San Diego County Fair Honey Competition

The San Diego County Fair's Produce Competition invites local and regional growers to showcase their crops. This competition provides growers with the chance to receive cash prizes and the unique opportunity to display their work for thousands of Fair visitors.

Exhibition Timeline

Entry Deadline	Specimens: Monday, June 8, 2026, by 8:00 PM Largest and Most Unusual: Monday, June 22, 2026, by 8:00 PM
Entry Delivery	Specimens: Tuesday, June 9, 2026; 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Largest and Most Unusual: Tuesday, June 23, 2026; 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fair Dates	Wednesday, June 10 – Sunday, July 5, 2026 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Eligibility

Open to all California residents residing in San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties.
Youth exhibitors are ages 9 – 17 on or before day of delivery.

CONTACT US

Farm 2 U 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

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.
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.
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.
Processing fees must be paid online at the time of registration. Processing fees are non-refundable.
Exhibitors must be living at the time the online entry is submitted.
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.
If an entry is disqualified after judging is complete, no changes will be made to the status of awards given for other entries.
Exhibitors are responsible for obtaining necessary permission from models and/or to use material in their entry that is considered copyrighted.
No entry will be accepted should the exhibitor describe the conditions under which he/she will exhibit, or the exhibit will be displayed.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Premium money will be paid per the recorded placings in the official judging reports rather than the ribbon attached to the exhibit.
Donated Award recipients will be selected per the instructions given on the Donated Award Confirmation Form submitted by the donor.
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.
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.
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.

California State Rules apply and are available here.

Competition Rules

All produce must be grown by the exhibitor.
To prevent spread of diseases, ANY fruit, vegetable or citrus that appears to be diseased CANNOT be entered.
Entry must include the exact number of items, as specified in the class description.
Vegetable varieties should be labeled if known or where specifically requested. Entries that are incorrectly identified or otherwise do not match their labels will be disqualified.

Entry Limit & Fees

Entering multiple Divisions and Classes is allowed. Multiple entries per Class are not allowed. If multiple entries are submitted by the same exhibitor in the same Class, they will be disqualified. The same item cannot be re-entered in subsequent competitions, neither under the original nor a different exhibitor's name.

All Classes- Individual Entry: $3.00 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.
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.)
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.

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, 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, 10 am-4 pm

Judging & Awards

Unless otherwise stated in the Division Description, all judging will be conducted using the Danish Judging System, in which each entry is evaluated individually against a standard rather than in comparison to other entries. Multiple first, second, and third place awards may be given within each Class based on the following scoring system.

1ST PLACE = 90 – 100 POINTS

2ND PLACE = 80-89 POINTS

3RD PLACE = 70-79 POINTS

HONORABLE MENTION GIVEN AT JUDGES DISCRECTION TO ENTRIES AWARDED 69 POINTS AND BELOW.

Entries receiving a First Place designation will then be considered under the American Judging System for special awards, including Best of Class, Best of Division, and Best of Show.

Judging will take place anonymously in a closed session. Exhibitors may not be present in or around the judging area during the process; failure to comply may result in disqualification. Once judging begins, entries may not be moved to another division or class.

Judges’ decisions are final. Upon completion of judging, all entries become the property of the San Diego County Fair. Refer to division descriptions for division-specific judging criteria.

After judging, entries may be displayed for up to one (1) Fair week in the Farm 2U Exhibit. Ribbon stickers will be attached to entry tags to indicate awards received. Items will be discarded as they deteriorate, and display is not guaranteed. Results will be posted on the San Diego County Fair’s website two weeks following the last day of the Fair. Exhibitors wanting ribbons must notify the Fair at entry check-in. Award checks will be mailed within 30 days after the Fair closes.

The following will be awarded in each class:

1^st Place - Awarded in each class	$10 and ribbon
2^nd Place - Awarded in each class	$8 and ribbon
3^rd Place - Awarded in each class	$6 and ribbon
Special Awards
Best of Class: A Best of Class is selected from 1st Place winners in all classes.	Rosette
Best of Division: A Best of Division is selected from Best of Class winners and selected in each Division.	$25 & Rosette
Best of Show: A Best of Show is selected from the Best of Youth Division and Best of Adult Division winners.	Rosette & Award
Honorable Mention stickers may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.

Entry Delivery & Pickup

Please refer to the Exhibition Timeline for in-person delivery dates. An email with delivery instructions will be sent to the exhibitor prior to the delivery date.

How to Prepare Your Entry For Delivery

1. The San Diego County Fair will furnish uniform containers for displays. Please do not bring your own display containers, as they will not be returned.

2. Produce must be fresh. Do not refrigerate or freeze before delivery.

3. ALL leaves must be trimmed from citrus entries.

4. Due to citrus quarantines in the area, if any citrus fruit appears to be diseased, it should NOT be entered.

5. We will not accept whole plants. Excessive entries will be disqualified or trimmed by our expert staff.

6. Waxed or coated fruit and vegetables will not be accepted.

7. Entry must include the exact number of produce as specified in the class description.

6.All bunches must be tied.

7.Leafy vegetables may be received in an enclosable plastic bag for freshness at judging.

8.Vegetable varieties should be labeled if known or where specifically requested. Entries that are incorrectly identified or otherwise do not match their labels will be disqualified.

Adult Divisions and Classes

Division 1201: Specimen Produce

This division is for individual specimens of fruits or vegetables grown by the exhibitor. Entries should consist of a single, well-developed specimen that best represents the variety standards. Judging will be based on quality, uniformity, maturity, cleanliness, freedom from defects, and overall condition. Produce should be freshly harvested and prepared according to contest guidelines.

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Avocados (3)

Class 002 Beans (8 Pods)

Class 003 Beets (3)

Class 004 Carrots (3)

Class 005 Corn (3 Ears)

Class 006 Cucumbers (3)

Class 007 Daikon Radishes (3)

Class 008 Dragonfruit (2)

Class 009 Eggplant (1)

Class 010 Garlic (1)

Class 011 Figs (3)

Class 012 Grapefruit (2)

Class 013 Grapes (1 Bunch)

Class 014 Guava (3)

Class 015 Kumquats (5)

Class 016 Lemons (3)

Class 017 Lettuce or Leafy Greens (1 Head)

Class 018 Leafy Green Salad Mix (1 Bag) (.25–.50 lb. bag of mixed greens)

Class 019 Limes (3)

Class 020 Mango (1)

Class 021 Muskmellons (1)

Class 022 Onions - Dry (3)

Class 023 Onions – Green, Bunching (5)

Class 024 Oranges (3)

Class 025 Peppers – Bell (1)

Class 026 Peppers – Not Bell (3)

Class 027 Potatoes (3)

Class 028 Pumpkin (1)

Class 029 Radishes (3)

Class 030 Squash (2) Not pumpkin or zucchini

Class 031 Strawberries (5)

Class 032 Tomatillos (3)

Class 033 Tomatoes – Cherry (5)

Class 034 Tomatoes – Hybrid (3)

Class 035 Tomatoes – Heirloom (1)

Class 036 Watermelon (1)

Class 037 Zucchini (1)

Class 038 Any other fruit or vegetables not listed (2)

Division 1202: Largest Specimen

This division is for oversized specimens of fruits or vegetables grown by the exhibitor, intentionally exceeding typical commercial size standards. Overgrown specimens and unusual or misshapen “monstrosities” are acceptable. While entries are not judged on quality or uniformity, all specimens must be sound, reasonably healthy, and suitable for display. Judging will be conducted using the American Judging System.

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Avocado (1)

Class 002 Carrot (1)

Class 003 Cucumber (1)

Class 004 Eggplant (1)

Class 005 Lettuce (Head) (1)

Class 006 Onion (Dry) (1)

Class 007 Pepper (Bell or other) (1)

Class 008 Pumpkin (1)

Class 009 Radish (1)

Class 010 Squash (1) (not pumpkin or zucchini)

Class 011 Tomato (Hybrid) (1)

Class 012 Tomato (Heirloom) (1)

Class 013 Zucchini (1)

Division 1203: Most Unusual Specimen

This division is for fruits or vegetables that defy convention through bizarre shapes, unexpected colors, or other distinctive characteristics far removed from standard commercial uniformity. Unusual forms and natural oddities are encouraged. Judging will emphasize uniqueness and visual interest rather than overall quality; however, all entries must be sound, reasonably healthy, and suitable for display. Judging will be conducted using the American Judging System

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Carrot (1)

Class 002 Citrus (1)

Class 003 Corn (1)

Class 004 Cucumber (1)

Class 005 Eggplant (1)

Class 006 Pepper (Bell or other) (1)

Class 007 Potato (1)

Class 008 Pumpkin (1)

Class 009 Tomato (1)

Class 010 Zucchini (1)

Youth Divisions and Classes

Division 1221: Specimen Produce

This division is for individual specimens of fruits or vegetables grown by the exhibitor. Entries should consist of a single, well-developed specimen that best represents the variety standards. Judging will be based on quality, uniformity, maturity, cleanliness, freedom from defects, and overall condition. Produce should be freshly harvested and prepared according to contest guidelines.

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Avocados (3)

Class 002 Beans (8 Pods)

Class 003 Beets (3)

Class 004 Carrots (3)

Class 005 Corn (3 Ears)

Class 006 Cucumbers (3)

Class 007 Daikon Radishes (3)

Class 008 Dragonfruit (2)

Class 009 Eggplant (1)

Class 010 Garlic (1)

Class 011 Figs (3)

Class 012 Grapefruit (2)

Class 013 Grapes (1 Bunch)

Class 014 Guava (3)

Class 015 Kumquats (5)

Class 016 Lemons (3)

Class 017 Lettuce or Leafy Greens (1 Head)

Class 018 Leafy Green Salad Mix (1 Bag) (.25–.50 lb. bag of mixed greens)

Class 019 Limes (3)

Class 020 Mango (1)

Class 021 Muskmellons (1)

Class 022 Onions - Dry (3)

Class 023 Onions – Green, Bunching (5)

Class 024 Oranges (3)

Class 025 Peppers – Bell (1)

Class 026 Peppers – Not Bell (3)

Class 027 Potatoes (3)

Class 028 Pumpkin (1)

Class 029 Radishes (3)

Class 030 Squash (2) Not pumpkin or zucchini

Class 031 Strawberries (5)

Class 032 Tomatillos (3)

Class 033 Tomatoes – Cherry (5)

Class 034 Tomatoes – Hybrid (3)

Class 035 Tomatoes – Heirloom (1)

Class 036 Watermelon (1)

Class 037 Zucchini (1)

Class 038 Any other fruit or vegetables not listed (2)

Division 1222: Largest Specimen

This division is for oversized specimens of fruits or vegetables grown by the exhibitor, intentionally exceeding typical commercial size standards. Overgrown specimens and unusual or misshapen “monstrosities” are acceptable. While entries are not judged on quality or uniformity, all specimens must be sound, reasonably healthy, and suitable for display. Judging will be conducted using the American Judging System.

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Avocado (1)

Class 002 Carrot (1)

Class 003 Cucumber (1)

Class 004 Eggplant (1)

Class 005 Lettuce (Head) (1)

Class 006 Onion (Dry) (1)

Class 007 Pepper (Bell or other) (1)

Class 008 Pumpkin (1)

Class 009 Radish (1)

Class 010 Squash (1) (not pumpkin or zucchini)

Class 011 Tomato (Hybrid) (1)

Class 012 Tomato (Heirloom) (1)

Class 013 Zucchini (1)

Division 1223: Most Unusual Specimen

This division is for fruits or vegetables that defy convention through bizarre shapes, unexpected colors, or other distinctive characteristics far removed from standard commercial uniformity. Unusual forms and natural oddities are encouraged. Judging will emphasize uniqueness and visual interest rather than overall quality; however, all entries must be sound, reasonably healthy, and suitable for display. Judging will be conducted using the American Judging System

CLASSES ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

Class 001 Carrot (1)

Class 002 Citrus (1)

Class 003 Corn (1)

Class 004 Cucumber (1)

Class 005 Eggplant (1)

Class 006 Pepper (Bell or other) (1)

Class 007 Potato (1)

Class 008 Pumpkin (1)

Class 009 Tomato (1)

Class 010 Zucchini (1)

Grown & Gathered

Produce Competition

Exhibition Timeline

Eligibility

CONTACT US

2026 LOCAL RULES

Competition Rules

Entry Limit & Fees

Fair Tickets

How to Enter

Judging & Awards

Entry Delivery & Pickup

How to Prepare Your Entry For Delivery

Adult Divisions and Classes

Division 1201: Specimen Produce

Division 1202: Largest Specimen

Division 1203: Most Unusual Specimen

Youth Divisions and Classes

Division 1221: Specimen Produce

Division 1222: Largest Specimen

Division 1223: Most Unusual Specimen

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