March 28, 2024

Iowa State Fair entry deadlines set

DES MOINES – The Iowa State Fair is home to more than 65,000 competitive entries each year from photography to wood projects and everything in between. Entrants in some competitive events may enter online, submit their entry by mail, postmarked by the deadline or deliver them in person, depending on the category entered. Premium books and entry forms can be accessed at www.iowastatefair.org.

While most entries are due July 1, deadlines do vary by department.

• June 8 – Fine art deadline – Fine Art entries must be submitted online at https://iowastatefair.artcall.org. No late entries will be accepted.

• June 16 – Photography deadline – Photography entries and entry form/fee need to be delivered to the fairgrounds by June 16. Mailed photography entries must be postmarked May 21-June 9.

• July 1 – deadlines – 4-H, ag. and hort. crops,* art access,* beef cattle, Boer goat, commercial wine,* creative arts and crafts,* dairy cattle, dairy goat, doll houses and miniature rooms,* fabric and threads,* FFA, floriculture, food,* heritage,* horse, llama, oenology - amateur wine and beer making, sheep, swine, and wood projects.

• July 14 – deadlines – ag mechanics and technology,* apiary – beekeeping, cowgirl queen,* dog, pigeon, poultry, rabbit, sheep shearing (entries accepted until Aug. 1 with a $10 late fee), stock dog trials and wool show entries.

*Must be a resident of Iowa to enter.

For more information regarding entry deadlines, competitions or the online entry system, contact the competitive events department at 515-262-3111 ext. 207.