2026 Thurston County Fair Baking Contests
Calling All Bakers!
Do you have a recipe that always takes the cake? Show off your skills at the Thurston County Fair Baking Contests! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen newcomer, we want to see, smell and TASTE what you’ve been whipping up. Contests occur Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Fair at 2pm in the Expo Center.
Why Enter?
- It’s Free: No entry fees, just fun.
- Free Fair Admission: All registered contestants get free entry to the Fair on the day of their contest! (parking costs are not included)
- Open to Everyone: From tiny tots to grandparents, all ages are welcome.
How it Works
- Sign Up: Register online in advance or sign up at the Expo Center from 12:30-1:30pm on the day of the event.
- Bring Your Best: Bring your homemade treat and a copy of your recipe. (Heads up: We may share your delicious secrets in future Fair promotions!)
- Impress the Judges: Our panel will be scoring based on Taste, Look, Smell, and Creativity. You are encouraged to embrace our theme "Celebrating America's 250th birthday!"
Grab your apron and get ready to bring home the Blue Ribbon!
Cookie Baking Contest Friday July 31 at 2pm
Bring your favorite cookie recipe on Friday and earn the honor of being named Best Cookie Baker of Thurston County!
Yes, you can enter other cookies besides chocolate chip.
Each contestant will receive FREE admission to the fair!
Additionally, youth and adult winners will receive ribbons and prizes!
Rules:
Bring cookies to the Expo Center on Friday, August 1st from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Judging will take place at 2pm.
Please include recipe with name, address and phone number on a 3x5 card. Cookies should not need refrigeration.
Please provide between 6-10 cookies for judging.
Register Here: https://tickets.thurstoncountywa.gov/f/19
Entries not pre-registered can be entered 12:30-1:30pm on Friday July 31st at the Expo Center.
Berry Pie Baking Contest Saturday August 1 at 2pm
This is a benefit event to support the Thurston County Food Bank!
Rules:
Bring your “Berry Best” pie to the Expo Center at the Thurston County Fairgrounds on August 1st between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm.
Pies must be baked in an 8” or 9” disposable round pie tin.
Berries must be the main ingredient.
Pies CANNOT contain: cream, cream cheese, custard, Jell-O, or eggs.
Submit your recipe on a 3 x 5 index card (be sure to include the type of berry(ies) used), and include name, address, and telephone number.
Register Here: https://tickets.thurstoncountywa.gov/f/21
Entries not pre-registered can be entered 12:30-1:30pm on Saturday August 1st at the Expo Center.
Cupcake Baking Contest, Sunday August 2 at 2pm
Make your favorite cupcake recipe and bring four
to be judged by our panel of experts!
You could be awarded the
best cupcake at this year’s fair!
Each contestant will receive FREE admission to the fair!
Youth and adult winners will receive ribbons and prizes.
Rules:
Bring cupcakes to the Thurston County Fair Expo Center on Sunday, August 2nd from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.
Judging will take place at 2 pm. Please include recipe with name, address and phone number on a 3x5 card.
Cupcakes should not need refrigeration.
Please provide 4 cupcakes for judging.
Register Here: https://tickets.thurstoncountywa.gov/f/20
Entries not pre-registered can be entered 12:30-1:30pm on Sunday August 2nd at the Expo Center.