July 15–19, 2026
Barn quilts were originally created as a way to encourage economic development by promoting agricultural tourism and local businesses while drawing travelers into rural communities. While traditional quilts are made from many repeating squares, a barn quilt is always a single square design.
During her time as Barron County Fairest of the Fair (2018–2019), Sarah Doyen introduced the idea of hosting a Barn Quilt Square Contest for the Barron County Fair. She invited quilters from around the county to create 12½” x 12½” quilt squares using plain colors and enter them into a friendly competition. The response was fantastic, and the contest quickly became a favorite tradition.
2026 marks the 7th year of the contest, and we are excited to see the creativity our community brings again this year. These geometric quilt squares are the perfect opportunity to channel your quilting creativity into a design that will catch the attention of fairgoers.
The winning square will be reproduced into a barn quilt board by Perfect Image Sign of Rice Lake and displayed on one of the buildings on the Barron County Fairgrounds.
All submitted fabric squares become property of the Barron County Fair. The squares will be sewn together into a quilt that will be placed in the Fairest of the Fair Basket and auctioned at the Wisconsin Fair Association Convention, showcasing the talents of Barron County.
New for 2026
This year we are introducing two new categories:
150-Year Heritage Design
Create a quilt square representing what a quilt pattern or fabric might have looked like 150 years ago, as Barron County Fair prepares to celebrate 150 years of fair in 2027.
Patriotic Design – Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
Design a square using patriotic fabrics and patterns to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Contest Categories
• Pieced Square
• Square Design from 150 Years Ago
• Patriotic Fabric Design Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
Contest Details
• Square must measure 12½” x 12½”
• Prewashed cotton fabric only (no buttons, charms, etc.)
• Square edges must be unfinished
• The design must not contain curves
• Category #1 must use solid fabrics only
• Categories #2 and #3 may use printed fabrics
• Square must be pieced, not appliqued
• Square should not have batting, backing, or quilting
• Include the entry form
Only one entry per exhibitor per category
(You may enter one square in each category.)
Drop-Off Information
Squares must be dropped off by July 8, 2026 at:
Busy Bobbin
234 N Wilson Ave
Rice Lake, WI
OR
Barron County Fair Office
Monday or Tuesday of the Fair (by 6:00 PM)
You may also mail entries to:
Barron County Fair Office
PO Box 329
Rice Lake, WI 54868
OR
Melanie Donath
N13314 County Road M
New Auburn, WI 54757
Questions
For questions, please contact:
Melanie Donath
715-418-3432
For additional information and the entry form, visit:
www.barroncountyfair.com
We would also like to thank Busy Bobbin Quilt Shop for helping promote this great opportunity for our local quilting community.