Deadline for submitting entries for the Iowa State Fair is July 1st
The Iowa State Fair is gearing up for a floral extravaganza, with a variety of horticulture contests scheduled throughout August. Here's a rundown of the events, their requirements, and some key rules to remember.
August 6 sees the Agricultural and Horticultural Crops Judging Schedule taking place. This is followed by the Junior and Intermediate Shows (Division 202-203) on the same day.
On August 7, the horticulture festivities kick off early with the Hosta Leaf Show (Division 205) at 8:00 a.m. The judging schedule for the day includes Corn Creations, Soybean Creations, Farm Crops, Fruit Crops, Weed Identification Contest, Big Pumpkin Contest, and the Adult Seed Picture (Division 220, Class 500) (requires advanced registration). The Rose Show (Division 204) and Iowa Perennials (Division 220, Class 501) (requires advanced registration) also take place on this day.
August 9 is a day filled with floral delights. The Best Tasting Tomato contest, the Show Off Your Talent Flower Show (Division 201, Classes 1-6), and the Rose Show are all scheduled. The afternoon also hosts the Salsa Basket contest.
On August 10, the Hosta Leaf Show makes a return, while August 11 features the Flower Identification Contest (Division 220, Class 507) (requires advanced registration).
August 12 is a busy day with judging for Vegetables, Jumbo Exhibits, Edible Nuts, Herbs, Hot Peppers, Hot Pepper Plant in Patio Container, and the Fruit, Vegetable and Nut Identification Contest.
August 13 is another action-packed day. The Fruit, Vegetable and Nut Identification Contest, Fresh Floral Design (Division 220, Class 508) (requires advanced registration), and the Holiday Design (Division 220, Class 509) (requires advanced registration) are all scheduled.
August 14 welcomes the Guess How Many Rose Petals contest (Division 220, Class 510) (requires advanced registration), and August 15 hosts the Iowa Floral Design (Division 220, Class 512) (requires advanced registration), Fairy Gardens (Division 220, Class 514) (requires advanced registration), Succulent Garden (Division 220, Class 515) (requires advanced registration), and Adel's Finest (Division 220, Class 513) (requires advanced registration).
All entrants are required to submit their entries by July 1st to avoid disqualification from exhibiting in county fairs and the Iowa State Fair horticulture contests. Participants generally need to be members in good standing of relevant organizations such as 4-H or FFA, and eligibility often depends on enrollment status and age or grade level, per standard fair participation rules.
For the most precise and comprehensive rules, consulting the official Iowa State Fair Horticulture Division guidelines or fairbook directly is recommended. The detailed horticulture contest rules, including preparation and exhibit guidelines, are found in the official Iowa State Fair rulebook, page 46.
So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding green thumb, the Iowa State Fair offers a plethora of opportunities to showcase your horticultural skills. Mark your calendars and get ready to bloom at the fair!
- Engaging in gardening and horticulture is a great way to participate in the Iowa State Fair's floral extravaganza, with numerous contests for plants, flowers, and home-and-garden related items scheduled throughout August.
- Exhibitors should prepare their entries carefully, as submission deadlines for the horticulture contests at the Iowa State Fair are on July 1st.
- Besides enjoying the various contests, visitors can also appreciate the lifestyle displays of show-worthy gardens, such as Fairy Gardens, Succulent Gardens, and Holiday Designs, which require advanced registration.
