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Alaska State Fair

August 21 - September 7, 2026

Fair Menu

All Contests

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Event Venue Date Description
Cabbage Limerick Contest Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • June 9, 2026 1:00 am

Cabbage Limerick Contest

Enter your limerick online:   https://bit.ly/cabbagelimerick2026

Entries due by 11:59pm on September 1st, 2026.  Entries must be received online.

Winners will be announced at the 30th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off on September 4th (Starts at 6 PM), and also by email.

First place: $100
Second place: $75
Third place: $50

Contest Guidelines
–  A panel of local judges will select winners based on the following criteria:

a.  Does the entry must meet the definition of a limerick (rhyming scheme “AABBA”)?
Non-limerick entries are not eligible for awards. For examples of limericks and ideas for how to write a great one, see

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Limerick.

b.  Does the limerick support the spirit of the Alaska State Fair Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off?

– Two entries maximum per person.
– Author of limerick must be same as entrant’s name.
– Winners need not be present to collect.

Sponsored by:
The Meyer Family

Questions? Contact [email protected]

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Scarecrow Contest Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • August 21, 2026 12:00 pm

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with one of the Alaska State Fair’s most creative traditions! Twelve teams will race against the clock to transform provided materials into unique scarecrow masterpieces. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, craftsmanship, and how well they capture this year’s patriotic theme honoring 250 years of America. Come cheer on the teams and see history, imagination, and fair spirit brought to life! 🎪

Winners will receive prizes & a ribbon! Registration starts at 12:30 pm in front of the Alaska’s News Source Corral.

 

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Hot Dog Eating Contest Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • August 21, 2026 5:00 pm

Think you have what it takes to be the Top Dog? Join us for the Hot Dog Eating Contest and see how many hot dogs you can devour in just 2 minutes! Whether you are a seasoned competitor or just hungry for fun, this fast-paced contest is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Sign up beings at 4:30 at the Alaska’s News Source Corral

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Duct Tape Contest SBS Woodlot
  • August 22, 2026 2:00 pm

Can you turn ordinary duct tape into an award-winning masterpiece? Whether you create your entry at home or take on the challenge of building one live in just 15 minutes, this contest is all about creativity, imagination, and tape!

🇺🇸 Bonus points awarded for incorporating this year’s patriotic America 250 theme!

🏆 Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in both the At-Home and On-Site Build divisions.

🎨 Categories:

  • Youth
  • Teen
  • Adult

📍 Registration begins at 1:30 PM in the Woodlot

From stars and stripes to historic American icons, show off your creativity and help us celebrate 250 years of America. If you can dream it, you can tape it!

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Sourdough Bread Contest - Presented by House of Bread Wasilla Hoskins Exhibits
  • August 22, 2026 7:00 pm

Entry Requirements:

  • One Sourdough Boule / Loaf entry per person.
  • Must be made from scratch.
  • Judging is based on taste, texture, and presentation.
    • Extra points for creativity.  Surprise us!
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry. (Original and unpublished recipes only)
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • All recipes become property of the House of Bread Wasilla and the Alaska State Fair, Inc.

Important Times

Entries Accepted: 4:45 pm thru 6:45 pm

Judging: 7 pm

2026 Prizes:

  • 1st: $75 &  $25 Gift Certificate to House of Bread Wasilla
  • 2nd: $25 &  $25 Gift Certificate to House of Bread Wasilla
  • 3rd:  $25 Gift Certificate to House of Bread Wasilla

Each winner receives a ribbon!

 

Official Contest Entry Information

The following information applies to all Special Cooking Contests held in the Hoskins Exhibits:

  • Bring your prepared entry to Hoskins Exhibits on the date of the contest; date and times are noted in contest information.
  • All entrants must purchase Fair admission.
  • Entries will not be returned.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.
  • Original and unpublished recipes only.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • To allow competitor time to enjoy fair without compromising special contest entry, the Hoskins Building provides both refrigerated and non-refrigerated, secure storage.  Upon arrival at the fair, competitor must coordinate with Exhibits Attendant in the Hoskins Building.  Competitor must return to register their entry between 4:45 pm and 6:45 pm.
  • Any questions? Contact [email protected]
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Alaska Seafood Throwdown MVFCU Event Hall
  • August 23, 2026 11:00 am

Watch talented chefs go head-to-head in a Food Network-style culinary battle featuring Alaska’s world-famous seafood! Competitors will race the clock, impress the judges, and compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place honors, along with the coveted People’s Choice Award.

🐟 Public Tasting & Voting Times

  • 12:30 PM
  • 2:30 PM
  • 4:30 PM

Sample the dishes, cast your vote, and help crown the fan favorite!

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Cheesecake Contest (Herb & Edible Wildflowers) presented by Sweet Gypsy Hoskins Exhibits
  • August 24, 2026 7:00 pm

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • One entry per person.
  • Cheesecake must be made from scratch.
  • Cheesecake must be baked; No-Bake cheesecakes will not be accepted.
  • Cheesecakes may be sweet or savory.
  • Cheesecake must include Herbs and/or Edible Wildflowers
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry. (Original and
    unpublished recipes only)

    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • All recipes become property of Sweet Gypsy and the Alaska State Fair, Inc.

Important Times

Entries Accepted: 4:45 pm thru 6:45 pm

Judging at 7 pm

Sweet Gypsy will provide the following prizes:

    • 1st Place – $300
    • 2nd Place – $150
    • 3rd Place – $25

Each winner receives a ribbon!

Official Contest Entry Information

The following information applies to all Special Cooking Contests held in the Hoskins Exhibits:

  • Bring your prepared entry to Hoskins Exhibits on the date of the contest; date and times are noted in contest information.
  • All entrants must purchase Fair admission.
  • Entries will not be returned.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.
  • Original and unpublished recipes only.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • To allow competitor time to enjoy fair without compromising special contest entry, the Hoskins Building provides both refrigerated and non-refrigerated, secure storage.  Upon arrival at the fair, competitor must coordinate with Exhibits Attendant in the Hoskins Building.  Competitor must return to register their entry between 4:45 pm and 6:45 pm.
  • Any questions? Contact [email protected]
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Ag Games Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • August 27, 2026 4:00 pm

🌾 Old-Fashioned Fun, Fair Style!

Get ready for a hilarious lineup of farm-inspired challenges! Churn your way through the Dance Until You Make Butter contest, test your strength in the Hay Bale Toss, show off your aim in the Potato Toss, and see if your stomach can survive the Pickle & Ice Cream Eating Contest. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, AG Games are packed with laughs, friendly competition, and unforgettable fair memories.

🏆 Fun for all ages. Bragging rights and ribbons included!

Sign up for one – or all – of the contests!  Sign ups begin at 3:30 PM in the Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits!

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Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot Alaska News Source Corral
  • August 28, 2026 1:00 pm

Ready, Set, Crawl!

How fast is your baby or toddler? Bring your little speedster to the Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot and watch them race for glory! Open to children 6 months to 4 years old, with prizes awarded in all age categories.

🎉 Whether they crawl, waddle, toddle, or sprint, every race is packed with laughs and adorable moments!

📍 Sign up at the Office Lawn starting at 12:30 PM located next to the KidZone.
🏁 Races begin at 1:00 PM

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Just for Kids Cookie Contest - Presented by Vagabond Blues Hoskins Exhibits
  • August 28, 2026 7:00 pm

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • One entry per child.
  • One child per entry.
  • Contest open to youth entrants 5 to 12 years of age.
  • Cookies should show off child’s American Patriotism and Alaskan pride, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and the 90th year of the Alaska State Fair!
  • Extra points will be given for creativity – Use your imagination!
  • Entries should contain at least 6 cookies on a disposable plate covered with plastic wrap.
  • Adults:  Please support your child cookie maker.  Allow them to make their own creations. (child = hands on, adult = watch, guide)
  • All recipes become property of Vagabond Blues and the Alaska State Fair, Inc.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry. (Original and unpublished recipes only)
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • The 2025 first place winner is not eligible for the 2025 contest.

Important Times

Entries Accepted: 4:45 pm thru 6:45 pm

Judging at 7 pm

2026 PRIZES:

  • 1st Place – $75 + $25 Gift Card
  • 2nd Place – $25 + $25 Gift Card
  • 3rd Place – $25 Gift Card

Each winner receives a ribbon!

2025 WINNERS:

  • 1st: Scarlett Collins – Wasilla, Alaska
  • 2nd: Ailla H Beall – Wasilla, Alaska
  • 3rd: Logan Pelton – Wasilla, Alaska

Official Contest Entry Information

The following information applies to all Special Cooking Contests held in the Hoskins Exhibits:

  • Bring your prepared entry to Hoskins Exhibits on the date of the contest; date and times are noted in contest information.
  • All entrants must purchase Fair admission.
  • Entries will not be returned.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
  • Original and unpublished recipes only
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • To allow competitor time to enjoy fair without compromising special contest entry, the Hoskins Building provides both refrigerated and non-refrigerated, secure storage.  Upon arrival at the fair, competitor must coordinate with the Exhibits Attendant in the Hoskins Building.  Competitor must return to register their entry between 4:45 pm and 6:45 pm.
  • Any questions? Contact [email protected]

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Parent Child Look-Alike Contest MVFCU Event Hall
  • August 29, 2026 2:00 pm

🍎 The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree… and sometimes the tree doesn’t grow far from the apple!

Bring your mini-me to the stage and see if you’ve got the smiles, expressions, and family resemblance to impress the judges. Whether you’re twins separated by a few decades or just share the same goofy grin, come prove you’re the fair’s most look-alike duo!

🏆 Prizes awarded for the best family resemblance and matching personalities.

Registration starts at 1:30 pm and the contest begins at 2:00pm in the Event Hall

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Mullet Mania SBS Woodlot
  • August 29, 2026 4:00 pm

Business in the Front, Party in the Back!

Dust off your Alaska mud flap and get ready to shake those locks at the Alaska State Fair’s Mullet Mania! Hosted by Kendra Coeville on Saturday, August 29, this celebration of legendary hair is searching for Alaska’s finest mullets.

Compete in one of the following divisions:

🔥 Mini Mullet — Ages 0–6
🔥 Mullet Munchkins — Ages 7–12
🔥 Speed Trap — Ages 13–18
🔥 Neck Warmer — Ages 19 and Older
🔥 Shullet — Ladies Only
🔥 Silver Fox — Any Grey or Silver Hair

🏆 Winners from each division will face off for the ultimate title of Master Mullet Champion

📍 Registration begins at 3:30 PM in the SBS Woodlot

Whether your mullet is majestic, magnificent, or gloriously outrageous, come strut your stuff, shake those flowing locks, and prove you’ve got the best party in the back!

Sign up now:

 

 

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Red, White & Blue Pie Contest Hoskins Exhibits
  • August 30, 2026 7:00 pm

Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the USA!
Show your patriotism with your Red, White & Blue Pie!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • One entry per person.
  • Must be made from scratch.
  • The pie must include the colors:  red, white, and blue.
  • Judging is based on taste, texture, and appearance.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
    • Original and unpublished recipes only.
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • All recipes become property of FCE and the Alaska State Fair, Inc.
  • The 2025 first place contest winner is not eligible in the 2026 contest.

Important Times:

Entries Accepted: 4:45 pm thru 6:45 pm

Judging at 7 pm

2026 PRIZES:

  • 1st Prize: $100
  • 2nd Prize: $50
  • 3rd Prize: $25

Each winner receives a ribbon!

2025 Winners

  • 1st Place:  Lindsey Silver-Graham – Wasilla, AK
  • 2nd Place: Lois Repnow – Palmer, AK
  • 3rd Place: Jenny Griggs – Anchorage, AK

Official Contest Entry Information

The following information applies to all Special Cooking Contests held in the Hoskins Exhibits Building:

  • Bring your prepared entry to Hoskins Exhibits Building on the date of the contest; date and times are noted in contest information.
  • All entrants must purchase Fair admission.
  • Entries will not be returned.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.
  • To allow competitor time to enjoy fair without compromising special contest entry, the Hoskins Exhibits Building provides both refrigerated and non-refrigerated, secure storage.  Upon arrival at the fair, competitor must coordinate with an Exhibits Attendant in the Hoskins Exhibits Building.  Competitor must return to register their entry between 4:45 pm and 6:45 pm.
  • Any questions? Contact [email protected]
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20th Annual Alaska Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • August 31, 2026 2:00 pm

Entry Time is 11 am – 1 pm
Weigh-Off begins at 2 pm

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.
Blue – $1000
Red – $500
White – $250

 

See colossal sized squash as they weigh in.  Will we break the current state record of 2,147 pounds? The Alaska State Fair is an Official weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. Contest rules and guidelines will follow those set forth by Alaska State Fair, Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and Guinness World Records.

For more info contact the Alaska State Fair at (907) 746-7167 or email [email protected]

 

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Cosplay Contest MVFCU Event Hall
  • September 3, 2026 4:00 pm

907 Star Wars Cosplay Contest

The Force Is Strong at the Fair!

Compete with your favorite galactic heroes and villains from a galaxy far, far away! Snap photos, show off your cosplay, and meet the incredible members of the 501st Legion.

📸 Photo opportunities available throughout the event.

💫 The 907 Star Wars will also be collecting donations to support Make-A-Wish, helping bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses.

Come meet the good guys, the bad guys, and the droids with attitude! Support a great cause and help make wishes come true!”

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Beard Contest SBS Woodlot
  • September 4, 2026 2:00 pm

There’s gold in that-there beard! Division champs & the overall winner, aka Mr. Sourdough, will take home cash, prizes and bragging rights.  Can I touch your beard please?  Sign ups at 1:30pm in the Woodlot.  Contest begins at 2pm!

Categories:

Urban Alaskan: For those who like their facial hair, but like it neat, trimmed and groomed. This can include: beard, goatee, chin curtain, side bars, etc (with or without moustache). Because it is trimmed, the design should fit the face it’s worn on

Soup Strainer: For those with a Moustache only. Moustache can be long, short, waxed, curled, etc. These men may or may not like shaving, but they would not shave this Man Accessory off.

Homesteader: For those with a full beard, with our without a moustache. This category is for Alaskan’s who love a full beard. Some may be long, some may be shorter.

Mr. Sourdough:

Open to the winners of the three previous categories. This title and grand prize is awarded to the man with the greatest Facial Hair in the Last Frontier.

 

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30th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • September 4, 2026 6:00 pm

Two world records have already been set at our Fair – will one of these giants gain Guinness status again this year? Come see who will take home the big prizes (over $2,000 in cash awards!) and the bragging rights in the 30th annual weigh-off. Plus, cheer on the big efforts of our littlest growers in the Junior Cabbage Grower Division.

Pre-Registration is required by August 27, 2026 | Download 2026 Cabbage Registration or register online below.

Cash Prizes

1st $1000
2nd $500
3rd $250
4th $100
5th $75
6th – 12th $50
13th – 20th $25

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Max Sherrod Junior Cabbage Grower’s Award Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
  • September 4, 2026 6:00 pm

Sponsored by Alaska Farm Bureau

Pre-Registration is required by August 31, 2026

Prizes will be awarded 1st $250, 2nd $150, 3rd $100

  • Open to growers ages 12 and under as of April 1, 2026.
  • Entrants must present an educational poster that documents the growth of their cabbage. Posters & cabbages will be displayed.
  • You are eligible to win one prize, in either the open competition or the Max Sherrod Junior Cabbage competition.
  • See the Alaska State Fair website for instructions and registration form.

 

For more info contact Lara Stanley at 907-746-7167 or [email protected]

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Appetizer Contest (Stars, Stripes and State Fair) - Presented by Everett's & Mat-Su Resort Hoskins Exhibits
  • September 6, 2026 7:00 pm

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • One entry per person.
  • Celebrate the Alaska State Fair’s 90th Birthday and/or the 250th Birthday of the USA!
  • Entry can be sweet or savory.
  • Must provide at least 6 servings.
  • Entries are judged on presentation, creativity & taste.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
    • Original and unpublished recipes only
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • All recipes become property of the Alaska State Fair, Inc.

 PRIZES for 2026:

  • 1st Place: One night stay at Mat-Su Resort and a $50 gift certificate to Everett’s
  • 2nd Place: One night stay at Mat-Su Resort and a $25 gift certificate to Everett’s
  • 3rd Place: $25 gift certificate to Everett’s

Each winner receives a ribbon!

Important Times

Entries Accepted: 4:45 pm thru 6:45 pm
Judging at 7 pm

Official Contest Entry Information

The following information applies to all Special Cooking Contests held in the Hoskins Exhibits:

  • Bring your prepared entry to Hoskins Exhibits on the date of the contest; date and times are noted in contest information.
  • All entrants must purchase Fair admission.
  • Entries will not be returned.
  • Decisions by the judges are final.
  • Recipes must be typed on an 8½” x 11” sheet of paper and submitted with entry.
    • Original and unpublished recipes only
    • Printed on Top: Recipe Title
    • Printed on Bottom: Baker Name, Address & Phone Number
    • Handwritten recipes will not be accepted.
  • To allow competitor time to enjoy fair without compromising special contest entry, the Hoskins Building provides both refrigerated and non-refrigerated, secure storage.  Upon arrival at the fair, competitor must coordinate with Exhibits Attendant in the Hoskins Building.  Competitor must return to register their entry between 4:45 pm and 6:45 pm.
  • Any questions? Contact [email protected]
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Alaska Beef Showdown MVFCU Event Hall
  • September 7, 2026 11:00 am

🥩 Alaska Beef Showdown 🥩

Get ready for a sizzling Food Network-style culinary battle! Watch local professional chefs go head-to-head in a fast-paced competition as they transform premium Alaska beef into mouthwatering masterpieces. With skill, creativity, and bragging rights on the line, only one chef will earn the title of Alaska Beef Showdown Champion!

Don’t just watch—taste the action! Fairgoers can sample the chefs’ creations and cast their votes during the People’s Choice tastings at:

🥩 12:30 PM
🥩 2:30 PM
🥩 4:30 PM

Come hungry and help decide who serves up the best beef at the Fair!

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Homesteader Games SBS Woodlot
  • September 7, 2026 4:00 pm

Step back in time and test your pioneer spirit at the Homesteader Games! Join us in the Woodlot on September 7 at 4:00 PM for an action-packed competition celebrating Alaska’s homesteading heritage.

Contestants will go head-to-head in classic frontier challenges including Axe Throw, Wood Split, Two-Person Cross-Cut Saw, Nail Drive, Husband Holler, and Water Haul. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights or cheering from the sidelines, this event is guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and old-fashioned fun.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a true homesteader? Come find out! Sign ups start at 3:30pm.

Contestants must be 18 years or older.

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