Open Class

Be a part of the 2026 Central States Fair! "We showcase agriculture, tourism, and our community." Open Class exhibits are a perfect example of this mission! Everyone is welcome to enter. We love to see the Open Class buildings brimming with your accomplishments and talents for fairgoers of all ages to enjoy. It's amazing to see all the creativity and talent.

We are always looking for volunteers and superintendents! (email info@blackhillsstockshow.com if you are interested!)

Class Cancellations - Superintendents Needed

NOTICE - the following divisions are cancelled unless superintendents can be found.

Horticulture

Please contact the Fair office for the status of these divisions (605.355.3861).

Superintendents work with fair staff to coordinate check-in, clerking, judging, organize exhibit area and displays, provide feedback for improvements, edits for classes, and attends a handful of meetings throughout the year. Please contact the fair office (605.355.3861 or info@blackhillssstockshow.com) if you are interested in being a superintendent!

2025 OPEN CLASS PREMIUM BOOK

OC Premium Book

Deadlines

Friday, August 7: Literary: Entries due no later than Friday, August 7, (9am-3pm) in the Fair office (800 San Francisco St.)
Monday, August 17: Quilts entries due no later than Monday, August 17, (9am-7pm) in the Nerdy Nuts Building.
Tuesday, August 18: Quilts Judging (9am-1pm)
Thursday, August 20 & Friday, 21: All other Open Class entries due: Thursday, August 20, 1-7pm and Friday, August 21 (7am-9:45am). All entries are due in the Nerdy Nuts Building, besides Horticulture will be dropped off in the Horticulture Building.
Friday, August 21: Judging from 10am-4pm. Building is closed to the public.
Friday, August 21: Open Class exhibits is open-4pm
August 22(Saturday)-23(Sunday) and 28(Friday)-29(Saturday): Open Class exhibits open from 12pm-7pm.
Monday-Thursday, August 24-27: Open Class exhibits open from 3pm-7pm.
Sunday, August 30, 12-2pm: Entry release and pick up.
Sunday, August 30, 12-2pm: Premium pick up in the Nerdy Nuts building, 12-2pm ONLY. Exhibits and premiums not claimed by 2pm on August 24 are forfeited and become the property of Central States Fair, Inc.

How to Fill Out Your Entry Tag

IMPORTANT!!! Failure to complete the entry tag correctly and in full will result in disqualification.

Superintendents and volunteers will be at drop off to help you complete entry tags.

Open Class Demonstrations

Quilt Demonstrations
Rubber Stamping/Scrapbook

General Rules and Information

Baked Products

Ceramics

China Painting

Creative Hobbies

Crochet, Knits, & Tatting

Decorative & Tole Painting

Fine Arts & Folk Art

Food Preservation

Horticulture

Leathercraft

Literary

Model Building

Needlework

Photography

Quilts

Rubber Stamping

Scrapbooking

Sewing

Spinning & Weaving

Woodcarving