BUFFALO, N.Y. — The annual Erie County Fair is not just fun and games, there is also a new list of some friendly competitions that will be taking place this summer.
The Erie County Fair has added a list of multiple new competitions for those of all ages to enter.
New competitions and their descriptions that you can participate in at the 2024 fair include the following:
- Culinary Arts Division- this division returns after a several year hiatus.
- Baking Competition- A baking competition with classes for Cookies, Cakes, Yeast Bread, Quick Breads, Pie Baking, Cobbler, and Candy. There is also a separate division for Junior bakers as well.
- Baked Decorating Extravaganza- This is an ‘On The Spot Competition’ - In this competition, exhibitors will have one hour to decorate their item in a Carnival Fun or Erie County Fair theme at the Fair. There are classes for cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. Judging will be based on originality, appearance and general appeal.
- The Chalk Art Competition is an ‘On The Spot Competition’ - Competitors will have six hours to create chalk masterpieces at the Fair that will be judged on originality, appearance, and general appeal.
- Adult Lego Building Competition- This is an ‘On The Spot Competition’ - Adults will be given two hours at the Fair to create an original Lego® design from the specific kit provided.
- Quilt Square Competition- Exhibitors will submit a creative quilt square from kit provided. Following the fair, the quilt squares will be combined to create a larger quilt that will be auctioned off at a membership event with the proceeds to benefit the Erie County Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund.
- Decorative Canning (under Canned Goods) - This competition combines the worlds of art and canning into one beautiful creation! Exhibitors will follow pickling guidelines after they cut, shape, and style the items in their jar. Each jar must have at least three vegetables and/or fruit included but positioned to be decorative and eye-appealing.
- Total Mixed Ration (in Farm Products) - Exhibitors can showcase their livestock feed, aka Total Mixed Ration (TMR), by entering a three-pound diet sample that will be judged on appearance, moisture content and quality of combined feed items with valuations provided by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services.
- Community Garden Competition- This competition is open to School Gardens, Urban Gardens and CSA's. Each garden will submit their best collection of eight vegetables.
- Sprouting Chef’s- This competition is open to any school garden or school garden club. Student Garden Clubs will submit their prepared recipe (i.e. salsa) that uses at least two ingredients grown in their school’s garden. This competition includes showcasing the planting, growing and harvesting from the school garden club plus their recipe.
Children as young as five-years-old are also encouraged to take part in the Junior Creative Arts submissions that will include Lego building block sculptures, handmade jewelry, doll making and more.
The deadline to enter for most of the competitions will be on July 12. For those interested in entering or learning more, you can do so on their website here.
You can also email your questions to Entries@ECFair.org or call 716-649-3900 x6407 for any other information needed.