and attendance, and, it’s safe to say, proved to be the most outrageous of shows to date.

Spun from straw into gold by show founder Francie Hansen, Trashion Fashion, now in its fifth year, takes the concept of the Bravo Channel’s “Project Runway” to a whole different level, wherein pretty much any discarded, recyclable or throw-away item might end up somehow attached to a garment of any one of the many contestants, whom, we might add, have become increasing fondly of silly stage names as of late.

Hansen, who a year ago announced that the 2011 show would be her last event as den mother, came out of retirement shortly after last year’s show and is in fact back to run this year’s. Sounds like outrageously good fortune for the show itself.

Showtime is Wednesday, 8 p.m., on the Main Stage.