Show off your creations at the County Fair

Stephens County Free Fair offers something for everyone with Open Class Exhibits, Contests

The Stephens County Free Fair is Aug. 16-19 at Stephens County Fairgrounds in Duncan. Open Class Exhibits are open to any Stephens County resident. Many visitors to the annual fair know about the photography contest, horticulture, quilting exhibits and baked goods, including the most popular pie contest. New categories (contests) have been added this year, including the Crochet a Chain contest and a Decorated Cupcake contest. More details below.

Entries will be accepted between 4 and 7 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 16, unless listed differently for a special contest.

There will be Open Class, 4-H and Oklahoma Home and Community Education, educational displays and a variety of exhibits on everything from

eggs, garden produce, honey, fine arts, photography, needlework, crafts, baked goods and house plants to mention, and more.

Share your talents and collect your own ribbons and awards by participating in some of the competitions.

Entry information and a listing of competitive classes are available in the 2023 Stephens County Free Fair book, available at the Stephens County Extension Office and Stephens County Fair & Expo Office located on the fairgrounds at 2002 S. 13th St. in Duncan.

Download the fair book and complete schedule of events and entry details at http:stephenscountyfairandexpocenter.com.

Crochet a Chain Contest is one of the newest contests. It will be at 6 p.m. Thursday Aug. 17, in the Heritage Room of the Fairgrounds Conference Center. Contestants must furnish own crochet needle size H. Thread will be provided. Contestants will have five minutes to crochet a chain. The longest chain wins! There are both youth and adult divisions, with cash prizes to the top three finishers. First place is awarded $16.00; 2[nd] place - $14; and 3[rd] place - $12. Contestants must arrive early to pre-enter. The contest begins at 6:05 p.m.

The 5th annual Open Pedal Tractor Pull, one of the fair's most popular contests, starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in the Livestock Arena. Pre-entries start at 9:30 a.m. and are open for youth ages 4-11 years.

There are many opportunities for Artists to enter their work. Artist of all ages share their talents by showcasing their paintings with classes for oil, acrylic and watercolor. Drawings with pen and ink as well as graphite pencil and pastel are exhibited as well. The Mixed Media class is open to works in charcoal, collage, string art, scissor art, etc.

Photography Contest is open to photographers of all ages, backgrounds and experiences levels. Everyone is invited to enter their best single images into the open contest. The photography contest has grown to be one of our most popular contests at the County Fair. Photos are judged on their artistic perspectives of composition and design. Check out all the classes to enter on Pages 19-21 of the Open Class Fair

Book. Entries are taken from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 16.

Do you or a family member make the best Salsa, Jam or Jelly? Bring your best home canned food entries to compete for blue ribbons in the Food Preservation Division. Details are found on page 29 of the fair book. Home canning is judged by standards in home food preservation. Canned goods are not opened.

Baked Goods provides opportunities to enter your favorite cookie, brownie, or candy to compete for ribbons and bragging rights!

Best of Wheat Bread Baking Contest

Nothing tastes better than fresh home baked bread! Bread Bakers bring your entries to the Heritage Room of the Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center between 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Grand Champion and Reserve Champion receive an award from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. Both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion qualify to enter the State Fair Best of Wheat Bread Contest. Judging for this event is closed and entrants can see their placing at 1 p.m. Thursday when the exhibit hall open for viewing.

Details of the Bread Contest are on pages 28 and 29 in the Open Class Fair Book.

This is one of those categories everyone will love because you just Gotta Love Decorated Cupcakes!

"We are excited to announce the "Decorated Cupcake" contest at the Stephens County Fair," said Brenda Gandy-Jones. Entry consists of three decorated cupcakes on a plate and sealed in a Ziploc bag. Bakers bring entries to the Heritage Room of the Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center between 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Cupcakes will be judged on taste and appearance. Judging for this event is closed and entrants can see their placing on Thursday at 1 p.m. when the exhibit hall opens for viewing.

Decorated Cakes are judged on "Decoration Only" and will not be cut. Due to limited display space please do not bring large cakes, and the preferred size is less than 12" x 12"x12." Entry is listed under "BAKED GOODS" on page 24 of the Open Class Fair Book.

Awards are available for both Youth and Adult entries. Bakers should bring their entries to the Heritage Room of the Stephens County Fairgrounds Conference Center between 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Judging for this event is closed and entrants can see their placing

on 1 p.m. Thursday when the exhibit hall opens for viewing.

Don't miss the Pie Show - "Best Pie and Best Pie Baker" are the most exciting titles awarded during the Stephens County Fair Pie Show. The homemade pie contest is held on Friday, Aug. 18. Judging begins promptly at 3 p.m. Entries will be accepted between 2 and 3 p.m. on the stage in Territory Hall. It is usually standing room only during the big judging event. Even novice pie bakers have been known to win awards. Pies are judged on flavor, texture of crust and filling, and general appearance. A copy of each recipe is required for judging. See page 27 of the Open Class Fair Book for classification and more information. Bring your best pie to compete for the title of Best Pie Baker. Aprons are awarded to Best Pie and Best Pie Maker in both youth and adult divisions. The judging of the pie competition is open to the public and all are invited to watch and hear the judge's comments.

If you have always wondered about entering the fair, make 2023 the year to try something new. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the Stephens County Free Fair. For more information, contact the Extension office at 580-255-0510.