Top 16+ Forgotten County Fair Competitions That No Longer Exist

Step back into a bygone era where quirky county fair contests once drew crowds with everything from oddball skills to unexpected feats of creativity.

The county fair was once the highlight of the year, bursting with quirky competitions that tested everything from culinary skills to animal prowess. Some of these events have evolved, others faded into obscurity, replaced by more inclusive or humane alternatives. Let’s take a nostalgic look at 16 forgotten county fair competitions—some charming, some controversial—that you’re unlikely to see in their original form today.

1. Contests for Best Produce

Rows of colorful fruits and vegetables once lined fairground tables, each entry representing the hard work and pride of a local grower. According to Gardening Know How, judges carefully examined every pumpkin, apple, and tomato, searching for the most flawless specimens. These blue-ribbon contests were a showcase of agricultural achievement and community spirit.

In recent years, produce competitions have shifted their focus. Criteria and categories now often highlight sustainable growing practices and diversity, placing greater value on organic and heirloom varieties. The emphasis is on quality, sustainability, and flavor rather than just size or uniformity.

2. Best Recipe Contests Exclusively for Women

The Blue Ribbon Group recounts that, for decades, only women could submit their treasured recipes to the fair’s competitive kitchen. The event was a social highlight, with cakes, pies, and preserves judged for taste, texture, and originality. Winners often took home prizes that reinforced domestic roles, such as kitchenware or household goods.

Modern recipe contests have opened up to everyone, regardless of gender. The rules have been updated to encourage inclusivity, and the range of categories has expanded to include vegan, gluten-free, and international dishes. This evolution reflects broader social changes and a commitment to equality.

3. Baking Contests Exclusively for Women

The smell of fresh bread, cookies, and cakes once filled the fairgrounds as women competed for the title of best baker. Weeks of preparation went into perfecting recipes, and a ribbon meant local fame and recognition for culinary skill.

Nowadays, as highlighted by the Hermiston Herald, baking competitions at county fairs invite participants of all ages and genders. Creativity and skill take center stage, and specialty categories such as allergy-friendly or plant-based baked goods have become popular. The field is much more inclusive, though the spirit of friendly competition remains.

4. Pig Races

Spectators flocked to the sawdust track to cheer on their favorite piglets, each one named for a local celebrity or politician. The Claremont Courier points out that the sight of pigs dashing for the finish line brought laughter and excitement to fairgoers of all ages.

Many fairs have made changes to ensure animal welfare in recent pig racing events. Races are now carefully monitored and designed to minimize stress for the animals, and some fairs have replaced them with educational demonstrations or virtual races to promote humane treatment.

5. Contests for Best Livestock and Pets

A sense of prestige surrounded the judging rings, where farmers and pet owners presented their best animals for scrutiny. Cows, pigs, chickens, and even beloved pets were paraded before judges, with ribbons awarded for health, grooming, and training.

Livestock competitions remain a central feature at many fairs, but the standards have changed. The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences website emphasizes that animal welfare, sustainable practices, and responsible breeding are now at the forefront. Pet competitions have also broadened to include rescue animals and mixed breeds, reflecting evolving attitudes toward animal care.

6. Bear Baiting

Fairs of the past sometimes featured brutal spectacles, including bear baiting, as a form of entertainment. As detailed by Bear Conservation, crowds would gather to watch a tethered bear set upon by dogs, betting on the outcome of this dangerous and cruel event.

Outlawed and widely condemned, bear baiting has vanished from modern fairs. Animal exhibitions and educational programs have taken its place, promoting respect and care for all creatures. This shift reflects society’s growing commitment to animal rights and ethical entertainment.

7. Sack Races for Adults

Laughter echoed across the fairgrounds as grown men and women hopped down the track in burlap sacks. As noted on Wikipedia, the adult sack race was a test of balance and agility, often ending with a tumble and a smile, and winners claimed small prizes or bragging rights.

These days, sack races are more often found in children’s events or family competitions. Adult sack races have largely disappeared, replaced by inclusive activities that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone can join the fun.

8. Contests for the Most Unusual Vegetable Shape

Fairgoers once delighted in the oddest vegetables the garden could produce—carrots with legs, tomatoes that looked like faces, and squash shaped like animals. As mentioned by Oddee, these whimsical contests celebrated nature’s sense of humor as much as the gardener’s skill.

In a modern context, quirky vegetable contests are sometimes still held, but the focus has moved toward sustainability and reducing food waste. Imperfect produce is often used in art displays or culinary challenges, promoting a more eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

9. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests

On hot summer days, crowds gathered to watch contestants try to spit watermelon seeds farther than anyone else. The Marion Star describes that the event was messy, rowdy, and a perennial favorite, turning participants into local celebrities, if only for a day.

Fewer fairs host seed spitting contests now, due to concerns about cleanliness and safety. Where they do persist, organizers provide designated areas and strict rules, maintaining a fun and sanitary environment for all participants.

10. Butter Churning Contests

Turning cream into butter was once a competitive sport at the fair, with contestants racing to see who could produce the most butter the fastest. The process required both strength and technique, and the results were often enjoyed by the crowd.

Churning butter has become more of a hands-on educational activity than a competition at many fairs. Visitors are invited to learn about traditional food production and the importance of sustainable, small-scale farming, making the experience more inclusive and informative.

11. Milking Contests

Buckets and stools were set up for a race that tested both speed and skill, as participants worked to fill their pails with fresh milk. Spectators cheered on their favorite farmers, making the contest both practical and entertaining.

Competitive milking has mostly given way to demonstrations and workshops focused on animal care and responsible farming. The change reflects a growing awareness of animal welfare and a desire to educate the public about food sources.

12. Horse Races

The thunder of hooves and the excitement of the crowd made horse races a highlight of the county fair. Local jockeys and horse owners competed fiercely, with ribbons, trophies, and cash prizes on the line.

Regulations and priorities have transformed horse racing at the fair. Animal health and safety are now paramount, with strict oversight and humane treatment. Many fairs have transitioned to non-competitive equestrian demonstrations or therapy horse exhibitions.

13. Ladies Bicycle Races

Women in long skirts and hats once lined up at the starting line, ready to race their bicycles around the dusty track. These races provided a rare opportunity for women to compete publicly and challenge social norms.

Such races have disappeared as women’s opportunities in sports have expanded. Cycling competitions at fairs are now open to all, and women’s achievements in athletics are celebrated in a wide range of events, reflecting progress toward gender equality.

14. Horse Pulling

Massive draft horses, muscles rippling, would strain to pull heavy sleds loaded with weights across the arena. Teams of horses and handlers worked in perfect sync, drawing crowds eager to witness feats of strength and teamwork.

Strict regulations now govern the few remaining horse pulling events. Weight limits, rest periods, and veterinary oversight are standard, and many fairs have shifted to exhibitions that demonstrate the horses’ abilities in a humane, educational manner.

15. Sewing Contests

Handcrafted dresses, quilts, and garments were once displayed with pride, each stitch scrutinized by judges for craftsmanship and creativity. The sewing contest was a chance for participants—often women—to earn recognition for their skill and artistry.

The modern sewing contest welcomes all ages and genders, with new categories for upcycling and sustainable fashion. Creativity, resourcefulness, and eco-friendly materials are now celebrated, reflecting changing values and renewed interest in handmade goods.

16. Harness Races

Harness racing brought excitement to the fairground, as horses and drivers sped around the track in lightweight carts called sulkies. The competition demanded speed, coordination, and a strong connection between horse and handler.

Non-competitive driving exhibitions or demonstrations have largely replaced harness racing at county fairs. Where races do occur, they follow strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that events are safe, humane, and respectful of the horses’ well-being.