When the Colorado State Fair opens on Friday, be sure to check out the special contest entries in the Creative Arts building and Small Animal building. Pueblo native Debbie Wallace, who counts this as her 25th anniversary as a state fair employee, manages the fair’s general-entry and fine-arts competitions. She and her staff come up with most of the whimsical contests. Sponsors – Malt-o-Meal, Girl Scouts, Spam and others – propose the rest.
Entry appearances range from indisputably professional to loving-hands-at-home. A heads-up to high school students looking to perk up college applications and job résumés: The special contests tend to be under-represented but are open to everyone, and some are still accepting entries. A complete listing of special competitions is at coloradostatefair.com (click on “Fair Entry Info,” then “General Entry,” then “Special Contests.”)
If you go, snap some shots of your favorite entries, and other state-fair sights, and post them at .
BAKE FOR THE CURE
Rules include: One entry per category. “Themes and decorative presentations are encouraged.”
Entry deadline: Aug. 26
Judging: Aug. 28, Creative Arts Building
GIRL SCOUTS COOKING WITH COOKIES
Rules include: One original recipe entry per person, limited to contestants ages 18 or under, recipes must include a minimum of two cookies per serving, not including garnish
Entry deadline: Thursday
Judging: 6 p.m. Saturday
GINGERBREAD CREATIONS
Rules include: Must be made entirely by the contestant, no kits. Inedible items are unacceptable. Structure must consist primarily of gingerbread and edible decorations.
Entry deadline: Tuesday
Two competition divisions: 13 years and younger; and ages 14-18.
Judging: 6 p.m. Thursday at the Creative Arts Building
GREAT AMERICAN SPAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Rules include: Recipe must include at least one 12-ounce can of Spam (any variety), one entry per person, including a statement on why the entrant likes Spam
Entry deadline: Wednesday
Two competition divisions: Ages 18 and older; and Spam Kid Chef competition for ages 7 to 17
Judging: 6 p.m. Friday at the Creative Arts Building kitchen
PET ROCK OLYMPICS
Rules include: Rocks must be free from man-made or caused alterations, and weigh between 2 ounces and 5 pounds. Previous winning rocks are ineligible.
Entry deadline: Noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 26
Classes: Best Dressed Pet Rock, Farthest Distance Roller
Divisions: 9 years and younger; ages 10 to 15; ages 16 and older
Judging: 1 p.m. Sunday for Best Dressed; 1:15 p.m. Rolling Race.
