Treat Your Fair Brain: Photography Brings the Cure to the 2026 Clay County Fair
Spencer, Iowa – If your Fair Brain symptoms include constantly snapping photos, searching for the perfect angle, or filling your camera roll with memories, the Photography Department at the 2026 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, has the perfect prescription.
Photography remains one of the most accessible ways to participate in the Fair, welcoming exhibitors of all ages and experience levels. Whether using a digital camera or capturing moments as a hobby, photographers can showcase their creativity, technical skill, and unique perspective through one of the Fair’s most popular Open Class departments.
The department features 15 divisions, including Color Photography, Black-and-White Photography, and Creative Photography, as well as 12 sponsored divisions that offer exhibitors additional opportunities to compete for awards and recognition.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, many of the sponsored divisions will feature patriotic themes in 2026, encouraging photographers to capture the people, places, traditions, and moments that reflect the American spirit. From hometown celebrations and community traditions to scenes of everyday life, exhibitors are invited to explore what patriotism means through their own lens.
Several divisions will feature unique themes, including “Helping Our Wildlife” in the Conservation Division and “Streetscapes” in the Film Division. New for 2026, the Spencer History Division, sponsored by the City of Spencer’s Historic Preservation Commission, will feature the theme “Patriotic: Telling Spencer’s Story.”
The new division offers photographers a chance to document the landmarks, architecture, events, and community spirit that have helped shape Spencer’s history. As the nation celebrates 250 years of history, the class encourages exhibitors to preserve and share the stories that make Spencer unique.
Photography offers countless opportunities for participation because great subjects can be found almost anywhere. A favorite family tradition, a local event, a wildlife encounter, a beautiful Iowa landscape, or a meaningful moment in everyday life could all become award-winning entries.
Exhibitors may enter up to 12 photographs, with one entry allowed per class. All photographs must have been taken since the beginning of the 2025 Clay County Fair and must be entered under the name of the person who took the photograph. Entries must be at least 5 x 7 inches and, including matting, cannot exceed 12 x 16 inches. Exhibitors should consult the 2026 Exhibitor Handbook for complete requirements for mounting, matting, and entry. The 2026 Exhibitor Handbook is available online at the Clay County Fair website 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. Photography entries will be accepted at the Photography Center on Friday, September 4, from noon to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Exhibitors entering in person are encouraged to bring completed entry forms.
Whether you’re preserving family memories, documenting local history, capturing the beauty of Iowa, or simply looking for a creative cure for Fair Brain, the Photography Department offers an opportunity to share your perspective and become part of a long-standing Clay County Fair tradition. Entries are open to exhibitors from any county or state.
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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