
There is a lot to see during the 10 days of the Kansas State Fair every year. From 4-H and FFA exhibits to the butter sculpture in the Pride of Kansas Building, the fair is the state’s largest food and agriculture classroom.
And while it’s neat to take a photo by the state’s largest pumpkin, or cheer on your favorite in the pig races, there are some on-site contests that allow for same-day entries from the public as space allows.
Agriculture
In the Pride of Kansas Building, home to the state’s agricultural and horticultural exhibits, there’s plenty of fun to be had along with visiting Kansas Agriland and taking a picture with this year’s butter sculpture.
Butter Sculpture Contest. This contest is set for Sept. 9 at the Pride of Kansas Building, with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m., and competitions starting at 1 p.m. There are two divisions: Youth, ages 17 and younger; and Adults, ages 18 and older. Entry fee is $1, and while pre-entry is recommended to guarantee space, on-site registration is allowed if space is available. Each competitor is provided a 1-pound block of butter, sponsored by Kansas Dairy, along with disposable gloves and plastic cutlery to create a butter sculpture matching the theme of this year’s fair, “A Day on the Farm.”
Best-Tasting Tomato Contest. Also located in the Pride of Kansas Agriculture Department, this contest is set for Sept. 10, with check-in beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the judging to start at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $1, and space is limited. There are Adult and Youth divisions, and the contest is sponsored by Kent and Becky McKinnis.
Corn Husking Contest. Set for Sept. 16, check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and the contest starts at 1 p.m. at the Pride of Kansas Agriculture Department. For an entry fee of $1, youth and adults can compete to see how many ears of corn they can shuck in the time allotted. Kansas Corn sponsors the contest.
Check out more rules and information in the Agriculture 2023 Handbook online at bit.ly/KSF2023aghandbook.
Foods
The Domestic Arts Building is one of the most popular stops for fairgoers looking to take in a little education (along with some air conditioning) at the fair. You might be able to catch a foods presentation at the demonstration kitchen.
Consider entering one of these special contests with same-day entries at the Domestic Arts Building this year.
It’s All About Bread. This contest, Sept. 8, is sponsored by the Kansas Wheat Commission and has three classes: Sourdough bread, Holiday bread, and Whole Wheat Quick Bread. Check-in begins a 9 a.m., with the contest judging at 1 p.m. Recipes must be included and the entry fee is $1.
Homemade Ice Cream & Topping Contest. This contest, Sept. 8, is sponsored by Kansas Dairy, with check-in starting at 1:30 p.m. and judging at 3 p.m. Enter at least 1 quart of ice cream or 1 pint of topping made from scratch. Recipes must be included and the entry fee is $1.
Cheesecake. This contest is also sponsored by Kansas Dairy and will be Sept. 16, with check-in at 9 a.m. and judging at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $1. There are two classes, Traditional or Plain, and Variation.
Biscuit Bake-Off. This live competition will see six adult competitors bake their best biscuit recipes at the Domestic Arts Building on Sept. 10, with check-in at 11:30 a.m. and judging starting at 1:30 p.m. Pre-entry is encouraged due to limited kitchen space. Stafford Flour Mills will supply the Hudson Cream Self-Rising Flour, with contestants bringing the rest of their supplies and ingredients from home.
Invent a Heart-Healthy Food. Entries will be received starting at 9 a.m., Sept. 12, with judging at noon. This contest, sponsored by the Kansas Soybean Commission, asks contestants to showcase the use of soy products in one of three classes: Desserts, Main Dishes, or Snacks. Be sure to catch the Cooking with Soybean Demonstration at 11:30 a.m. the same day.
Check out more contests, along with rules and information in the Foods 2023 Handbook online at bit.ly/ksf2023foodshandbook.
Remember, according to the Kansas State Fair rule book, unless it’s otherwise noted in the division rules, all exhibitors are required to submit entries by Aug. 1, along with a $1 processing fee per person and a $1 per item entry fee. Entries can still be submitted until Aug. 23, accompanied by a late fee, per exhibitor. Learn more at bit.ly/KSF2023competitiveagexhibit.
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