Be A Competitor

Open Class Non-Livestock Entries

2026 Competition Results Available!

Showcase your talents at the Clay County Fair through Open Class Non-Livestock Competitions. From photography and fine arts to baking, field & garden, and more — exhibitors of all ages are invited to participate.

For questions, please contact the Competition Department at competition@claycountyfair.com or 712.580.3000 ext. 219.

Department Check-In & Judging Schedule

Check-in dates, judging schedules, and exhibit release times vary by department. Use the table below to find important dates for your exhibits.

For complete department rules, entry requirements, and class listings, please refer to the exhibitor handbooks below.

DEPARTMENTCHECK-INJUDGINGRELEASE
Canned Goods & Honey ProductsSeptember 8September 9September 20 & 21
Creative ArtsSeptember 4 & 5September 8September 20 & 21
Fields & GardensSeptember 9 & 10September 11September 20
FloricultureSee HandbookSee HandbookSee Handbook
Home Wine & Craft BeerSeptember 8September 9September 20 & 21
Oven ProductsSeptember 11 & 17See HandbookSeptember 21 & 21
PhotographySeptember 4 & 5September 8September 20 & 21

Exhibitor Handbooks

Homemade Pickled Vegetables in Jars Ready to Eat

Canned Goods & Honey Products

Paint brushes on artist canvas covered  with oil paints

Creative Arts

organic vegetables and fruits,

Fields & Gardens

single flower full blossomed

Floriculture

Line of wine bottles. Close-up.

Home Wine & Craft Beer

Bread, traditional sourdough bread cut into slices on a rustic wooden background. Concept of traditional leavened bread baking methods. Healthy food.

Oven Products

Close up of vintage photographic prints, film camera and on a rustic wooden table.

Photography