The Santa Cruz County Fair has unveiled its theme for 2026: “Apple Pies and Starry Skies.”
The winning theme, selected from nearly 100 submissions, will set the tone for the fair when it returns to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds from Sept. 16-20, 2026. Organizers said the theme blends nostalgia with optimism, pairing a classic American dessert with the wonder of the night sky above the fairgrounds.
The theme was chosen through a vote by the fair’s volunteer department heads and staff, who selected their favorite entry from this year’s Theme Contest. Fair officials said the decision was a difficult one due to the number of strong submissions.
The winning entry was submitted by Randy Fong.
“Fairs can be so fun,” Fong said. “I thought that coming up with the official tagline for the Fair would be pretty cool.”
As the contest winner, Fong will receive four passes to the fair along with a free parking pass.
Fair organizers also announced that planning is already underway for another creative competition.
Santa Cruz County artists will soon be invited to participate in the 2026 Poster Art Contest, which will determine the official fair poster.
The selected artwork will be featured on the cover of the fair’s Entry and Fair Guides and used in advertising, social media and signage throughout the fairgrounds.
Details, deadlines and entry criteria for the Poster Art Contest will be released at a later date, fair officials said.
TOP PHOTO: The Junior Livestock Auction is one of the county fair’s most popular events.