Here are the TOP TEN RULES for this year’s contest:

1. Include an artificial tree that is either deciduous or evergreen;

2. Tree must be at least 3 feet in height but not more than 8 feet in height (NEW can be

tabletop size);

3. The tree must include lights that work (electrical outlet provided);

4. The decorations must have a theme (for example music, pets, food, loons, etc…);

5. At least 50% of the decorations must be handmade by the exhibitor(s);

6. NEW: The theme and decorations must be only one color (variations of a single color

are acceptable, for example: navy blue, bright blue, baby blue);

7. The tree must be decorated in the Creative Activities Building between noon and 9:00

p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 th , the first day of the fair;

8. Trees will be judged on Friday morning of the Fair by a three-member panel of judges, a

representative of the exhibit MUST be in attendance for the judging;

9. Trees must be able to be moved from their assembly/display location to the judging

stage on Friday morning by the exhibitor(s), and then returned after judging is complete

(HINT: this requires the decorations to be securely attached to the tree);

10. Groups, organizations, clubs, and families are encouraged to enter.

Prizes for the Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, and Peoples’ Choice Awards are provided

by Aitkin County Friends of the Arts. The Grand Champion winner will receive $250, the

Reserve Champion winner $150, and the Peoples’ Choice Award winner will receive $50.

The 135 th Aitkin County Fair will be held Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Entry and online registration will be available in May, or in person registration will be available

on Tuesday, July 8. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS CONTEST NO LATER THAN

4:00 p.m. on JULY 8 th . For questions about this contest, please contact Christine Bright at 218-

513-9339 or brightchristinemm@gmail.com.