Don’t Just Attend the Fair – Be Part of It: Fowlerville Fair Open Class Registration opens June 16th
By Dawn Bhajan,
Fowlerville Family Fair Open Class Coordinator
If you've ever thought about entering something in the Fair – or are thinking about it now… THIS. IS. YOUR. MOMENT.
Registration for the 140th Anniversary Fowlerville Family Fair Open Class competition opens Tuesday, June 16th and remains open through midnight on July 1st, and ALL are welcome to participate. If you are a Michigan adult or child (age 5+) with a skill or hobby, Open Class is the place to let it shine!
Our Entry Book and registration, which can be found at www.fowlervillefamilyfair.com/fair/open-class, contains hundreds of competitive classes covering everything from baking, canning, gardening, photography, fine arts, needlework, woodworking, writing, collections, flowers, and antiques to modern creative pursuits like 3-D printing, videography, and digital design. This year, we've added dozens of exciting new opportunities, including tablescaping, graphic novel writing, group-made afghans, stop-motion animation, seed art, rock painting, pop-up cards, homegrown geraniums, pet costumes, and more.
In addition to seeing your handiwork showcased for the community, you’ll enjoy the chance to win ribbons and cash prizes, including our coveted Best of Show bonus premium and frameable award certificate. You can submit UNLIMITED entries with your $10 registration, which also comes with a complimentary day pass to the Fair, and an invitation for you and your family to join us during Fair week for our annual Open Class Exhibitors’ Reception. The reception includes live entertainment, refreshments, prize drawings, and an extra-special art installation unveiling with local art virtuoso, Valerie Reitzel.
Parents take note: This year, we’re excited to offer new age divisions for our Open Class youth exhibitors. These expanded age groupings allow young exhibitors to compete against peers closer to their own age, creating fairer judging and more opportunities to earn ribbons and awards.
Ready to take the leap? Getting started is easy!
1) Visit www.fowlervillefamilyfair.com/fair/open-class to review our Entry Book and select the Open Class competitive classes you want to enter.
2) Starting June 16th, register online (via the link above), or print and mail the entry form located in the back of the Entry Book.
3) Follow the Entry Book instructions regarding entry drop-off before Fair week!
Of course, Open Class is about far more than competition. This year's exhibit area will bring the Home Arts to vibrant, glorious life with new experiences, demonstrations, and special attractions for the entire family.
One of the most meaningful additions is our new Military Appreciation Exhibit, sponsored by First Impression Print & Marketing. Families may submit a photo and information for up to two current or former service members to be honored in a special display during Fair week. There is no entry fee, submissions are due July 4th, and commemorative 8x10 posters will be presented to participating families after the Fair as a lasting thank-you for their loved one's service. You can download our Military Appreciation Exhibit form here: https://tinyurl.com/fowlerville-fair-military-2026
Visitors can also look forward to the inaugural Open Class Pie Eating Contest, presented in partnership with Torch 180 on Wednesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. Stay tuned for registration details!
Other new attractions include an Open Class Cutest Pet Photo Contest, family totem pole carving with Fowlerville Senior Center Director Mark Thompson, a hands-on Music Center featuring instruments provided courtesy of The Music Man of Brighton, an interactive art experience from Work Skills Corporation’s Artisan Corner, and a variety of demonstrations ranging from planting beautiful flower containers and testing cake frostings to spinning yarn, painting with acrylics, making soap, and much more. And that’s just for starters!
The Fair has always been about community. It's about sharing what we grow, create, build, collect, and accomplish. It's about learning from one another, celebrating talents of every kind, and creating memories that span generations. So pull out that favorite photograph. Finish that quilt. Perfect that bread recipe. Showcase that collection. Bring your talents to the Fair which, this year, runs July 27th-August 1st.
We can't wait to see what you create.
If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact Open Class Coordinator, Dawn Bhajan, at (810) 923-4582 or dawnbhajan@gmail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment