County fairs are a cherished tradition across the United States, bringing together food vendors, livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music. But beyond the funnel cakes and Ferris wheels lies a stranger, quirkier world—a world of contests that challenge not only talent but also imagination and, sometimes, plain absurdity.

What are some unusual contests at county fairs?

While pie-eating contests and tractor pulls are common fare, many local fairs have carved out a reputation by introducing competitions that make you pause and say, “Wait, that’s real?” These events, while often humorous, are also a reflection of local culture, creativity, and a good-natured sense of fun.

Why County Fairs Go Off the Beaten Path

County fairs have long been a place for communities to show off their best livestock, home-baked pies, and hand-crafted quilts. But as these gatherings evolved, fair organizers began introducing offbeat contests to draw attention and participation. Whether it’s to keep visitors entertained between rodeo rounds or to simply give people a chance to laugh together, these competitions are all about creating memorable moments.

Many of these unusual contests started small—one town’s creative take on community fun. But thanks to word-of-mouth and viral online videos, they’re now crowd favorites that people look forward to year after year.

7 Wild and Whimsical County Fair Contests You Won’t Believe Exist

Here’s a quick look at some of the most eccentric contests happening across American county fairs. Some are messy, others are loud, but all are guaranteed to entertain.

1. Cow Chip Throwing Contest

Yes, you read that right. Cow chip (a dried piece of cow dung) throwing is a celebrated event in places like Beaver, Oklahoma, where contestants compete for distance, style, and bragging rights. It’s as rural and rugged as you’d imagine. The chips are dried, not smelly, and thrown like frisbees. Rules require the chip to be unaltered—no lacquering or shaping allowed.

Fun Fact: The current world record exceeds 200 feet. That’s right—some people have trained arms for this.

2. Husband Calling Contest

This event is equal parts comedy and performance art. Held at some Midwest fairs, including the Iowa State Fair, this contest features women calling their husbands in the most dramatic and attention-grabbing ways they can muster.

Calls range from shrill to theatrical to downright hilarious. Judges evaluate volume, creativity, and delivery. Winners walk away with ribbons and viral fame.

3. Rooster Crowing Contest

This one isn’t for people—it’s for the birds, literally. Rooster crowing contests measure how many times a rooster can crow within a set timeframe, usually 30 minutes to an hour.

Participants bring their most vocal birds, and spectators cheer as the roosters battle for barnyard supremacy. The current record in some regions stands in the high double digits.

4. Ugliest Cake Bake-Off

While most baking contests reward beauty and taste, this one flips that concept on its frosted head. Participants intentionally design the most hideous cakes imaginable. Think droopy frosting, awkward color combinations, and offbeat themes like “zombie wedding” or “roadkill surprise.”

Judges don’t taste them—it’s all about visual chaos. This event is popular with families and creative teens who relish the chance to be silly with sugar.

5. Spam Sculpting Challenge

Welcome to a world where canned meat becomes medium. Spam sculpting contests challenge participants to carve, mold, and decorate blocks of Spam into recognizable objects, characters, or abstract art.

Judging criteria include originality, resemblance (if it’s a person or item), and overall presentation. Some fairs even offer audience choice awards.

6. Giant Vegetable Weigh-In… with a Twist

Giant pumpkins and oversized zucchinis are nothing new at agricultural fairs, but some fairs add personality contests to the mix. In these cases, not only does your vegetable need to be huge—it might also need to be dressed up.

Expect to see a 200-pound pumpkin dressed like Elvis or a cucumber in a tuxedo. It’s a hilarious way to bring character to an otherwise serious vegetable-growing competition.

7. Worm Charming Contest

This unique contest tests who can “charm” the most worms out of the soil in a designated plot of land within a set time. No digging allowed. Participants must rely on vibration techniques like stomping, fiddling, or using pitchforks to draw worms to the surface.

It’s oddly scientific and requires patience, rhythm, and sometimes just plain luck. Some families participate in teams, adding a collaborative spin to the event.

What’s the Appeal of These Oddball Competitions?

You might wonder—why not stick to normal contests? The answer lies in one word: community. These events are often born from local humor, history, or just a sense of wanting to stand out.

Quirky contests encourage participation from people who might otherwise never enter a fair competition. You don’t need a prized heifer or a blue-ribbon pie to shout your husband’s name from a stage or throw a dried cow chip as far as you can.

And from an entertainment perspective, these competitions are a magnet for laughter, photo ops, and online sharing. It’s not unusual for clips of these events to reach millions of views, bringing attention to small towns and local culture.

Thinking of Competing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Interested in entering one of these quirky events? Here are a few tips:

  • Check the Fair’s Website Early: Sign-ups for unique contests can fill up fast, especially at larger fairs.
  • Read the Rules: Some contests have strict guidelines (e.g., no modified cow chips or enhanced worm plots).
  • Have Fun with It: Whether you win or lose, these events are about creativity, joy, and getting outside your comfort zone.
  • Dress the Part: A costume or prop might score you extra points with the judges or the crowd.
  • Practice Helps: If you’re aiming for cow chip throwing glory, maybe don’t start on the day of the contest.

Will Unusual Contests Shape the Future of County Fairs?

As people increasingly seek out experiences that are memorable and lighthearted, these kinds of contests are finding their place in fair schedules alongside the classics. They create buzz, draw new demographics, and remind everyone that county fairs are about more than just tradition—they’re about imagination and shared joy.

While traditional events like livestock judging and quilting contests will always hold a place of honor, these quirky additions bring a different kind of energy—one that’s spontaneous, accessible, and just a little bit weird in the best way possible.

Conclusion

County fairs are the heart of many communities, and it’s in these lively, open-air gatherings that you’ll find more than cotton candy and carnival rides. The real magic lies in the unexpected—in contests that involve cow dung frisbees, canned meat sculptures, and dramatic marital summons across the fairgrounds.

These unusual contests reflect the humor, creativity, and inclusive spirit of small-town America. They remind us that fun doesn’t have to be fancy—and that a good laugh might be the best prize of all.

So, next time you’re at a county fair, don’t just head for the funnel cake. Stick around for the rooster crowing contest or the ugly cake showdown. You might just find yourself part of the oddest—and most memorable—competition you’ve ever seen.