THE BLUE RIBBON REIMAGINED: 2027 RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR OPENS NEW COMPETITIONS

THE BLUE RIBBON REIMAGINED: 2027 RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR OPENS 
NEW COMPETITIONS 

Students, families, makers, artists and first-time exhibitors are invited to bring something they are proud of 
to the Fair & Date Fest 

 

INDIO, Calif. — September 2026 — What could earn a Blue Ribbon at this year’s Fair & Date Fest? It 
might be a home-baked recipe, photograph or garden creation—but now it could also be a student-built 
robot, original 3D-printed design, brick-built creation, upcycled artwork or image developed through a 
thoughtful generative-AI process. 

 

Entries are now open to compete for a coveted Blue Ribbon and cash prizes at the 2027 Riverside County 
Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This year’s expanded program 
invites students, families, makers, artists, growers and first-time competitors to become part of a beloved 
local tradition. 

 

New competitions for 2027 include Original 3D Design & Printing; Electronics, Robotics & Engineering; 
Interlocking Brick-Building; Recycled & Upcycled Art; and Generative AI Art. These categories join Fair & 
Date Fest favorites celebrating photography, fine art, crafts, baking, gardening and agriculture. 

 

“There really is something for everyone in Competitive Exhibits, and you might even go home with a Blue 
Ribbon and a cash prize,” said Patty Pickering, Business Operations Coordinator for the Fair & Date Fest. 
“We have some really fun new categories this year, including Robotics & Engineering, Original 3D Design & 
Printing, Interlocking Brick-Building, Generative AI Art and Recycled & Upcycled Art. I can’t wait to see what 
everyone comes up with this year.” 

 

The new STEM categories give middle and high school students opportunities to exhibit robotics, 
electronics, circuits, microcontroller projects, engineering designs and prototypes. Original 3D Design & 
Printing is open to grades K–12. Interlocking Brick-Building and Recycled & Upcycled Art include youth and 
adult divisions. 

 

Generative AI Art is open to ages 13–17 and adults. For this category, judges consider more than the final 
image. Entrants must explain their prompts, process, editing and personal contribution. AI-generated work is 
not allowed in the Fair’s traditional art, photography, digital art, crafts or creative writing competitions. The 
Fair is also highlighting Fairy Gardens for grades K–12 and inviting everyone to create large-scale Feature 
Exhibits celebrating Riverside County communities, agriculture and locally grown products. 

 

Most entries must be submitted online by Monday, January 18, 2027, at 11:30 p.m. Deadlines and 
requirements vary by department, and many youth entry fees begin at just $1. The fan-favorite Date Recipe 
contest remains free of charge. 

 

The 79th annual Fair & Date Fest will be held February 11–28, 2027 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 
46350 Arabia Street in Indio. 

 

Explore all categories at DateFest.org, review the official handbook and submit entries through the online 
entry portal. Questions may be directed to blueribbon@datefest.org or 760-863-8247. 

 

 


ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR & NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL 

 

The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is a longstanding tradition celebrating the people, 
agriculture, creativity and culture of Riverside County. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT 
Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival 
760-863-8247 | info@datefest.org 
www.DateFest.org