(Atlantic, Iowa) – The start of the 2025 Cass County (IA) Fair, in Atlantic, is a little less then three-weeks away. Officials with Cass County ISU Extension say Fair week is a celebration of hard work and dedication to 4-H and FFA programs throughout the past year. The week is filled with activities: free entertainment, great food, and projects to view both in the building and barns. Fair week officially kicks off July 24th and ends July 29th, after the livestock sale.

4-Hers have been working hard all year to complete projects and get them ready for this week-long showcase. Their first opportunity for judging starts with the Clothing Event contest along with the Table Setting contest. These events are judged before fair starts and are on display in the building during fair week. Awards for these contests will be given Friday evening as part of the Friday Evening Building Showcase.

Clothing Event involves 4-H’ers across Cass County who will display their skills in purchasing and creating outfits for all purposes. The judging of this contest will take place before the fair starts on July 10th at the Cass County Community Center. Participants competed in three divisions: Fashion Revue, Clothing Selection, the $20 Challenge, and Innovative Design.

Fashion Revue participants made their garments using design elements and principles such as line, shape, color and texture. Members who chose to participate in this event must sew, construct, hand-knit, machine-knit, crochet garment(s). Clothing Selection outfits and are evaluated on overall appearance, as well as their knowledge of selection, including appropriateness, care, and money spent on the outfit. The $20 Challenge is an opportunity for 4-Hers to challenge themselves by purchasing a complete outfit for under $20. Innovative Design is a challenge for participants to create a costume, cosplay, wearable technology, sustainable/upcycled fashion, accessible fashion, or outfits that use unconventional materials.

Table Setting is a fun way to learn how to properly set a table, plan nutritious meals, and express originality and creativity. Exhibitors choose a theme, present to a judge, express knowledge of food, nutrition and food safety, and have fun planning a special occasion meal for entertaining. Exhibitors can enter a casual or formal place setting display, dishes to menus, and decorations to clothing worn during judging! Judging for this event will take place on July 15th at the Cass County Community Center. Entries are photographed and will be displayed at the fair for public viewing in the Community Center.

Awards will be presented during Friday Evening’s Building Showcase in the Community Center. Winners will be chosen from each age division and in each category. Those winners will have the opportunity to advance to the Regional Table Setting Contest in August.

Be sure to check out all the entries from this year’s Clothing Event contest and the Table Setting Contest which will be on display in the Community Center during fair week!