Competitions, Contests and Exhibit Entries
There are many different contests and competitions to enter at the fair for both youth and adults alike. There are multiple age groups, categories, and specifications for each type of contest. Click HERE to see the 2024 Public Competitions Handbook. The 2025 Public Competitions Handbook will be available in Spring 2025. The handbook will assist you with full rules and class information for registering.
Thank you for your interest in entering the public competitions at the Marion County Fair. Online registration has closed for the 2024 fair, please contact the fair office at 503.585.9998 if you have questions. Sign up for our eNewsletter HERE and be the first to know when registration opens for next year’s fair.
ALL ENTRIES (EXCEPT FLORAL) MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED
See yourself at the fair!
- Step 1: Make it, Bake it, Grow it, Show it – we want your Arts & Crafts, Baking, Decorating & Décor, Lego Creations, Photography, and more!
- Step 2: See the Public Competitions Handbook and REGISTER YOUR ENTRIES using the button below.
- Step 3: Bring your items to Columbia Hall during the scheduled Intake times.
- Step 4: Come back during The Marion County Fair and see if you’ve won!
- Step 5: Come back during Pick-Up to retrieve your items and ribbons!
Each participant receives one FREE Fair Admission!
Online registration closed for 2024. Each exhibitor is given an exhibit confirmation number.
If you have any difficulties registering online, please contact the fair office at 503.585.9998.
Click the image above to view the 2024 Public Competitions handbook.
Intake Schedule
Intake is in Columbia Hall. Enter through the RED gate to drop off your items. All entries MUST be pre-registered except for Floral & Garden Products. Remember to print out your registration confirmation and bring it with you.
Schedule will be posted in Spring 2025
Additional Competitions at the Fair
Coloring Contest
The coloring contest is open to anyone ages 3 and older. Coloring pages will be available for download below. Contestants receive one FREE admission to the Marion County Fair.
Rules:
- Only one entry per person and entrant must be present.
- A minimum of 4 colors must be used. (Not including black and white)
- Projects should only contain the participants efforts.
- Finished projects only.
- Superintendents and Judges may disqualify entry for any reason.
Coloring Contest pages will be available in Spring 2025. Please contact the fair office at 503.585.9998 if you have questions about participating.
Special Food Contests
Marion County Dairy Women Cheesecake Contest
- Registration: Sunday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Foods Department in Columbia Hall
- Judging: 1 p.m. Sunday, July 13
- Awards: $15-$50
Contestants receive FREE admission to the fair. (Only the contestant with cheesecake in-hand will receive free admission between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday)
See full rules in the Public Competitions Handbook
County Marionberry Pie Contest
- Registration: Pre-Register Online using link above
- Intake: Wednesday, July 9, from 3-7 p.m. in Columbia Hall
- Judging: 2 p.m. Thursday, July 10
- Awards: $25-$75
Contestants receive FREE admission to the fair.
See full rules in the Public Competitions Handbook
Please contact the fair office at 503.585.9998 if you have questions about participating.
Lego Live Tournaments
Sunday, July 13
Love Legos and want to show off your building skills?!
The Lego Live Build Tournament is open to ages 4 – 17. It is Sunday from 12:30-2:30pm. Contestants bring their own blocks and are given 30 minutes to build their project. Projects are judged on creativity, use of color, and interpretation of theme. Rules and registration available in the Public Competitions Handbook at the top of the page.
The Lego Speed Build Tournament will be held ongoing on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each contestant will build the same kit and be timed from start to finish. All ages are welcome. Prizes provided by Bricks and Beyond. No pre-registration required.
Full rules available in the Public Competitions Handbook at the top of the page. Please contact the fair office at 503.585.9998 if you have questions about participating.
Lego Live Build
Ages 4-7
Time: 12:30 – 1pm
Theme: TBA
Lego Live Build
Ages 8-11
Time: 1:15 – 1:45pm
Theme: TBA
Lego Live Build
Ages 12-17
Time: 2 – 2:30pm
Theme: TBA
Lego Speed Build
Ongoing, from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
STEAM at the Fair
Brought to you EVERYDAY OF FAIR by Marion County Farm Bureau and Peterson Cat
Join us for an exciting and educational adventure at the fair! Children and their families are invited to participate in the STEAM at the Fair game. As you explore the fairgrounds, search for fascinating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Agriculture, Math) facts posted around the fair. Copy them down on your entry card, which you can pick up at the information booth.
Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Professor STEAM, who will be roaming the fair. Spotting him might just give you an extra clue or a fun fact to add to your collection!
Turn in your completed entry card at the information booth for a chance to win awesome prizes. It’s a fun way to learn, explore, and win at the fair!