Fairest of the Fair Rules

Columbia County Fairest of the Fair

Contest Rules & Guidelines

To be eligible for the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair Contest, all contestants must meet and agree to the following rules and expectations.

Age Requirement
Contestants must be at least 18 years of age as of May 1, 2026, the start of the Columbia County Fair season.

Driving and Legal Requirements
Contestants must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. Contestants must not have been convicted of a felony offense.

Residency / Exhibitor Requirement
The contest is open to individuals who have been a resident of the State of Wisconsin and Columbia County for a minimum of one (1) year prior to entry, or who have been an exhibitor at the Columbia County Fair for at least one year prior to entry.

Availability
Contestants must be available for all days of the Columbia County Fair (July 29–August 2, 2026), as well as additional required appearances, events, and media interviews.

Required Appearances
The Fairest of the Fair is expected to attend scheduled events including, but not limited to, the Columbia County Moo-Day Brunch, Fourth of July Parade, Portage Holiday Parade, and the Columbia County Fair.

Judging Process
The time, manner, and method of judging shall be determined by the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair Coordinator in conjunction with the Columbia County Fair Board. All judges’ decisions are final.

Representation and Endorsements
The contestant selected as Columbia County Fairest of the Fair agrees that during their reign they shall not sign a management contract with any individual or corporation; provide written or verbal endorsements; make personal appearances for any mercantile or commercial organization; or permit photographs to be used for commercial purposes without prior approval from the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair Coordinator and the Columbia County Fair Board.

Official Photography
Official photographs may be taken for use during the Fairest’s reign. The photographer will be selected and compensated by the Columbia County Fairest Committee.

Dress Code
The Fairest of the Fair is required to dress in attire appropriate to the event and setting while promoting the Columbia County Fair. The official sash and tiara must be worn at approved events. All outfits must be approved by the Fairest Coordinator.

Alcohol Policy
Regardless of legal age, the Fairest of the Fair may not consume alcohol while performing official duties.

 
A $750 scholarship will be awarded to the newly crowned Fairest of the Fair. $250 will be provided at the beginning of the reign to assist with clothing, travel expenses, meals, and other necessary personal expenses related to official duties. The remaining $500 will be awarded at the conclusion of the reign following completion of all required duties at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in January 2027 and submission of a written summary of promotional activities to the Columbia County Fair Board of Directors no later than 30 days from the conclusion of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention.

Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Competition
The Columbia County Fairest of the Fair is expected to compete in the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Contest at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in January 2027. The Columbia County Fair Association will cover the entry fees for the state contest.

Future Eligibility
An individual selected as Columbia County Fairest of the Fair is not eligible to compete in future Columbia County Fairest of the Fair competitions.

Failure to Fulfill Duties
If the individual selected as the 2026 Columbia County Fairest of the Fair fails to fulfill the duties of the position for the full one-year term, as determined by the Fairest Coordinator and the Columbia County Fair Board of Directors, they will be required to forfeit all cash awards, scholarship funds, and any additional prizes associated with the title.