Each year the Illinois State Fair looks for new and fun ideas to challenge fair goers. This year, the state fair staff has a new and tasty baking competition. The Dole Canned Fruit baking contest will be judged on Saturday, August 20th in the Hobby, Arts and Crafts Building. Entries will be judged on taste, creativity, presentation, and ease of preparation. First prize will win $300, second place will get you $150, and third place will be awarded $100. The entry deadline for this, and many other general entries, is Friday, July 15th.
Entry deadlines for various competitions are listed below. If the deadline falls on a weekend, all entries postmarked by the following Monday will be accepted. More information about the 2016 Illinois State Fair competitions can be found online atwww.illinois.gov/statefairor by calling the Competitive Events office at (217) 782-0786.
| Competition | Entry Deadline |
| Livestock (except Poultry and Rabbits) | July 1 (closed) |
| Rabbits and Poultry | July 10 (closed) |
| General Entries (except Floriculture, Blue Ribbon, Dairy Products, Bee Culture) | July 15 |
| Floriculture (except Horticulture-Roses) | Aug. 1 |
| Horticulture (Roses) | Aug. 10 |
| Dairy Products | Aug. 10 |
| Bee Culture-Professional | Aug. 11 |
| Bee Culture-Open | Until judging begins |
The 2016 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 11 – 21.
