By Karissa Condoianis
The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce additional, new virtual Creative Arts contests for 2020 and you butter believe we’re excited to see the creativity Texans will carve up this year. Every year since 1886, the State Fair has celebrated all things Texan, including creativity. The new virtual contests will allow the celebrations of creativity to continue, not only from our home in Fair Park, but from every home in Texas.
The four virtual arts and crafts contests are:
- Face Masks
- Sidewalk Chalk Art
- Nail Art
- Themed, Decorated Mantel or Shelf
Typically, our cooking contests award home cooks based on the taste of their items. This year, the virtual competitions will award contestants based on their decorating and design skills. The three virtual cooking contests are:
- Cake Decorating
- Cookie Decorating
- Mini Butter Sculpture
For the first time ever, the State Fair of Texas is holding a mini butter sculpture contest. A staple of the Fair’s Creative Arts building every year, the butter sculpture has historically showcased the Fair’s theme through a refrigerated display created by a local sculptor. This year, Fair fans across the Lone Star State can channel their inner sculptor and win a ribbon of their own for their work of art made entirely from butter.
“This year has presented a variety of ways to get creative – both in the way we hold contests and the contest offerings themselves,” said Kathy Bennett, director of creative arts and special events. “Whether participants have been competing in the Creative Arts contests for years or they are trying it out for the first time, these new contests offer an opportunity to express their creativity in so many ways.”
The new contests are divided into three categories: 2020 State Fair of Texas, “Celebrating Texas Icons”-themed, Big Tex-themed, and Texas-themed. All ages are welcome, with specific age divisions for child, junior, or adult offered in each category.
Participants may enter their photo submissions for these virtual contests on the new registration portal, Creative.BigTex.com. Online submissions will open on Monday, September 21 and run through Sunday, October 4. Winners will be announced on Friday, October 9. For more information on contest rules, download the Virtual Creative Arts Handbook at BigTex.com/Creative-Arts.
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ABOUT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS:
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2021 exposition runs September 24 through October 17 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.