Treat Your Fair Brain: Fields & Gardens and Floriculture Bring the Cure to the 2026 Clay County Fair

Spencer, Iowa – From towering corn stalks and giant pumpkins to award-winning floral displays and creative botanical designs, the Fields & Gardens and Floriculture Departments at the 2026 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, offer exhibitors countless ways to showcase their talents. Whether your Fair Brain symptoms lean toward competitive growing, floral artistry, or whimsical creativity, these departments provide opportunities for exhibitors of all ages and experience levels to get involved in one of the Fair’s most beloved traditions.

Fields & Gardens: The Cure for Your Fair Brain

If your Fair Brain symptoms include competitive gardening, giant pumpkins, or an uncontrollable urge to measure your corn stalks, the Fields & Gardens Department at the 2026 Clay County Fair may be exactly the treatment you need.

With the 2026 Fair taking place later in the growing season, September 12-20, this year’s Fields & Gardens competitions are perfectly timed for fall favorites like corn and pumpkins to take center stage.

Corn growers can compete for top honors in two featured classes. The Special Clay County Award Class is open to corn grown within the boundaries of Clay County, with the winning exhibitor earning the title of “County Champion Corn Grower.” The Special District Award Class is open to all exhibitors regardless of residence, with the winner crowned the “District Champion Corn Grower.”

Visitors will also want to keep an eye on the Department’s crowd-favorite oddities contests, including Largest Pumpkin, Tallest Corn Stalk, Tallest Sunflower Stem, and Largest Sunflower Head, exhibits that continue to draw attention year after year.

You don’t need a full garden to get involved, either. The Fields & Gardens Department offers several creative opportunities for exhibitors of all skill levels, including three decorated pumpkin classes, decorative corn displays, the functional and creative Garden Scarecrow Contest, and the whimsical Yard People Contest.

Whether you’re growing blue-ribbon produce, building a scarecrow, or creating a one-of-a-kind display, the Fields & Gardens Department offers countless ways to showcase your creativity at the Clay County Fair. Entries are open to exhibitors from any county or state.

Exhibitors are encouraged to review the 2026 Exhibitor Handbook for complete rules and guidelines. Handbooks are available online at Clay County Fair or may be picked up at the Fair Administrative Office.

Online pre-registration for Open Class Non-Livestock entries closes on August 3. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register to help speed up the check-in process and assist departments in preparing for judging. Exhibitors may still enter exhibits in person during department check-in dates. Fields & Gardens entries will be accepted at the Fields & Gardens Building on Wednesday, September 9, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, and Thursday, September 10, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Exhibitors entering in person are encouraged to bring completed entry forms.

Floriculture: A Fresh Dose of Fair Brain Every Day

If your Fair Brain symptoms include stopping to admire every flower bed, rearranging bouquets at home, or suddenly wanting to become a floral designer, the Floriculture Department at the 2026 Clay County Fair has the perfect prescription.

Co-sponsored by the Clay County Federated Garden Club and the Loess Hills Gourd Society, the Floriculture Department will feature more than 100 divisions celebrating flowers, plants, gourds, floral artistry, and horticulture throughout the nine-day Fair.

Unlike many exhibits at the Fair, Floriculture is constantly changing. Five unique flower, botanical, and horticulture shows will take place throughout the Fair, meaning visitors will discover something new each time they step into the building. Displays featured early in the week will differ from those showcased in the middle and final days of the Fair.

The 2026 department will also feature several special classes celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America, encouraging exhibitors to incorporate patriotic themes and creative flair into their entries.

Exhibitors can showcase their talents in everything from roses, annuals, and perennials to floral design competitions and artistic botanical displays. Visitors can also join the fun by voting in select “People’s Choice” design contests throughout the Fair.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener, a floral enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a creative cure for Fair Brain, the Floriculture Department offers endless inspiration throughout all nine days of the Clay County Fair.

Exhibitors planning to participate in the design division should note that pre-registration is required for all tables, exhibition tables, niches, mantels, and pedestals. Exhibitors are also encouraged to review the 2026 Exhibitor Handbook for complete rules and guidelines. Online pre-registration for Open Class Non-Livestock entries closes August 3, 2026. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register to help speed up the check-in process and assist departments in preparing for judging.

From fresh flowers and floral arrangements to giant vegetables and imaginative displays, the Fields & Gardens and Floriculture Departments continue to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit that define the Clay County Fair. Whether exhibiting for the first time or continuing a long-standing Fair tradition, participants are invited to share their talents and help bring these vibrant departments to life during the 2026 Clay County Fair, September 12-20.

About The Clay County Fair & Events Center

Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair and Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 200 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Clay County Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at www.claycountyfair.com.

 

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