Creative Youth Contests

Enter a cooking or craft contest!

Kids and teens: Enter one of our Creative Youth cooking or craft contests, and you’ll get free admission to the Fair, plus the chance to win a blue ribbon!

Similar contests for adults are on the Home & Hobby Contests page.

The Fine Print

Got questions? Here is more information on these contests.

What does it cost?

Not only is there no entry fee, but you will be admitted to the Fair free on the day of the contest between 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

How many entries can I make?

One entry per contest per entrant.

What's new for 2019?

Family Contests are new this year, and take place on Saturdays.

Need help?

Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.

Entry Information

Contest materials available: Mid-February, 2019.
Contest dates: Contests take place on Fridays and Saturdays in June, 2019.
Registration deadline: Bring your item and the entry form to the O’Brien Gate on the contest date for free admission to the Fair. Then bring your item to the Creative Youth Tent for judging.

Contest Info & Entry Form

Enter a cooking or craft contest!

Kids and teens: Enter one of our Creative Youth cooking or craft contests, and you’ll get free admission to the Fair, plus the chance to win a blue ribbon!

Similar contests for adults are on the Home & Hobby Contests page.

Results are posted farther down the page.

The Fine Print

Got questions? Here is more information on these contests.

What does it cost?

Not only is there no entry fee, but you will be admitted to the Fair free on the day of the contest between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

How many entries can I make?

One entry per contest per entrant.

Need help?

Get in touch online or call us at (858) 792-4207.

Entry Information

Contest dates: Contests take place on select Fridays and Saturdays. See the Contest Info for details.

Registration deadline: Bring your item and the entry form to the O’Brien Gate on the contest date for free admission to the Fair. Then bring your item to the Creative Youth Tent for judging.

New for 2018: On-The-Spot Contests that you can enter just before the contest begins, no entry form required and the Fair will provide supplies. These do not include free Fair admission. See the Contest Info for a list of contests and dates.

Contest Info
Entry Form (hidden)

Who Won the Ribbons

Congratulations to those who won awards and ribbons in the 2018 Creative Youth Contests. In most of these contests, the Danish method of judging is used. This means that every entry that reaches a certain standard is awarded a blue ribbon.

Candy Jewelry, June 8

Best of Show

Marie De Haan, Temecula

First Place

Samantha Rodriquez, San Marcos
Ellie De Haan, Temecula
Heidi Pluegei, Corona Del Mar

Homemade Slime, June 9

First Place

Riley Kate Atienza, Chula Vista*
Garrett Borocak, Carlsbad
Kristina Cervantes, San Diego
Julia Mosack, Oceanside*
Robert Mosack, Oceanside*

*designates first and a special award

Chocolate Creations, June 22

First Place

Annabelle Rivard, Encinitas*
Cayla Solomon, Carlsbad*
Erika Brunst, Carlsbad
Lauren Lehman, San Diego
Hayley Solomon, Carlsbad

*designates first and a special award

Second Place

Jessica Michelle Minner, San Diego

SPAM Kid Chef of the Year - June 30

First Place

Blake Conners, Escondido

Second Place

Tea Wagstaff, Encinitas

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If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)

We’re the San Diego County Fair and we send fun emails.
If you sign up for our email list, we pinky swear that we’ll only send you the good stuff. (must be at least 13 years old)