New kids’ competitions at the Iowa State Fair

     There’s no better place to be a kid then the Iowa State Fair, and kids love the chance to win ribbons! Kids in all age categories have a chance to enter a favorite food, photo, art project, seed art, and more at the Iowa State Fair. Learn about entering a new Ag Art Contest at the Fair, as well as your favorite competitions.

   New in 2023, kids can enter the Ag Art Contest. There are four age divisions: 3-4 years old, 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-12 years old, as well as a division for youth and adults with intellectual development disabilities of any age. Each entry should be a drawing demonstrating the theme “Farmers are Heroes” on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper. Each drawing should be in color, using a medium of your choice. Ag Art Contest entries are due Monday, July 10.

   Find Ag Art Contest rules and entry forms at iowastatefair.org/visit/kid-friendly-activities. Mail entries to: Ag Art Contest, Iowa State Fair, P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317-0003.

   There are also competitions for kids to enter a favorite food, photo, art piece, and seed art at the Fair. Did you know there are over 30 food divisions kids can enter at the Fair, ranging from your favorite snacks to candy and s’mores?

   Competition opportunities are also available for youth creativity and artistry. Fine Art and Photography departments have specific age categories for kids to enter art pieces and photography, and kids can design a picture using seeds in the Floriculture department. Entrants in the Creative Arts and Crafts department can even find youth divisions, including building blocks, paper crafts, basketry, China painting, and tole and decorative painting. Youth can also enter fabric and threads projects at the Fair.

   Simply check out iowastatefair.org, click on the different categories and departments and submit your entry by the listed deadline.