Ever watched someone yell their husband’s name at the top of their lungs for a trophy? Or sculpt a masterpiece out of Spam? At county fairs across the country, these kinds of offbeat competitions are more common than you’d think. Strange? Definitely. Entertaining? Without a doubt. These events add a splash of unpredictability to the fairgrounds and keep crowds coming back for more.

Funniest and Strangest County Fair Contests to Watch

While most folks show up for funnel cakes and carnival rides, it’s often these strange contests that leave the biggest impression. Let’s dive into some of the wildest, funniest, and downright odd competitions that make county fairs unforgettable.

Why These Quirky Contests Matter

You might wonder what inspires people to spend time crafting meat sculptures or training roosters to crow on command. At the heart of it, these contests are more than just sideshow entertainment they bring people together, spark creativity, and carry forward decades-old traditions.

County fairs are about celebrating local culture, and that includes its quirks. These contests give everyday folks a chance to shine in unexpected ways, often with nothing more than humor and heart.

10 Hilariously Strange County Fair Contests Worth Knowing

Here’s a closer look at the contests that break the mold and make us laugh out loud.

1. The Husband Calling Contest

This contest, made famous by the Iowa State Fair, is exactly what it sounds like. Women call out for their husbands sometimes lovingly, sometimes in frustration in front of a cheering crowd.

  • Loudness and creativity count
  • Bonus points for dramatic delivery
  • Phrases like “Bobbbbbbb, get over here!” fill the air

It’s not just a competition it’s a comedic performance, and the crowd eats it up every time.

2. Cow Chip Throwing

Only in farm country would people gather to toss dried cow dung as far as they can. Known as “cow chips,” these discs of manure are surprisingly aerodynamic.

  • Longest throw wins
  • Gloves optional, but encouraged
  • Events often include costume categories too

Odd as it may sound, it’s been a staple in parts of Oklahoma and Kansas for decades.

3. Spam Sculpting

Forget clay or marble contestants use canned Spam to carve out their creations. Tools may include toothpicks, plastic knives, and a healthy sense of humor.

  • Popular designs: castles, animals, or pop culture references
  • Judged on creativity and structure
  • Cleanup is part of the challenge

It’s salty, squishy, and somehow still wildly entertaining.

4. Beard and Moustache Contest

Facial hair is serious business at many fairs. These contests range from simple length competitions to elaborate themed styles.

  • Categories: longest, fullest, most creative
  • Some entrants wear costumes to match their beard theme
  • Judging includes both appearance and crowd reaction

A little wax and a lot of patience go a long way here.

5. Rooster Crowing Contest

This one relies on your rooster’s vocal cords, not yours. Owners bring their birds and compete to see whose rooster crows the most in a set time.

  • Roosters are placed in cages
  • Judges count crows during timed rounds
  • Unpredictable and often hilarious results

Sometimes the roosters don’t cooperate, making it even funnier for spectators.

6. Rubber Chicken Toss

A test of aim and absurdity, this contest involves tossing rubber chickens at various targets. Sometimes it’s distance-based, other times it’s a precision game.

  • Common in youth divisions and family competitions
  • Extra points for style and flair
  • Teams often dress up to match

It’s silly, harmless fun that anyone can join in on.

7. Ugliest Cake Contest

While most baking contests celebrate perfection, this one flips the script. The goal: bake a cake that tastes great but looks hilariously awful.

  • Think melted frosting, mismatched layers, or absurd decorations
  • Entries are judged on both appearance and flavor
  • The uglier, the better

It’s part art, part dessert, and all comedy.

8. Human Tractor Pull

Participants dress up like tractors and pull heavy objects often wagons or bales while mimicking engine sounds. Yes, really.

  • Distance matters, but so does creativity
  • Sound effects often judged separately
  • Costumes range from cardboard cutouts to full-body paint

It’s a mix of strength, silliness, and imagination.

9. Crying Baby Contest (Inspired by Japan)

Adapted from Japanese tradition, this contest rewards the baby that cries first or loudest. Parents gently try to trigger tears without distressing the child while the crowd watches.

  • Sometimes held during baby shows or parenting expos
  • Meant to celebrate healthy lungs, not cause stress
  • Usually over in seconds

It’s short, loud, and oddly charming.

10. Weird Vegetable Showdown

Giant vegetables are impressive, but weirdly shaped ones steal the show. Some fairs add categories like “Most Vegetable-Like Vegetable” or “Veggie That Looks Like a Celebrity.”

  • Participants often give their entries names
  • Displays include funny signs and decorations
  • Audience voting sometimes used

You never forget the time you saw a squash that looked like a duck.

Why People Love These Contests

It’s not just about winning. These contests are fun to watch and even more fun to participate in. They offer something different something unpredictable in a world where entertainment often feels scripted.

  • Families bond over shared laughter
  • Local personalities become instant celebrities
  • Kids and adults alike get a chance to be silly

More than anything, these contests are memorable because they feel real and unfiltered.

Are These Just for Laughs or Taken Seriously?

Surprisingly, both. While most contestants sign up for the experience, some take these events very seriously. They build elaborate props, practice routines, or raise animals year-round just to compete.

  • Some events award cash prizes or custom trophies
  • Others come with yearlong bragging rights
  • Photos and videos often go viral locally

There’s a pride in winning even if it means being the best at yelling your husband’s name in public.

How to Join a Contest at Your Local Fair

Interested in taking part? Here’s how to get started:

Tips for Joining a Fair Contest

  • Check the fair website or brochure early
  • Pre-register when required spots can fill up fast
  • Bring your own materials or props if needed
  • Get the crowd involved they love a good show
  • Don’t worry about being perfect it’s about having fun

Even if you don’t win, you’ll have a great story to tell.

Final Thoughts

County fairs are a celebration of community, and nothing captures that better than the strange, funny contests that pop up in every corner of the grounds. These events remind us that not everything needs to be polished or professional to be worth doing. Sometimes, a rubber chicken toss or a poorly frosted cake is exactly what brings people together.

So the next time you head to the fair, skip the predictable and head for the contest stage. Whether you’re watching or participating, you’re guaranteed a good laugh and maybe even a ribbon for something gloriously silly.