06/16/2026
**Check this out.... NEW too Hemlock "Little Worlds" Fair this year.**
Battle of the Bales
Welcome to the Battle of the Bales – where straw meets showstopper!!
Participants are invited to transform ordinary straw bales into creative, eye-catching displays that celebrate community spirit, agriculture, and imagination. Whether you’re competing for fun or for bragging rights, we’re excited to see what you create.
Rules:
*Preregistration is required. Registration is not complete until the form and fee ($20) are received. Entry Deadline July 5th.
*Competitors must bring their own bales. If you are interested but need straw bales please contact us.
*Open to all ages and abilities – participate on your own or team up with friends, family, or a group.
*Bales may be round or square. (please provide information on entry form)
*Decorations may include paint, fabric, props, and other materials, but must be securely attached. While spray paint may be used, it is limited to use on the bale and not on the grass or hard surface around the bale.
*No loose items that could blow away or create hazards.
*All structures must be stable and able to withstand weather conditions (wind, rain, ect.)
*Devices that are mechanical, electrical, or electronic should not be used in the display.
*Decorations must be family-friendly and suitable for public viewing.
*Anything deemed by the Organizers, in their sole discretion, to be unsafe or inappropriate in nature, will be removed.
*The Hemlock Fair Agricultural Society, its volunteers, directors, or agents are not responsible for lost, stolen, and/or damaged property.
Judging:
*Judging will take place Tuesday, July 21st at 5pm
*Winners will be announced Wednesday, July 22nd after the parade (Parade starts at 6:30).
*The Judges’ Top 3 Contestants will receive a ribbon, monetary prize ($100/$75/$25), and the ultimate bragging rights!
Set Up:
*Decorators may drop off and/or decorate their bales ONLY during the following days and times: July 18th, 19th, and 20th from 12pm-5pm. Please contact Mary ahead of time if assistance is needed unloading your bale.
*Spaces to be assigned by organizers.
*If you need to make arrangements to decorate outside of these dates, please contact Mary @ 585-472-5075 ahead of time. We will try to accommodate requests, if possible.
Tear Down:
*Undecorating of bales may begin at 8 am on Sunday, July 26th with all decorations to be removed by 3pm.
*Any decorations not removed by 3pm July 26th will be discarded.
Click here to apply
Here's the link: https://hemlockfair.org/battle-of-the-bales/
Or scan the QR Code below.
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