Columbia County Junior Fairest of the Fair

Contest Rules & Guidelines

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

Age Requirement

Contestants must be between the ages of 13 and 17 years old as of May 1, 2026, the start of the Columbia County Fair season.

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 and events as scheduled by the Junior Fairest Coordinator.

Required Appearances

The Junior 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 Junior Fairest Coordinator in conjunction with the Columbia County Fair Board. All judges’ decisions are final.

Representation and Endorsements

The contestant selected as Columbia County Junior Fairest of the Fair agrees that during his/her reign they shall not 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 Junior Fairest Coordinator and the Columbia County Fair Board.

Official Photography

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

Dress Code

The Junior 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 crown must be worn at approved events. All outfits must be approved by the Junior Fairest Coordinator.

Conduct Expectations

The Junior Fairest of the Fair is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, responsible, and professional manner at all times while representing the Columbia County Fair.

Awards

Any scholarship or stipend awarded will be determined by the Columbia County Fair Board. Funds awarded are contingent upon completion of all required duties throughout the Junior Fairest reign.

Future Eligibility

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

Failure to Fulfill Duties

If the individual selected as the 2026 Columbia County Junior Fairest of the Fair fails to fulfill the duties of the position for the full one-year term, as determined by the Junior Fairest Coordinator and the Columbia County Fair Board of Directors, they are required to forfeit any awards, scholarship funds, or prizes associated with the title that have not be awarded.