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Calling all artists, chefs, poets, horticulturists, and more – the countdown is on! If you’ve been thinking about showcasing your talents, crafts, or culinary creations at the 2025 Great New York State Fair, now is the time to act as applications and entry deadlines for The Fair’s statewide competitions are fast approaching.
Each year, The Fair offers a wide variety of more than 350 competitive categories, including baking, canning, arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, and more. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, this is your chance to earn recognition, prizes – and bragging rights – by competing among the best in New York State.
Blue Ribbon Energy!
Tap into your competitive spirit and showcase what makes you awesome. Whip up award-winning desserts, snap prize-worthy photos, raise champion livestock, or showcase those historic antique tractors — the possibilities are endless!
There are hundreds of opportunities to enter and some of our competitions are still open, including:
- Agricultural
- Horticultural
- Baking and cooking
- Arts & crafts
- Photography
- The famous Lowe’s “Bucket of Junk” sculpture
- And many more!
New to the Fair This Year!
This year, the Fair is thrilled to introduce several innovative and community-focused competitions, including:
- Division of Gratitude – All quilts and blankets entered are judged by the public and then donated to veterans at the VA hospital, spreading warmth and appreciation.
- Division for Baby – Entered quilts and blankets are voted on by the public and donated to local charities, supporting families in need.
- Ribbon Revival Competition – A dynamic challenge for adults and youth, encouraging participants to craft art using vintage award ribbons and an 18’x 24’ canvas, showcasing creativity and sustainability.
Hurry—Deadline Approaches!
Many of The Fair’s competition entries are still open, but deadlines are quickly approaching. The final deadline to submit entries varies by category, so visit the Competitions webpage today to explore the categories still accepting entries.
How to Enter:
- All competitors need an SFS number to claim prizes. Register or verify yours here: SFS Reference Guide.
- Full details on categories, rules, and deadlines are available here: nysfair.ny.gov/competitions/how-to-enter.
- Contact our competitions team at nysfairentrydepartment@agriculture.ny.gov or call (315) 728-4383 or (315) 728-4426.
"The Fair is a celebration of the best in New York State culture,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. "Participating in our competitions is a wonderful way to celebrate talent, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and earn recognition at one of the State’s most anticipated summer events."
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. The Fair continues to be one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, with admission remaining free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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