Exciting Updates, New Competitions at 2019 Clay County Fair

The Clay County Fair announces 19 new contests for the 2019 Clay County Fair. Whether you are baker, a tinkerer, a photographer, or an at-home brewer, there is something for everyone to get involved in at this year’s Fair, September 7-15.

Along with the new contests, increased cash premiums and added prizes will make 2019 a year of change for exhibitors. Premiums have been increased in the canned goods and dried foods, fields and gardens, and floriculture departments, while additional prizes have been added to home wine and craft beer making competition.

“The Fair is a showcase for everyone,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons. “And by ‘everyone,’ we truly mean ‘everyone’ because anyone in the world can enter their blue ribbon best at the Fair.”

The Town and Country Innovation Show is shifting their entry day to Thursday, Sept. 5, and will again feature the Bucket of Junk Challenge. The challenge, in its second year, allows fairgoers to let their creative juices run wild and create something out of a bucket of junk.

The Oven Products Department makes up a bulk of the new competitions with 14 new additions this year, including Clay County Pork Producer’s Breakfast Tacos, King Arthur Flour’s Classic Apple Crisp Contest, and the Clay County Cattlemen’s Shepherd’s Pie Contest.

Fields and Gardens, formerly the Agriculture Department, has increased cash premiums for the “best of blues” winners. The department also has new check-in times on Wednesday Sept. 4 and Thursday, Sept. 5. The Floriculture Department has also increased cash premiums in some classes, and has added new competitions for sunflowers, planters, and table design. New sponsors and prizes have been added to the Home Wine & Craft Beer Department, including new classes for specialty beer and ale.

The Photography and Textiles, Crafts and Arts Departments will also have new changes this year. For photographers, the new sponsored “Proud” class gives exhibitors a chance for a wide interpretation of capturing the feeling of “Proud to be a Fan.” Crafters can participate in several new sponsored classes including Creative Use of Batting, Yarn Projects, and All in the Hoop Embroidery.

Details about these new competitions, as well as hundreds of other blue-ribbon opportunities, can be found at www.claycountyfair.com. Complete exhibitor handbooks with rules, information, and entry procedures are available online or at the Fair Administrative Offices.