October 16-25

Tickets

Exhibits & Competitions

Online Registration

2026 Drop Off & Pick Up Information

For All Competitive Exhibits

The Western Carolina State Fair is excited that you are participating in the exhibit portion of the Fair. Due to the volume of entries and the number of people involved, the following schedule for drop off and pick up of entries is strictly followed. We are unable to accommodate early or late pick up and are not responsible for items not picked up on time. Thank you for your understanding and for planning for drop off and pick up accordingly.

Please remember to bring your claim ticket to pick up.

The Western Carolina State Fair contact person for Exhibits and Competitive Events is Amanda Dennis. She may be reached at aikenfair@gmail.com or by calling (803) 671-0586.

Drop Off Dates & Times:

Friday, October 9th, from 4 pm – 6 pm
Saturday, October 10th, from 11 am – 2 pm
Monday, October 12th, from 2 pm – 6 pm

Pick Up Date & Time:

Monday, October 26th, from 4:30 pm – 6 pm

Arts and Crafts

General Rules for all departments:

Entries will only be accepted with completed entry forms.

Each Art and Crafts department is divided into four age divisions:

Adult: Over 18 years old

High School: Grades 9-12

Middle School: Grades 6 -8

Elementary: K – 5th grade

Preschool: Under 5 years old

 

All entries must be prepared by the exhibitor.

A person is only allowed two entries per class for judging.

Items brought in without a class in the handbook will be placed in the miscellaneous or other class for judging. The WCSF Exhibits Committee reserves the right to place each entry in the proper class or choose to add a new class if necessary.

Judging takes place before the fair opens. Only the judges and the WCSF Exhibits Committee are allowed in the exhibit area during judging. 

Ribbons are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each class, if merited. Cash prizes of $20, $15, $10 respectively, are paid as indicated by the judges’ records and not by ribbon placement, as sometimes ribbons are misplaced.

If merited, a cash prize of $50 is given to the Best of Department in each of the four age divisions.

Department A - Canning

All items must

  • Have been canned within the past 12 months.
  • Be in clear quart or pint size jars.
  • Have a label on the jar identifying the

Note: All jars will be opened by the judges.

Judging fruits and vegetables is based on:

  • Appearance
  • Texture
  • Uniformity
  • Spacing Arrangement

Judging for jellies, jams, and preserves is based on:

  • Appearance
  • Texture
  • Consistency

Judging for pickles, relishes and sauces is based on.

  • Size/Shape
  • Flavor
  • Texture
  • Color

Classes

Fruits

Apples            

Pears              

Peaches          

Pie filling       

Misc.

 

Vegetables

Asparagus      

Beets              

Butter Beans   

Carrots           

Corn

Okra               

Peas                

Potatoes          

Soup Mix        

Squash

String Beans   

Tomatoes       

Misc.

 

 

Jellies

Apple             

Blackberry     

Blueberry       

Grape             

Plum

Misc.

Jams

Fig                  

Blackberry     

Strawberry     

Apple             

Peach

Misc.

Preserves

Fig      

Peach  

Pear    

Strawberry

Misc.

 

Fruit Butter

Apple

Pear

Peach

Misc.

 

 

Pickles

Bread and Butter

Cucumber-Dill

Cucumber-Sweet

Okra

Pepper

Watermelon Rind

Misc.

 

 

Relishes and Sauces

BBQ Sauce

Catsup

Chutney

Chow Chow

Pepper Relish

Tomato Relish

Tomato Sauces

Salsa

Misc.

 

 

Department B – Household Arts and Crafts

  • Items must be finished and attached securely to a hanger.
  • Framed items must have a wire for hanging or items will not be displayed

Classes

Crafts

Bead/Shell Work Basketry Greeting/Note Cards
Dolls Flower Arrangements (silk) Jewelry
Leather Scrapbooking (1 pg.) Seasonal
Wreath Knot Design  

Hand Stitching

Cross Stitch

Counted

Cross Stitch

Stamped

 Cross Stitch-Other
Embroidery English Smocking Misc.

Crochet

Afghans Sweaters Hats
Misc.    

Knitting

Afghans Sweaters Hats
Misc.    

Quilts

Appliquéd Embroidered Pieced
Group Quilt    

Clothing

Aprons Costumes Doll Clothing
Dresses Pillows Handbags
Misc.    

Department C – Fine Art

All items must

  • Be
  • Be securely mounted or framed, preferably under glass or Plexi-glass.
  • Have a wire for hanging or item will not be displayed.
  • Be no larger than 16 X 20
  • Be no smaller than 5 X 7

Note: Entries are judged on the art medium in which it is created. If a combination of mediums is used it will be classified as mixed

Classes

Drawing

Charcoal

Colored Pencil

Crayon

Markers

Pen/Ink

Pencil    

Mixed      

Misc.

Pastels

Painting

Acrylic

Oil

Watercolor

Pastels

Mixed 

Misc.

Pottery/Ceramics

Hand Formed Animal

Hand Formed Vase

Hand Formed Two-Piece Combo

Hand Formed Misc.

Wheel Thrown Pottery

Functional Ceramic Sculpture

Non-Functional Ceramic Sculpture

Mixed-Media

Misc.

Other Media Art

Print Making

Digital Art

Fiber Art

Woodworking

Woodworking-Burning

Industrial Art

 

Department D - Photography

Entries will be classed as colored or black and white. Any photo that has been tinted will be classed as black and white

Explanation of terms used in each class:

  • Still Life – indoor and outdoor still life; flower study; tabletop etc.
  • People – adults, children, babies, portraits, or entire figure, alone or in a group where the main subject is the person rather than the environment: close-ups or as large composition
  • Animals – any animal either alone or in a group in a natural setting
  • Candid – a composition that captures one meaningful instant in the flow of action or setting involving un-posed people, animals or both
  • Scenic – landscapes, seascapes, architectural and industrial scenes, or any scene that has fundamental design

Classes

Colored

Still Life

People

Animals

Candid

Scenic

Other

Black and White

Still Life

People

Animals

Candid

Scenic

Other


Online Registration

Recycle Me

Recycle Me is an individual art contest where the completed art piece must be made of 90 % recycled materials. It is divided into two divisions:

  • Youth – under 18
  • Adult – 18 and over

Recycle Me projects must:

  • Be free standing for the 10 days of the fair
  • Not be longer than three feet or taller than five feet.
  • Have all materials listed with the entry.
  • Be appropriate for children to view.

Judging for Recycle Me art is based on:

  • Creativity       
  • Neatness         
  • Eye appeal

If merited, awards in each division are:

  • 1st Place $50
  • 2nd Place $30
  • 3rd Place $ 20
Online Registration

Horticulture

General Rules for all departments:

  • All entries must be grown by the exhibitor for at least 6 months and must be labeled, if possible. Preference will be shown to named varieties in cases where all are equal.
  • Only one entry per class is allowed per person. More plants can be brought for display.
  • First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded for each department, if merited. Cash prizes of $20, $15, $10 respectively are paid as indicated by the judges’ records and not by ribbon placement as sometimes ribbons are misplaced.
  • Special care will be given to your plants upon request. Please put instructions in writing for the committee.
  • Entries from businesses may be displayed but are not judged.
  • The Betsy Molony Award – $100 will be award to the best entry from all departments. An exhibitor may only win this award for two consecutive years.

Betsy Molony Award of Horticulture Excellence

This award is given in memory of Ms. Elizabeth (Betsy) Molony, a true and dear friend to the Western Carolina State Fair for 24 years. She assisted the fair with nearly every aspect of operations but she is best remembered for her dedicated service in the horticulture department.

The Western Carolina State Fair may not have the largest horticulture display, but she was determined to see that it would be one of the best – and to us it is. The memories we have of her and the beautiful flower and plant shows that she directed at the fair will forever remain a part of our event and our lives. Betsy, thank you for sharing a special part of your life with us.

The Western Carolina State Fair Competitive Exhibits Committee

Department A – Potted Plants

African Violet Agave Aloe
Amazon Lily Asparagus Fern Begonia
Boston Fern Bromeliad Cacti
Citrus Coleus Creeping Charlie
Croton Crown of Thorns Dieffenbachia
Dish Gardens Dracaena Echeverria (hen & chick)
Episcia Euphoria Exotic Plants
Fern (other) Herb (any) Hoya
Impatiens Jade Kalanchoe
Mixed Plants Nephthytis Ornamental Peppers
Palms Pedianthus Pepermomia
Philodendron Pilea Prayer Plant
Spathiphyllum Sansevieria Topicals
Misc.    

 

Department B – Hanging Baskets

Asparagus Fern

Begonia

Boston Fern

Espicia

Exotic Plants

Fern (other)

Geranium

Hoya

Impatiens

Mixed Plants

Nephthytis

Peperomia

Philodendron

Spider Plant

Swedish Ivy   

Wandering Jew

Misc.

 

Department C – Cut Flowers

Cut flowers must have three stems and be in a vase

Annuals

Daisy

Lily

Rose

Misc.

 

Department D – Home Garden

Fruits/vegetables (except for pumpkins, gourds and melons) must be entered in a group of three of the same variety and placed on a tray or plate for display.

Apples

Citrus

Grapes

Nuts

Pears

Beans

Carrots

Cucumbers

Corn

Greens 

Gourds

Melons

Peppers 

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Tomatoes

Misc.

 

Online Registration

Floral Design

2026 Theme: The Land of The Free

  • Accessories, features, background panels and underlays provided by the exhibitor are permitted. Personal property should be labeled with exhibitor’s name.
  • Only one (1) entry per person. Exhibitor’s name must appear on entry card.
  • Each entry must have been designed by one person, not a group.
  •  Designs may not have been exhibited in previous flower shows. 
  • Some plant material must be used in each design, but need not have been grown by exhibitor.
  • Plant material must be listed on the entry. The use of plants on the state conservation list is prohibited. Native plants, other than those on the state conservation list, may be exhibited in the design division if they are grown or legally obtained by the exhibitor.
  • Artificial flowers, foliage, fruit or vegetables are permitted in the design. 
  • Fresh material may not be treated in any manner. Cut fruits or vegetables must be sealed unobtrusively to discourage insects, odor and discoloration. 
  • Only dried material may be treated to alter its exterior appearance.
  • Living members of the animal kingdom are not permitted in the design division, and taxi dermal representations of the same are also not allowed.
  • Exhibitors are asked to consider the longevity of plant material used since the show is open to the public for ten days. 

If merited, awards for Floral Design are: 

  • 1st Place – $100
  • 2nd Place – $75
  • 3rd Place – $50
Online Registration

Creative Tablescape Competition

“Tablescape” is a term used to describe the top of a table containing linens, dishes, silverware, a centerpiece and other décor to set a mood for a fabulous meal. Do you enjoy putting together the perfect table for holidays or parties? Come show off your skill and creativity in this exciting competition!

Sponsored by: Western Carolina State Fair and All Star Tents & Events

October 16-25, 2026

Theme: Coastal American

Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $250
  • 2nd Place: $150
  • 3rd Place: $100

TABLESCAPE COMPETITION GUIDELINES:

  1. Design a formal tablescape for two inspired by the Theme – Coastal American.
  2. Each exhibitor will be assigned a 36” round table. The height is 29”.
  3. Each exhibitor must provide dishes, centerpieces, crystal, silver, and any other decor. Chairs may not be used in the display.
  4. Each exhibitor must use a tablecloth or covering that comes to the floor or use a Velcro attached skirt (underneath the table may be used for your storage).
  5. Each tablescape must include Framed menu and 2 place settings set for that menu.
  6. No candles are permitted; unless they are battery operated (The Fair is not responsible for changing batteries).
  7. Live flowers may be used but cannot be replenished during the fair week. Perishable food is not permitted to be a part of the tablescape display.

TABLESCAPE COMPETITION RULES & INFORMATION:

  1. The competition is open to the first 15 exhibitors to register at www.westerncarolinastatefair.com. There is no entry fee. Exhibitors will be notified by email regarding their acceptance into the competition. The contest will be closed when capacity has been reached.
  2. Set up is Saturday, October 9th, 10am – 2pm and Monday, October 12th, 2pm-6pm check in the Warren C. Lucas building at the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds.
  3. The Fair reserves the right to reject any table setting that is objectionable or unsuitable.
  4. “On-Site” judging will take place on Thursday, October 15th for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons will be placed on the tablescapes for the duration of the fair.
  5. Tablescapes are to remain on display for the entire fair and can be picked up on Monday October 26, from 4pm-6pm
  6. PLEASE NOTE: The Fair is not responsible for any broken, damaged, lost, or stolen items.
  7. Judging criteria are as follows:
    a. 40% Creative interpretation of theme
    b. 40% Visual impact, 
    c. 20% Appropriate placement of tableware necessary for menu.
  8. You will receive updated information regarding the competition a few weeks before the fair.

For questions or to register for the competition, please contact:
Amanda Dennis – 803-671-0586 – aikenfair@gmail.com

Online Registration

Livestock Competition

Aiken County Farm Bureau Federation Livestock Scholarship Program

The Aiken County Farm Bureau Federation Livestock Scholarship Program recognizes youth exhibitors for the knowledge, communication skills, preparation, and showmanship they have developed through their livestock projects.

  • Senior Division: Ages 14–18.
  • To be eligible for an Aiken County Farm Bureau livestock scholarship award, the exhibitor must be a current South Carolina 4-H member.
  • The exhibitor must show at least one animal in the applicable species show.
  • Eligible exhibitors must participate in Showmanship, Knowledge College, for the applicable species. Knowledge College will take place first.
  • If a student requires special testing accommodation, please let us know in advance so appropriate accommodation can be provided.
  • An exhibitor’s ranking in their regularly scheduled species Showmanship class will count toward the scholarship competition. A separate Showmanship class will not be held for scholarship participants.
  • NEW FOR 2026! Senior exhibitors will compete for Grand Senior and Reserve Senior Scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary by species based on factors such as the time commitment and costs associated with the livestock project.

 

Species Grand Champion Senior Reserve Champion Senior
Dairy Goats $1000 $500
Meat Goats $1000 $500
Poultry $500 $250
Rabbits $500 $250

 

General Rules

  1. Unless otherwise stated in the species section, youth shows are open to eligible South Carolina youth ages 5–19. Age divisions are based on the exhibitor’s age as of January 1 of the current year: Cloverbud, ages 5–8; Junior, ages 9–13; and Senior, ages 14–18.
  2. Showmanship classes will be divided by the age of the child as of January 1 of the current year and will be listed as follows:
  • Senior Division – must be at least age 14 and must not be age 19 on January 1 of the current year.
  • Junior Division – must be at least age 9 and must not be age 14 on January 1 of the current year.
  • Cloverbud Division – must be at least age 5 and must not be age 9 on January 1 of the current year.
  1. All participants must be registered through the online link by Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm. The Western Carolina State Fair reserves the right to cancel or combine classes or shows when participation is insufficient.
  2. On show day, registered exhibitors will be listed at the Livestock Gate. One adult may accompany the exhibitor. Additional admission passes may be purchased at the livestock gate or at the main gate.
  3. All animals must be clean, healthy, and free of visible signs of disease or illness. Animals showing significant symptoms of sickness may be refused entry or removed from the fairgrounds. Health requirements are subject to change.
  4. The Western Carolina State Fair Board/management reserves the right to make decisions concerning or changes to rules, regulations, schedules, and health requirements when necessary.
  5. Exhibitors are responsible for the care, control, and safe handling of their animals. Species-specific feed, water, bedding, cage, crate, coop, lead, collar, or other equipment requirements are listed in each section.
  6. Exhibitors must keep their assigned area, stall, pen, cage, or exhibit space clean. Failure to properly care for animals or maintain the exhibit area may result in forfeiture of premiums and/or awards.
  7. Animals may not be removed while a show is in progress. When applicable, animals will be released after completion of the show. Early removal without approval may result in forfeiture of premiums and/or awards.
  8. Exhibitors must unload animals and supplies and then move vehicles and trailers to designated parking areas.
  9. Exhibitors, parents, and other people are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. Anyone practicing unsportsmanlike behavior or failing to follow show rules can and may be asked to leave and/or may be barred from competition and/or will forfeit premiums and/or awards.
  10. All decisions made by the judge are final. Questions, complaints, or disagreements should be directed to the appropriate barn manager or fair management.
  11. The Western Carolina State Fair will make reasonable efforts to protect animals and exhibits but is not liable for lost, stolen, or injured animals.
  12. Failure to comply with these rules listed above or species-specific rules can and may be asked to leave and/or may be barred from competition and/or will forfeit premiums and/or awards.

Youth Competition Expectations

  • I have a performance goal—not a goal only to beat someone else.
  • I respect and learn from competitors who are more skilled than I am.
  • I do not criticize competitors, officials, or judges.
  • I will do my best, have fun, and follow the rules.

Dairy Goats

Knowledge College: Monday, October 19, 2026, 5 PM •

Show: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6 PM •

Eligibility & Species-Specific Rules

  • Animals will be received beginning at 4:00 PM on the day of the show.
  • All goats must be in the barn and checked in by 4:45 PM.
  • Participants must be registered 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H Dairy Goat Project or FFA members with a Dairy Goat SAE.
  • Participants must provide a goat lead for restraint and a show collar for the show ring.

 

Showmanship Classes

Cloverbud

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Junior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Senior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

 

Doe Classes

Junior Doe – under 2 years old and has never freshened

Placement ribbon 1st–4th

Senior Doe in Milk/Freshened – 2 years and older

Placement ribbon 1st–4th

 

Grand Champion Showmanship: Grand Rosette, and $50.

Reserve Champion Showmanship: Reserve Rosette, and $25.

Showmanship class premiums: 1st $25, 2nd $20, 3rd $15, and 4th $10.

Grand Champion Doe: Ribbon

Meat Goats

Knowledge College: Monday, October 19, 2026, 6:30 PM •

Show: Monday, October 19, 2026, 7:30 PM •

Species-Specific Rules

  • Animals will be received beginning at 10:00 AM on the day of the show.
  • All market goats must be in the barn and weighed before 2:45 PM. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure the animal is weighed. Weights will be taken via scale and completed by individuals running the show to ensure consistency in weights. *Weight classes assigned after all goats are weighed in.
  • Open Wether classes are limited to 4-H/FFA participants.
  • South Carolina Born Wethers must be tagged with a South Carolina scrappies tag.
  • Market does must be born between September 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026. An exhibitor may weigh up to three does, but only one doe per exhibitor per class may be shown.
  • Showmanship is open to eligible 4-H/FFA youth. Exhibitors may show any goat entered in another class.
  • Youth must maintain control of their animals. Parents are not allowed in the show ring during judging. A parent entering the ring during judging will result in disqualification.
  • Cloverbud exhibitors may request a Senior exhibitor to assist them in Market Wether or Market Doe classes and may only intervene for the safety of the exhibitor or goat. No assistants are allowed in Showmanship.

Showmanship Classes

Cloverbud

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Junior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Senior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

 

Open Wether Classes, SC Born Wether Classes, Market Doe Classes

Lightweight*

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Middleweight*

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Heavyweight*

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

 

Grand Champion Showmanship: Grand Rosette, and $50.

Reserve Champion Showmanship: Reserve Rosette, and $25.

Showmanship and Weight class premiums: 1st $25, 2nd $20, 3rd $15, and 4th $10.

Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Weight Class: Rosette

Poultry

Knowledge College: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 5:00 PM •

Show: Thursday October 22, 2026, 6 PM •

Eligibility & Species-Specific Rules

  • Animals will be received beginning at 4pm on the day of the show.
  • All Poultry must be in the barn and checked in by 4:45pm.
  • Participants must be registered 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H Backyard Poultry Project.
  • All chickens must meet current NPIP testing requirements before the show. Exhibitors should check with their county 4-H agent for testing information.
  • Participants must provide their own coop for the show. Cages are provided for the show ring only.

Showmanship Classes

Cloverbud

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Junior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Senior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

 

Awards & Premiums

  • Grand Champion Showmanship: Rosette, and $50.
  • Reserve Champion Showmanship: Rosette, and $25.
  • Class premiums: 1st $25, 2nd $20, 3rd $15, and 4th $10.

Rabbits

Knowledge College: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:30 PM •

Show: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 7:30 PM •

Eligibility & Species-Specific Rules

  • Animals will be received beginning at 6:00 PM on the day of the show.
  • All Rabbits must be in the barn and checked in by 6:45 PM.
  • Participants must be registered 4-H members enrolled in the 4-H Rabbit Project.
  • Participants must provide their own rabbit cage or crate for the show.

 

Showmanship Classes

Cloverbud

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Junior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

Senior

Placement ribbon, premium 1st–4th

 

Awards & Premiums

  • Grand Champion Showmanship: Rosette, and $50.
  • Reserve Champion Showmanship: Rosette, and $25.
  • Class premiums: 1st $25, 2nd $20, 3rd $15, and 4th $10.
Online Registration

Outdoor Exhibits

To reserve space for an outdoor exhibit please complete this form

Click Here

Indoor Exhibits

To reserve space for an indoor exhibit please complete this form

Click Here

Food Concessions

We are not currently taking applications for the 2025 fair. If you would like to join the waitlist please contact Amanda Dennis at aikenfair@gmail.com