DC has no county or state fair where DC residents can show off their talents in baking, canning, urban agriculture, poetry, and photography, for example. We decided that was a shame, so, starting this year, we’re changing that. We, a group of three DC resident garden and food bloggers, are partnering with Columbia Heights Day to hold the first-ever DC State Fair, which will feature such contests as Tastiest Tomato, Most Funky Vegetable, Best Home-Made Pie, a DC neighborhood photography contest, best backyard chicken egg, andbest homemade jam, to name a few. DC residents will be able to submit their entries soon for a chance to win everlasting glory (and prizes!)–keep an eye on the DC State Fair website for entry forms. The DC State Fair, with contest judging and prizes, will be held on August 28th, hosted by the Columbia Heights Day festival.
The state or county fair concept is largely focused around community: The fair provides a forum for neighbors to engage one another, to share knowledge and experience, and to spotlight and reward the hard work of cooking, crafting, and farming. DC State Fair strives to achieve these same goals within the District and to help build a multicultural community focused around urban agriculture, education, and art.
In order to pull this off, DC State Fair is still looking for sponsors at all levels. These sponsors may also choose to have the honor of judging various contests. For example, DC-based businesses and organizations can be Table Sponsors, who will have a spot under the DC State Fair canopy and receive top exposure to DC State Fair attendees . Current Table Sponsors include A Few Cool Hardware Stores and Kid Power. There are also opportunities for contest sponsorship and general sponsorship from community members. For more details, please contact the DC State Fair planning committee or visit the DC State Fair’s website. DC businesses and nonprofits that focus on education, nutrition, agriculture, gardening, or related activities and that are not able to sponsor the fair can still be a part of this great event by getting a table Please contact us for more information on how to be involved on any of these levels.
Beyond the vegetable, cooking, and art competitions run by DC State Fair, Columbia Heights Day festival itself will feature two stages with musical acts and dancers, a petting zoo, a dog show, a kids’ area, and many other activities and DC-based groups.
DC State Fair’s aim is to turn this event into an annual tradition that fosters community spirit and celebrates DC’s talented residents. And maybe there will be funnel cake, too!
The planning committee consists of three DC resident food and garden bloggers: Amelia Showalter of Gradually Greener, whose post last year started the ball rolling; Jenna Huntsberger of Modern Domestic; and Ken Moore of The Indoor Garden(er).
