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home arts & hobbies

Collections & Hobbies

Ever since county fairs began, a blue ribbon for the best cake or the prettiest quilt was a shining achievement. Home Arts & Hobbies is the competitive exhibit where cooks, crafters and collectors can shine!

Our Collections & Hobbies Competition includes divisions in:
  • Collections
  • Tablescapes and Table Settings
  • Miniatures, Models, and LEGO


The San Diego County Fair's Home Arts & Hobbies' Collections & Hobbies Competition invites makers and collectors to showcase their skills and creative expression in a variety of mediums including table settings, collections, model building, and many other hobbies. This competition provides creative enthusiasts with the chance to win cash prizes and donated awards as well as the unique opportunity to display their work for thousands of fair visitors.

Competition Timeline

Simple Table Custom Table
Entry Deadline Monday, May 4, 2026, by 7:59pm
Entry Delivery
Friday, May 15, 2026, 3pm-8pm and
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9am-2pm
Awards Reception
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 2:00pm
Fair Dates Wednesday, June 10–Sunday, July 5
(closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entry Pick-up Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 10am-6pm,
Collections and Table Settings/Tablescapes 10am-4pm

Eligibility

  • Adult Divisions are open to all adults aged 18 years old by the Entry Deadline listed above.
  • Entries must be original work of the exhibitor and completed in the last two (2) years.
  • Work by two (2) or more artists is not eligible.
  • Work, or nearly identical work, previously shown at the Fair, regardless of title, is not eligible.
  • Work created by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), either partially or completely, is not eligible.

CONTACT US

Veronica Navarro, Coordinator

Trish Bresser, Assistant Coordinator
San Diego County Fair Entry Office
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Office (858) 792-4207 • Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm

2026 LOCAL RULES

  1. Completion of online entry registration shall be deemed acceptance of all rules and permission to use your name, photograph, and images and description of entries in print, digital and other media.
  2. Online registration is required for all competitions and one-day contests. Online entries and any required image/document uploads are accepted until the published deadline, which specifies a date and time. Late entries will not be accepted.
  3. Once registered, the exhibitor name, entry description, title, and price may not be changed. Substitutions will only be allowed in accordance with current State Rules. Fair Management is not responsible for errors on entry forms which may lead to elimination or disqualification of an entry.
  4. Processing fees must be paid online at the time of registration. Processing fees are non-refundable.
  5. Exhibitors must be living at the time the online entry is submitted.
  6. All non-livestock/non-agricultural entries must be the creative work of the exhibitor (whose name appears on the entry registration), be in good taste, and suitable for family viewing. Fair Management reserves the right to disqualify any entry/exhibit it deems objectionable or not in accordance with competition standards.
  7. If an entry is disqualified after judging is complete, no changes will be made to the status of awards given for other entries.
  8. Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining necessary permission from models and/or to use material in their entry that is considered copyrighted.
  9. No entry will be accepted should the exhibitor describe the conditions under which he/she will exhibit, or the exhibit will be displayed.
  10. Judges are selected for their expertise in the divisions or classes they evaluate. New judges may be appointed each year, and judging assignments may vary annually based on the needs of each competition
  11. If a coordinator or judge deems an entry to be in the incorrect category, division, class, etc., he or she may direct the Entry Office to move that entry as appropriate. The Entry Office may combine divisions or classes to create an adequate judging pool.
  12. Fair Management reserves the right to limit entries, and display thereof, to facilities available and to cancel any division or class in which, in its judgment, the entries are insufficient to secure adequate competition.
  13. Entries must be delivered on the date(s) and times specified. Entries will not be accepted before or after the stated entry delivery date. All accepted exhibits must remain on display and shall not be removed until the stated entry pick up date. Any exhibit not picked up on the specified date becomes the property of the San Diego County Fair and will be disposed of promptly.
  14. All exhibits are entered and shown at the owner’s risk. Reasonable care will be taken to prevent loss or damage to exhibits, but in no event will the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) be responsible for any injury or loss which may occur or for the actions of third parties. Insurance, if desired, should be obtained by the exhibitor at his/her own expense.
  15. Any person who violates any Local, State, or Department rule or displays unethical conduct will forfeit all privileges and premiums and be subject to such penalty as the 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) may order.
  16. To ensure reliable award notification, exhibitors are responsible for submitting all address, phone number and email address updates promptly in writing to entry@sdfair.com or Entry Department, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.
  17. Premium money will be paid per the recorded placings in the official judging reports rather than the ribbon attached to the exhibit.
  18. Donated Award recipients will be selected per the instructions given on the Donated Award Confirmation Form submitted by the donor.
  19. Premium, donated cash award, and auction checks will be made payable to the exhibitor as listed on the online entry registration. Checks will be mailed within 30 days after the close of the Fair to the address shown on the online entry registration, or as updated by the exhibitor via written notification to the Entry Office. Checks not cashed within six (6) months from the date of issue will be forfeited. Replacement checks may be subject to a stop payment fee.
  20. The 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) is required by the Internal Revenue Service to report any premium payments totaling $600 or more. Exhibitors whose awards meet or exceed this amount must submit a W-9 form before their check can be issued.
  21. The 22nd District Agricultural Association (San Diego County Fair) management reserves the right to amend or add to these rules and assumes no liability or responsibility not herein expressed.
  22. California State Rules apply and are available here.

Entry Limit

Two (2) entries per exhibitor per class. Exhibitors may enter as many classes as desired.

Entry Fees

Adult divisions: $10 per entry

Entry fees are payable online with a credit card and are not refundable.

Fair Tickets

Each exhibitor will receive two (2) Fair Entry Tickets.


How to Enter

1. After reading all entry materials, click the “Enter Now” link below to go to the ShoWorks Entry Homepage.
2. Register as an Exhibitor (or Quick Group if entering for members of a club or guild and checking out with one cart).
3. Select the appropriate division and class and input the required information. (See “Divisions and Classes” below for a list of all divisions and classes.)
A. In the Description field, provide appropriate information, including the technique, so that the work can be identified if the entry tag becomes unattached. For example, “Child’s wool sweater, knit, original pattern,” or “San Diego Padres Bobblehead Collection – 27 pieces.” Character limit is 100 including spaces.
B. In the Sale Price field, enter the piece’s purchase price, or “NFS” if the piece is not for sale. (See Sale of Entries.)
C. In the Social Media field, please enter your preferred social media contact (optional).
4. Review your entry before completing registration to ensure that you have entered the correct division and class for each entry.
5. Click the check-out button and pay for all entries.
6. Read the confirmation statement and type YES. Do not click multiple times, as it will charge you each time.
7. You will receive a confirmation email with a summary of your entry(ies).

If you plan to make changes to your entries or need to leave ShoWorks at any time, SAVE YOUR CART before exiting out.

For additional help with entering and uploading images, review this detailed step-by-step guide: Entry Tutorial

Still have questions?
Please call or email the Entry Office.
Phone: (858) 792-4207, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm


Sale of Entries

Exhibitors wishing to sell their entry must enter the sale price and preferred social media contact on the online registration form. Price and social media information will be printed on the entry tag for display in the exhibit. All sales must be negotiated and completed directly between the exhibitor and the buyer.

No business cards or personal advertisements will be displayed in the exhibit.

How to Prepare Your Entry for Delivery

Please see individual categories, divisions, and classes for specific entry requirements.

  • Fabrics must be clean, reasonably odor-free, and free of pet hair and dander.
  • Entries may include a mounting base if it fits into the allowable space.
  • Delivery bags, boxes and containers may be used for delivery but will not be saved in the exhibit. Exhibitors should take them away after delivery.

Judging

The Collections, Table Settings, & Models Competition uses the American system of judging.

Judging Results

Results will be announced at the Home Arts & Hobbies Awards Reception and posted on the San Diego County Fair’s website by the second week of the fair.


Entry Delivery & Pickup

Entries must be delivered to the Fairgrounds. Please refer to the Exhibition Timeline for in-person delivery dates. Exhibitors will be emailed delivery and pick up instructions including a map showing access to the Fairgrounds.

Home Arts & Hobbies will provide entry tags at entry delivery. Please allow time to attach entry tags to projects with materials and assistance provided by fair staff. Exhibitors will be responsible for attaching tag.

A claim check will be issued to each exhibitor upon entry delivery and must be presented at the time of entry pick up. If an exhibitor is unable to pick up their artwork, they may arrange for another person to bring in their claim check with a signed written authorization from the exhibitor.

Quick Group Delivery Appointments - If you registered as a Quick Group (clubs, guilds, organizations) and plan to deliver all entries in the group together, please CLICK HERE to request an appointment time on one of the in-person delivery dates.


Awards

Award checks will be mailed within two (2) weeks of the last day of the Fair. Please submit address updates to the Entry Office in a timely manner.

Award-winning exhibitors will receive an invitation to our Home Arts & Hobbies Awards Reception and free Fair admission for the day of the event.

Fair-themed items will have the opportunity to be displayed in the Theme exhibit.

People’s Choice Award will be announced after the Fair and will have the opportunity to be recognized at the 2027 Fair.

Adult Divisions

1st Place - Awarded in each class

$25 and ribbon

2nd Place - Awarded in each class

$20 and ribbon

3rd Place - Awarded in each class

$15 and ribbon

Honorable Mention (awarded at judges' discretion)

Ribbon

Best of Division - Chosen from 1st Place winners in each class

$25 and ribbon

Best of Show - Chosen from Best of Division winners, awarded in each Adult Category

$100 and ribbon


Special Awards

People's Choice Award

$100 and rosette

Chana Mannen Award for Excellence in Original Design

In recognition of Chana Mannen, former Home & Hobby Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Eva Peterson Award for Superior Craftsmanship

In recognition of Eva Peterson, former Home & Hobby Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Nyla James Award for Innovation

In memory of Nyla James, former Home Arts Coordinator

$100 and rosette

Theme Award (Best representation of the Fair theme) - Chosen from all entries in Fair Theme “Once Upon a Fair” classes

$100 and rosette


Donated Awards

Misti Washington Gourd & Basket Guild

(2) $50 Cash Awards

Fallbrook Quilt Guild

$50 Cash Award

Brush Whackers Decorative Painting Club

(4) $50 Cash Awards

Muchas Manos de San Diego

Ribbon + 1 Year Membership


COLLECTIONS, TABLE SETTINGS AND MODELS DIVISIONS AND CLASSES

See Glossary for all definitions


Division 123: Collections

JUDGING CRITERIA: Cohesion (40%), Story/Documentation (40%), Rarity (20%).

Display Requirements:

  • The exhibitor whose name appears on the entry must set up their display on the delivery date(s) and within the delivery times listed in the Exhibit Timeline.
  • Collections must be curated to fit into the assigned space.
  • Items must be secured by the exhibitor. Museum tack will be provided by Fair staff.
  • No tape or glue may be applied to display cases.
  • The display must include a write-up describing how the exhibitor acquired the collection. Additional information or narratives may be displayed.
  • Collections may only be entered once.

At entry registration, select one of the following display options that will BEST fit your collection:

-One (1) 42”W x 20”D x 16”H shelf in a display cabinet

-Two (2) 42”W x 20”D x 16”H shelves in a display cabinet

-One (1) 43”W x 25”L x 5-10”D slanted case

-One (1) 21”W x 21”L x 3”D coin case
  • One (1) 42”W x 20”D x 16”H shelf within a display cabinet
  • Two (2) 42”W x 20”D x 16”H shelves within a display cabinet
  • One (1) 43”W x 25”L x 5-10”D slanted case
  • One (1) 21”W x 21”L x 3”D coin case

The exhibit coordinator will make the final display assignments.

Class 001 Grandma’s Attic

Class 002 Postage Paid

Class 003 Famous Faces

Class 004 Around the World

Class 005 In the Wild

Class 006 Today, Tomorrow, & Beyond

Class 007 Mi Casa es Su Casa

Class 008 Roy G. Biv

Class 009 Toys and Games

Class 010 Fair Theme, “Once Upon a Fair”


Division 124: Tablescapes (The Art of the Table)

Create a dramatic, immersive décor experience that transforms the dining surface and tells a compelling story! Whether your style is vintage charm, modern minimalist, or a whimsical fantasy, this is your chance to show off your creativity through tabletop design.

JUDGING CRITERIA: Design & Creativity (50%), Technical Accuracy (25%), Functionality (25%)

Tablescapes Display Requirements:

  • One (1) 34” x 34” table with a black linen tablecloth table will be provided.
  • The exhibitor whose name appears on the entry must set up their display on the delivery date(s) and within the delivery times listed in the Exhibit Timeline.
  • Entries must include at least one (1) place setting with a minimum of the items shown.
  • Decor may consist of linens, centerpieces, themed decorations, and place cards.
  • A maximum 34” wide x 18” deep x 86” tall freestanding backdrop is allowed. All other décor must fit on the table provided and may not exceed 72” in overall height from floor level.
  • Real food, lit candles, fresh flowers, glue/glitter on eating surfaces, and disposable plates/plasticware are not permitted.

Class 001 Informal

Class 002 Formal

Class 003 Fair Theme "Once Upon a Fair"


Division 125: Table Settings

Showcase your artistic talent by designing a beautiful, functional, and thematic table setting that follows proper etiquette and demonstrates skills in planning, creativity, and presentation for a special event.

For etiquette guidelines, please refer to Table Setting Etiquette 101: A Brief Guide.

Table Settings Display Requirements:

  • One (1) 34” x 34” table with a black linen tablecloth table will be provided.
  • The exhibitor whose name appears on the entry must set up their display on the delivery date(s) and within the delivery times listed in the Exhibit Timeline.
  • Entries must include a displayed menu.
  • Entries must include at least two (2) place settings with a minimum of the items shown, but must include all items necessary for the menu.
  • Decor may consist of linens, centerpieces, themed decorations, and place cards.
  • All decorations must fit on the table provided and may not exceed 18” in height. Centerpieces must allow clear view of dining partners.
  • Real food, lit candles, fresh flowers, glue/glitter on eating surfaces, and disposable plates/plasticware are not permitted.

JUDGING CRITERIA: Design & Creativity (35%), Technical Accuracy (35%), Functionality (30%)

Class 001 Informal

Class 002 Formal

Class 003 Fair Theme "Once Upon a Fair"



Division 126: Miniatures, Models, and LEGO

Entries consist of one item with maximum dimensions: 24” wide, 24” long and 42” tall. Please specify scale in description, if applicable. Kits are allowed in classes other than LEGO and Brick-builds.

JUDGING CRITERIA: Craftmanship (35%), Creativity (35%), Difficulty (30%)

Class 001 Architectural Models

Class 002 Room Boxes, Shadow Boxes, and Vignettes

Class 003 Vehicle Models, still or remote-controlled

Class 004 3D Printed Models

Class 005 LEGO and Brick-builds – Original designs

Class 006 Fair Theme " Once Upon a Fair"



DOWNLOAD & PRINT

Download Competition Guide

All Local and State Rules apply.
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