Creative Activities

2020 Creative Activities Competition

The 2020 State Fair competitions have been canceled, but select virtual showcases will be held. Learn more.

Check back in the winter and spring for updated information about the 2021 fair. To get the latest State Fair competition news in your inbox, join our email list.

The creative activities department of the Minnesota State Fair presents an annual exhibition of the finest needlework, handcrafts, baking and canning that Minnesota has to offer. Participation is limited to Minnesota residents. The creative activities premium book is available the first Monday in May, and registration opens May 4.

• Baked Products – breads, cakes, cookies, pies
• Special Contests – part of Baked Products and Canning
• Canned & Preserved Foods – jams, jellies, pickles, butters, dried herbs, jerky
• Collections – stamp collections, postcard frames, creative collections scrapbooking
• Garment Making – adult, children and infant garments; including a junior division
• Handcrafts – woodworking, models, metalwork, weaving, porcelain arts, decorative crafts, dolls, soft toys
• Needlecraft – linens, quilts, rugs, crocheted, knitted items
• Work of Senior Citizens – competitions for senior citizens in needlecraft and handcrafts

General Information

• Creative Activities Premium Book (complete publication) (PDF 766k)
• How to Enter Exhibits (PDF 142k)
• Delivery and Return Procedures (PDF 145k)
• Frequently Asked Questions (link)
• Map of Where to Deliver Exhibits (PDF 1.9M)
• Minnesota State Fair Agricultural Society Rules (PDF 256k)

Rules for Entry

Registration is REQUIRED.

Registration: All individuals must register entries online or mail in BEFORE entry closing on Aug. 11 at 4:30 p.m. ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IF NOT REGISTERED PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE. If you need assistance, please contact the competition department at competition@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4417.

In the Canned & Preserved Foods categories, only USDA approved methods of food preservation (pressure canning or hot water bath) are accepted. You may view the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning at: foodsafety.cas.psu.edu/canningguide.html

Please read the premium book rules before beginning online registration, as you are responsible for the important rules and conditions it contains regarding your entries. Read How to Enter Exhibits before you begin.

Important Dates

• Opens: Monday, May 4
• Closes: Aug. 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required for entries in ALL categories and must be completed online or mailed in by 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11.

ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IF NOT REGISTERED PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE.

Results

• Baked Products results (PDF)
• Canned & Preserved Foods results (PDF)
• Collections results (PDF)
• Garment Making results (PDF)
• Handcrafts results (PDF)
• Needlecraft results (PDF)
• Work of Senior Citizens results (PDF)
• Previous years’ results are available in the digital archive.

More Information

For further information, please contact competition@mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4417.