Creative Activities

Creative Activities Competition

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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 will be available and registration will open on May 1.

• 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

Thank you to our 2023 creative activities special contest sponsors!

General Information

• Creative Activities Premium Book (PDF)
• Creative Activities FAQs (link)
• How to Enter Exhibits (PDF)
• Creative Activities Registration Video Tutorial (link)
• Delivery and Return Procedures (PDF)
• Map of Where to Deliver Exhibits (PDF)
• Minnesota State Fair Agricultural Society Rules (PDF)

Rules for Entry

Registration is REQUIRED.

Registration: All individuals must register entries online or via mail BEFORE entry closing on Aug. 1, 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.

Register Online

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

• Registration opens: Monday, May 1
• Registration closes: Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required for entries in ALL categories and must be completed online or mailed in by Aug. 1, at 4:30 p.m.

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

Results

2023 results will be posted on the first day of the fair, Thursday, Aug. 24. Please check back then.

• 2022 Baked Products results (PDF)
• 2022 Canned & Preserved Foods results (PDF)
• 2022 Collections results (PDF)
• 2022 Garment Making results (PDF)
• 2022 Handcrafts results (PDF)
• 2022 Needlecraft results (PDF)
• 2022 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.