Calling all creative minds! We're inviting groups to participate in the Plywood Pals Contest, a fun and educational competition showcasing your artistic talents and celebrating agriculture at the Oconto County Youth Fair!

Theme:  This year's theme is "America’s Heartland 85 Years of Fair 250 Years of Freedom".  Your cutout should represent something related to agriculture, highlighting the importance of farming and food production or patriotic.

Eligibility: The contest is open to all groups within Oconto County.

Materials:

• Design and paint a fun and colorful cutout one sheet of pre-cut, ½ inch thick plywood. (does not need to keep the square shape)
• Paints, stains, and other non-toxic decorative materials.
• Safety First! All tools used for cutting or shaping the plywood must be used by adults only.

Cutout Specifications:

• The cutout must be related to agriculture and include an Ag related fact/statistic for fairgoers to learn something new. This could be a farm animal, a piece of farm equipment, a crop, or a scene depicting a facet of agriculture and this year patriotic.
• Photo Opportunity: It must incorporate an element into your design that allows fairgoers to have a fun photo opportunity (e.g., a giant ear of corn with a cutout face in the middle, a tractor with a space for someone to sit in the driver's seat).
• The design should be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
• Consider incorporating an open space or frame where people can comfortably stand behind the cutout for pictures.
• Sturdy Structure: Ensure the cutout is stable and freestanding.
• No offensive content or language is allowed.
• All groups are responsible for transporting their completed artwork to and from the designated drop-off/pick-up location at the fairgrounds.
• Power outlets will not be available at the display location.

Entry Process:

• Fill out the online entry form by June 30, 2026, at ocontocountyyouthfair.org
• Delivery: Have your completed cutout set up on the Fairgrounds between August 26th and August 27th, 2026. Check with the fair office for placement.
• Removal: All cutouts need to be removed by noon on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Judging:

• Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, adherence to the agriculture theme, and the effectiveness of the photo opportunity element.

Prizes:

• First Place: $300.00
• Second Place: $200.00
• Third Place: $100.00
• All other entries will receive $50.00
• ***The winners will be announced and awarded at the Buyer’s Banquet***

Display and Photo Opportunity:

• All entries will be displayed throughout the Fair at a designated location.
• Encourage fairgoers to take photos with your cutout and share them on social media using the hashtag #PlywoodPalsContest.

Let's celebrate agriculture and have some creative and patriotic fun at the Fair!