Press release from the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival:
INDIO — 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 next Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, to be presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino from Feb. 11-28, 2027. The 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 … 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, Jan. 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 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.
