Treat Your Fair Brain: Creative Arts Brings the Cure to the 2026 Clay County Fair

Spencer, Iowa – If your Fair Brain symptoms include collecting craft supplies, starting new projects before finishing old ones, or finding inspiration in every quilt, painting, or handmade creation you see, the Creative Arts Department at the 2026 Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, may have exactly the cure you need.

The Creative Arts Department celebrates creativity in all its forms, offering exhibitors of all ages the opportunity to showcase their talents in needlework, painting, quilting, patchwork, woodworking, and much more. Whether you’re a lifelong artist, a dedicated hobbyist, or someone trying a new creative skill for the first time, the department provides a welcoming place to share your work and be part of a long-standing Fair tradition.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Special Feature Class will be “250th Independence Day.” Exhibitors are invited to honor the nation’s milestone birthday through creative projects inspired by patriotism, history, community, and the American spirit.

Entries may highlight themes such as freedom, heritage, hometown pride, military appreciation, Americana, red, white, and blue traditions, or visions for America’s future. The special feature class encourages participants to celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that have shaped the United States since 1776 while showcasing their creativity through a variety of artistic mediums.

Returning in 2026 is the popular Memorable Collections division, sponsored by Signe Kim Lauridsen-Jones. This unique competition invites exhibitors to create displays featuring treasured collections and share the stories behind them. Entries should include items that best represent the collection, along with a brief explanation of how the collection began and why it holds special meaning.

A total of $1,000 in cash premiums will be awarded through the Memorable Collections division, with prizes distributed among category winners. Due to the special nature of the competition, all Memorable Collections entries must be pre-registered. Entries will be received on Thursday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The Creative Arts Department also recognizes the generous sponsors who support numerous award categories throughout the department, including Clover Cottage, Quilted Steeple, Arts on Grand, The Bee Hive, Prairie Woolens, Quilters Portable, Vermeer Glass Art, and the Victoria Axtell Family.

Creative Arts offers countless opportunities for participation because creativity comes in many forms. A handcrafted quilt, a painted canvas, a woodworking project, a scrapbook, or a cherished collection can all become award-winning exhibits and meaningful additions to the Fair experience.

Entries are open to exhibitors from any county or state. Participants are encouraged to review the 2026 Exhibitor Handbook for complete rules and guidelines. The 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. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by August 15. Exhibitors may also enter exhibits in person during department check-in dates. Creative Arts entries will be accepted at the Creative Living Building 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 traditions, creating something entirely new, or simply looking for a creative cure for Fair Brain, the Creative Arts Department offers an opportunity to share your talents, connect with fellow exhibitors, and become part of the Clay County Fair tradition.

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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