Combine
Calling all amateur and professional artist to unleash their talents to turn round hay bales into stunning masterpieces! The aim of the Round Hay Bale Decorating Contest is to bring together individuals, groups, businesses, schools and non-profit organizations to celebrate the beauty of Ohio’s farmland. Unleash your imagination as you bring your chosen theme to life using paint, fabric, accessories and decorations. Bales will be on display just east of the Charles Holliday Covered Bridge, September 2-5 to thousands of visitors during the Sweet Corn Festival.
Information for Competitors:
Contest Coordinated by: Drake Riley
Premiums: 1st = $300; 2nd = $150; 3rd = $50 and a “People’s Choice Award”
• Pre-entry is required before August 15, 2026 to reserve a bale.
• Entry fee is $50 per bale (submitted with registration form).
• Round hay bales will be provided (limited supply available).
• Decorating dates and times: August 29th – 31st.
• Entries will be judged on Wednesday, September 2nd.
• Premium winners announced during the Queens Pageant at the Brookover Harlow Pavilion Thursday, September 3, 2026.
• People’s Choice Award announced Saturday, September 5, 2026 by 2 pm, at the Hickory Grove Bandstand.
• Each artist is allowed to place a sign next to the bale for promotional purposes.
• Spots are limited. Register early!
This contest is all about having fun, showcasing artistic creativity and celebrating Ohio agriculture heritage.
*Click here to bring up the registration form with QR code for payment at the bottom of the form.
Rules & Regulations
1. All artists must register by August 15, 2026. There is no age restriction.
2. Bales should be designed around the theme of your choice.
3. The Sweet Corn Festival will provide a 4ft. wide by 4 ft. deep round bale for each artist to decorate in a 10 ft. x 10 ft. grass space. Contestants may bring up to 6 additional small rectangular bales to use in the exhibit.
4. Entries will be judged on eye appeal, construction, use of materials and creativity. A panel of impartial judges will be selected by the festival.
5. The public will be given an opportunity to vote on the “People’s Choice Award” during festival operating hours at the Hickory Grove Stage. Each ballot will cost $1 each with proceeds going to Millersport Lions Supported Charities.
6. First place entry will receive social media recognition and return of entry fee.
7. Bales will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. All bales must be decorated by Tuesday, September 1, at 8:00 pm.
9. No vulgar or suggestive decorations will be allowed. No political, social or controversial issues may be displayed. Artists provide their own decorating supplies. Spray paint may be used; limited to the bale (not on the grass).
10. Decorations should be weather and wind proof with bales stabilized to avoid tipping or rolling.
11. No sharp objects may be inserted into the bale (no glass is permitted).
12. No mechanical, electrical or electronic devices may be used in the display.
13. Anything the Sweet Corn Festival’s Safety Chair deems to be unsafe or inappropriate in nature, will be removed.
14. Undecorating of bales may begin at 11:00 pm on Saturday, September 5th, with all decorations to be removed by Labor Day. Any decorations not removed will be discarded.
15. The Sweet Corn Festival, Inc., its officers, volunteers or agents are not responsible for
lost, stolen and/or damaged property.