Please note the schedule below is from 2018. Check back in May for the updated schedule!
People’s Choice Contests where the fairgoers get to select winners!
Daily Contests where special judges will examine entries and offer real-time feedback as they vote on winners during the event!
Open Class Competitions where entries will be judged prior to the fair opening and awards / ribbons will be placed on entries for fairgoers to see!
Each competition / contest above has multiple entry categories. Those details, contest rules and entry forms can be found in the Family Arts Book. A short summary of each competition / contest is also available below.
Please note that entries for the People’s Choice Contest and Open Class Competitions are due to the fair on Sunday, June 10th between 1p-5p. Please plan accordingly!
Click to download Family Arts Book with contest rules & entry forms.
Interesting in sponsoring the Family Arts Building or any of the competitions featured in the Family Art Building? Or perhaps you know of someone who might? Check out our Become a Sponsor page and help support the 501(c)3 not-for-profit Marion County Fair!
There are 3 categories for the People’s Choice Contests (described below). Items will be left on display throughout the fair for fairgoers to vote on their favorites.
Bring in your “Pinterest-inspired” picture frames. Let the artist in you frame your kid’s artwork, favorite photos, or nothing at all. Paint, stain or decorate your frame multi-media. Item needs to be able to hang or free-stand. Take a look on Pinterest and find your favorite inspiration to get the most votes!
Show us your whimsy with a fun fairy garden. Combine a favorite live plant with your fairy friends and accessories. Show everyone how the fairies are creative with their homes and gardens. *Plants may be watered if needed.
A new competition each day (and sometimes 2 competitions in a day)! Contest entries are accepted up to 2 hours prior to judging. Winners will be awarded at conclusion of the contest that day/night.
No, this isn’t the fair favorite “hog calling” contest! This is the contest to see which wife can get the attention of her husband with her own unique calling style and without a cell phone! Husbands, come on in and try to out-do your sweetheart too! Most original, wins!
You don’t have to be hitched within the last year or twenty, or even at all to play this fun, hilarious game! Couples can enter to show just how much they REALLY know about their partner by answering a few simple questions that only their partner may know. Uh-oh! Come join the fun and try to win the prizes for this laughter-filled event!
Sponsored by Lewis Jewelers – We all know that YOUR dad is the best dad in the whole wide world! So shout it from the rooftops with your favorite dad-calling voice and comments. Lets get loud and proud by calling Dad to supper, asking him to buy your favorite toy, and even whining to get his attention. Ear plugs not provided!
Start your recipe with any boxed mix and then add your secret ingredients to make it your own creation. This can be a dessert or a side dish. Bring your recipe with ingredients listed to surprise us all!
Who doesn’t love a great, creamy cheesecake? Start practicing with your favorite ingredients up until fair time to perfect that masterpiece that the judges will savor all night long. Plain, chocolate or with fruit; all are welcome. Ingredients are to be from scratch. No boxed mixes. Bragging rights permitted. Recipe required.
Sponsored by Crazy Charlie’s Salsa OLE! – Let’s get this party started! Bring in your favorite homemade salsa dip to spice up this evening. Hot. Mild. Even in-between. A great salsa is the perfect addition to lots of Hoosier dishes so let’s see which one will really hit the spot! Don’t forget your recipe!
Come try your best to “scramble” down the lane with an egg balanced , passed or tossed. It’s not really “hard” to do and that’s no “yolk.” Teams will compete until the last egg is laid! And why did the girl cry after the race? Because an egg-beater!
Sponsored by Indianapolis Speedrome – Teams will compete against each other to see who has the greatest knowledge of any and all sports related questions. Man-to-Man; Man-to-Woman; Woman-to-Woman, it doesn’t matter. Brush up on all those field stats and make sure you have the latest and greatest knowledge of your favorite teams. Sporting your favorite team jersey that night MAY get youanextrapointortwo! No cell phones allowed to search for answer.
Sponsored by B&H Professional – Quick! Fun! Winner! Inspired by the fun gameshow using everyday objects to shake, rattle or roll around with. Who knows what will be required in the Minute To Win It!!
Sponsored by Gluten Free Creations – Show everyone that Gluten Free desserts can be delicious. Gluten free cooking has come a long way. Please make sure your recipe is included. Please bring enough for 6 servings.
Got a great shot from on top of the ferris wheel? Have a picture of Uncle John devouring that elephant ear from last year? How about something taken during the week from the Horse Barn with all your friends. We would love to see your favorite and best Fair Selfie!
Sponsored by Adrian’s Orchard – FAIR FAVORITE!! Bring in your homemade apple pie. Be it traditional or you are trying something new, share your best pie making skills at the Fair. Make sure you invite all your friends and family to come watch you win with your mouth-watering entry! Recipes required.
Each category below has multiple sub-categories within it, so please download the family arts book via the button at the top to learn more and / or enter the competitions.
Here are images from past fair entries to the Family Arts competitions.