CONTESTS

Prize package worth $850.00

Contest Concept: We are searching for photos that embody the festive spirit and time-honored traditions of the Sioux Empire Fair.

Keep in mind that photos in and from the Grandstands during performances and events is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and will be disqualified from the contest.

AMATEURS & PROFESSIONALS alike are welcome to take a shot at the grand prize, which happens to be worth a picture perfect $850. Yes, you read that right. $850.00 The prize package includes gifts or gift cards from local businesses like, Tractor Supply, Harold’s Photo Center, and The Sioux Empire Fair. It’s FREE to enter, so snap to it, and let’s see your best shot!

Photograph Guidelines:

1. Photos must be the original work of the contestant.
2. Photos must have been taken of the Sioux Empire Fair in 2022, 2023, or this year, 2024.
3. Photos may be digitally enhanced (but we want them to look natural).

1. Contestants may be 13 years of age or older. All contestants between the ages of 13-17 must have a parent’s signature on all forms.
2. Contestants may be amateurs or professional photographers.
3. Contestants may enter up to 3 photos.
4. Contestants are fully responsible to provide completed and signed “Model Release” forms where needed, for each photograph submitted. (Basically, if you take a photo of people who could be considered recognizable, consent would be needed from them, or their parents, for the photo to be available for commercial use.)
5. Contestants must be willing and able to grant the Sioux Empire Fair Association Inc. exclusive rights to the submitted photo, with no compensation and/or obligations expected outside of the prize.
6. To redeem the prize, the winning photo must be able to be submitted digitally to the Sioux Empire Fair Association Inc. as a JPG File. Further instructions will be emailed to the winner.

1. Photos should be 8”x10” prints and submitted in a clear page/sheet protector (like what you would use in a binder).
2. A contest submission form, and Model Release form/s if applicable, must be filled out completely, signed by all parties involved, and submitted with each photo.
3. Photos are to be submitted to the Arts Center (NW corner of the North Room of the Expo).
4. Photos can be submitted on Submission Day (Wednesday, 7/31st 12PM-7PM) or 8/3rd through 8/8th from 10AM-8PM. See any Arts Center staff member.
5. If your only purpose at the fair is to submit your contest photos, you may enclose them in a large envelope labeled Arts Center Photo Contest and drop them off with fair staff at the south gate (lime green booth) between the hours of 10AM-5:30PM 8/3rd through 8/8th. Park just to the left of the booth and walk your submission/s to the booth. Please make sure your photo submission/s are in order, with all the appropriate signed forms. This location is for drop offs only. If you have questions, email sef.artscenter@yahoo.com. Please be careful when backing out, this can be a busy area.

Judging will take place on 8/9/24, and the winner will be announced the evening of 8/9/24 via Facebook, and through signage in the Arts Center.

All submitted photos will be released from the Arts Center on Sunday, 8/11th between 10AM and 4PM. Any unclaimed photos will be discarded on 8/12/24.

When: August 3rd through noon (12PM) on August 10th, 2024.

Where: Throughout the whole Arts Center, located at the NW corner of the Expo’s North Room.

Who can participate: Anyone who submits an exhibit in the general open class competition has a chance for their exhibit to be chosen.

What exhibits will qualify: The exhibit judges will choose one “Honorable Mention” exhibit from each class. Each of these “Honorable Mention” exhibits will automatically be placed in the running for the People’s Choice Award of their age division. (Adult or Junior)

How does the contest work from there: Fairgoers will be asked to help us choose the adult and junior winners by voting for their favorite People’s Choice Award exhibit in each division. The exhibit with the most votes, by 12PM on 8/10/24, will be the adult or junior winner.

How to vote: Each “Honorable Mention” exhibit will be labeled, and fairgoers with a Google Account can scan the QR code to be taken to a webpage where they can vote for their favorite exhibit. Remember, it's one vote per fairgoer, so choose wisely and bring plenty of friends and family.

Don’t have a Google Account? No problem—you can vote through comments on the People’s Choice Award post on our Facebook page, or see an Arts Center staff member to vote with a paper entry.

How will the results be announced: Voting will end at noon (12PM) on Saturday, 8/10th. Votes will be tallied from all the sources and an announcement will be made on Facebook, and the winners will be notified by email. The winners can pick up their prize on 8/11/24, at the Arts Center, between 10AM and 4PM.

Marty is a wonderfully entertaining guy with over 40 years of photography experience. His images have appeared in South Dakota “Conservation Digest” and other Game, Fish and Parks publications and websites. He has also had photos published by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, L.L. Bean, numerous calendars, local tourism guides, multi-media and theatrical productions, and newspapers. Not to mention he’s a local legend and great friend of the Sioux Empire Fair.

We are excited and honored to have him back this year to share his vast knowledge with the fairgoers as he brings us a Presentation on Composition, which users of traditional cameras and camera phones alike can benefit from!

This is the perfect time to come learn tips and tricks about photography to help you capture the best photo for the Fun Fair Photo Contest, taking place during the fair. I’d take notes from Marty as there’s an $850 prize package awarded to the winner of that contest. Check out the Fun Fair Photo Contest for more details.