Hey folks, it's Elizabeth, and today I want to talk to you about one of my favorite parts of summer: The Minnesota State Fair Creative Activities competition.
I want to encourage each and every one of you to consider entering something in the State Fair this year! See some highlights from previous years in the photos below!
Entering your projects in the State Fair is easy, and it's open to everyone who lives in Minnesota. There are dozens of categories for sewing, knitting, and all kinds of needlework and crafts.
I know, it can seem daunting to submit your work to be judged and displayed next to everyone else's work, but remember, we are all our own worst critics. I promise you, your work IS good enough to enter!
My absolute favorite part of attending the fair is walking through the Creative Activities building and seeing all the sewing and fiber crafts. And I want to see YOUR work too! To make the event fun and enjoyable for everyone, we've got to be brave and show off our stuff. Plus it's a great way to inspire even more people to sew and be creative.
So how does it all work? Read on for all my favorite tips and info.
Make a thing. The rules state you need to have finished the item in the last three years, so it doesn't need to be made specifically for the fair. You could sew something new or choose your favorite recent make.
Choose your category. They can get VERY specific! Garment sewing is divided into over 60 different categories, and the entire event has hundreds of entry classes, covering sewing, quilting, knitting, and more.
Check out the competition. There's no way to know in advance how many people will enter each category, but you can get an estimate by looking at last year's results. In 2022, there were 10 entries in the blouse category (class 403) but only 1 for sleeveless shift or jumper (class 413). If you're in it to win it, picking a category with fewer entrants can help you play the odds and have a better chance at success.
Register online. You do have to register in advance! Click here to see the full info! Register by Tuesday Aug. 1, at 4:30 p.m. and drop off your articles in person on the specified drop-off days.
Ok but what can you win??? Maybe you want to enter something just for the community spirit, but I won't judge if you're eyeing the prizes! Here's what you might win:
Ribbons! A small, tangible token of a job well done. Ribbons are awarded based on judges' scores, plus Sweepstakes ribbons that are given to the outstanding entry in certain categories.
Glory! Yeah, you won a thing! You did great! And now you get to bask in the admiration of your friends and loved ones!
Cash prizes! For most of the ribbons, it's just a token prize of a few dollars, but the Sweepstakes ribbons can come with much larger sums!
Good feelings! You participated in a community event and brought joy and inspiration to the thousands of people who attended the State Fair.
Click here to learn more and register at the MN State Fair website!
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