The folks at the Santa Cruz County Fair have chosen a theme for the 2026 fair: “Apple Pies and Starry Skies!”
“This winning theme for the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair, set for September 16-20, evokes both nostalgia and hopefulness for the future, a classic American dessert conjuring up the taste of summer, and the stunning and awe-inspiring imagery of the
night sky above the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds, said marketing director Ron Haedicke.
Nearly 100 theme suggestions were mailed into the 2026 Theme Contest. The winner is selected by votes from the volunteer department heads and staff picking their favorite entry.
“It was a difficult choice, but ultimately “Apple Pies and Starry
Skies,” submitted by Randy Fong, hit the mark,” Haedicke said.
Upon learning of his winning Fong said “Fairs can be so fun. I thought that coming up with the official tagline for the Fair would be pretty cool.”
For his winning entry, Fong receives four passes to the Fair as well as a free parking pass.
Additionally, another contest is on the horizon: All Santa Cruz County artists are invited to enter our 2026 Poster Art Contest to create this year’s official Fair poster.
“In addition, the art will also grace the cover of our Entry and Fair Guides,” Haedicke said. “And it will be used in advertising, social media and on signs throughout the fairgrounds.”
Above all, the poster should capture the spirit of “Apple Pies and Starry Skies” while celebrating the heart of the Fair and the community. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration
from themes such as agriculture, farm life, animals, carnival rides, summer, the coastline, and starry skies.
As 2026 marks our nation’s 250th anniversary, red, white, and blue elements are welcome but not required.
Required poster text must include:
Santa Cruz County Fair, September 16–20, 2026, Apple Pies and Starry Skies, santacruzcountyfair.com, Highway 152, Watsonville.
Size and format should be 8 ½ x 11 inches. Any artistic medium is welcome but digital artwork, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign are preferred at 300dpi file size.
All submissions must be original work created by the artist. Licensed clip art is permitted with proof of licensing.
Open to Santa Cruz County residents only. To enter, email a photo or scan of your concept to: in**@*****************ir.com
Finalists may receive optional feedback from Fair staff before completing final artwork. All entries must be in by March 6, at 4pm.
