Ohio State Fair Poster Contest

Help us celebrate America's 250th anniversary!

We recommend that this year’s entries embrace a patriotic theme—whether through a red, white, and blue color palette, or by highlighting the intersection of Ohio’s history and American heritage.

2026 Information

Important Dates

December 10, 2025 - Entry form opens
January 20, 2026 - Entry form closes
April 2026 - Top five winners announced

ENTRY FORM

Eligibility

The Ohio State Fair Poster Contest is open to Ohio residents only, age 18 and older. Employees (permanent, contract, and/or seasonal) of the Ohio State Fair/Ohio Expositions Commission are not eligible to enter.

Guidelines and Selection Criteria:

Both professional and amateur artists are permitted to enter.
Must be a resident of Ohio.
Must be 18 years old.
One entry per person.
Artwork must be family friendly.
In effort to help celebrate America's 250th anniversary, it is recommended that artwork include a patriotic theme, whether that is using colors of the American flag or celebrating Ohio's heritage and America 250 in some way.
Artwork must be related to the Ohio State Fair.
The Fair dates (July 29 – Aug. 9, 2026) and words Ohio State Fair must be included.
- For reference purposes, or for those who choose to include this information, 2026 will be the 171st Ohio State Fair.
The artist must disclose the medium of the poster.
Size guidelines 24 inches x 36 inches/2:3 aspect ratio. Portrait orientation required.
Must be able to be reproduced and must be scalable to standard poster or postcard size.
All entries must be submitted electronically. Submissions must be high-quality digital photographs or images of your poster. .JPGs and .PDFs are acceptable.

Awards

Top 5 entries will be recognized.
Grand Champion will receive:
- $1,000
- Ribbon
- Social media recognition
- Coordinated opportunities with local media
- Daily access to the Ohio State Fair and tickets for family

Entrant Acknowledgment

Entrants must agree to follow the guidelines and rules set forth by the Ohio Expositions Commission. If I am a contest winner, I recognize that I must submit my original piece of art to be displayed at the Ohio State Fair. I recognize that the Ohio State Fair retains all rights to the artwork.

Terms and Conditions for Grand Champion

Upon award, the chosen artist will be required to execute an agreement with the Ohio Expositions Commission setting forth the terms and conditions. The artist will retain copyright, but full ownership of the finished selection will be transferred to the Ohio Expositions Commission. The Ohio Expositions Commission retains the right to reproduce the original artwork for sale in various forms including, but not limited to, postcards and other merchandise. The artwork can also be used as marketing and promotional material for the Ohio State Fair.

ENTRY FORM