The Blue Ribbon Showcase at the Grand Citrus Social will display artwork, crafts, sculptures and more from artists throughout Polk County. Similar to traditional shows at the state fair, the Blue Ribbon Showcase is an opportunity for professional and novice artists alike to get their work out into the community. Plus all entries are eligible to earn a Blue Ribbon prize!

 

Please see below for the 2026 Blue Ribbon Showcase categories and rules. If you have any questions about what category your piece would fit in or if it meets a size requirement, please email events@destroyermedia.com.

 

Applications are open through December 31st, 2025. Display space is limited. Categories may close before December 31st is the space limit is reached.

 

2026 Blue Ribbon Showcase Categories:

 

Fiber Arts

Including but not limited to Needlepoint, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Crewel, Punch Needle, Stump Work, Needle Felting, Knitting, Crochet, Weaving, Sewing, Quilting, Apparel

• Submissions must come ready to display (ie - framed if appropriate). Framed pieces must be smaller than 24”x24” and be ready to hang or display on tabletop. Wearables and linens will be displayed appropriately as space allows.

 

2D (Not Including Photography)

Including but not limited to Painting, Drawing/Illustration, Collage, Digital

• Submissions must come ready to display (ie - framed if appropriate). Pieces must be smaller than 24”x24” and be ready to hang or display on tabletop.

 

3D

Including but not limited to Ceramics, Sculpture, Origami, Glass, Woodworking/Carving

• Pieces must weigh less than 25 lbs and be smaller than 36”x36”. If anything special is required to display the entry, the artist must provide.

 

Photography

• Submissions must come ready to display (ie - framed if appropriate). Pieces must be smaller than 24”x24” and be ready to hang or display on tabletop.

 

Youth (ages 12-18)

Any medium welcome. Submissions must come ready to display. Framed pieces must be smaller than 24x24 and be ready to hang or display on a tabletop. Pieces must weigh less than 25 lbs.

 

Best in Show ribbon will be awarded to one artist across all categories. First, Second, and Third Place ribbons will be awarded in each category.

 

 

2026 Blue Ribbon Showcase Rules & Regulations

1. Absolutely no AI is permitted in the Artist Showcase.

2. One entry per category is allowed per artist.

3. Entries must have been created within the past calendar year (2025).

4. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025. It is free to apply.

5. The event has limited space to display entries. We may cut off entries once the space limitation has been filled.

6. Artist must drop off entry at the Destroyer Office January 26th and 29th from 8 am to 4 pm. Work must be picked up February 2nd to 5th from 8 am to 4 pm. No exhibits will be released early. ***PLEASE NOTE*** The Grand Citrus Social will not be responsible for articles not picked up, and will dispose of any articles or exhibits left after 4 pm on February 5.

7. Display Info Cards will be filled out by the artist on the days exhibits are accepted. No changes will be allowed after exhibits have been entered for competition. 

8. All reasonable efforts will be exercised to prevent damage, theft, or accident of any kind to entries. However, the Grand Citrus Social, Destroyer Media & Marketing, and their volunteers will assume no responsibility for damage or theft of any entries before, during, and after the event.

9. Judges’ decisions are final. All entries are judged individually by an independent panel of judges.

10. If it is ascertained that an exhibitor has made any false statements in regard to any article or exhibit or interfered with the judges in the performance of their duties, the exhibitor shall be excluded from competition.

11. The Grand Citrus Social reserves the right to reject any exhibit offered if it is objectionable in any way, if it requires excessive space, or if the capacity of a category has been reached. Disqualified items will be rejected and not displayed.

12. Anyone participating in this contest by way of entry hereby agrees and consents to the use of any picture of the contestant and their entry in any or all publications, TV, publicity brochure, Internet, etc., that the Grand Citrus Social may desire.

13. Any questions can be submitted to events@destroyermedia.com.