State Fair Contests

& Showcases 

 

2026 Contest Events !

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SkillsUSA North Carolina supports the ApprenticeshipNC and the North Carolina State Fair and its competitive event opportunities for students participating in or exploring CTE and potential career paths.  Please see the dates and activity descriptions below.  To register for Masonry, Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC or Plumbing, please do so on the NC State Fair website.  For Cosmetology registration, please see the information and link below.   Or simply consider bringing a class for a field trip to the State Fair!

 

Mon. October 19 - Masonry Contest        

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Wed. October 21 - Electrical Contest        

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Thurs. October 22 - Carpentry Contest        

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Fri. October 23 - HVACR & Plumbing Contest        

 

Sat. October 24 - Cosmetology Contests (SkillsUSA)

There will be four cosmetology competitions offered this year for our North Carolina Cosmetology programs.  These contests are open to all North Carolina Cosmetology Students (high school and college).  There will be cash prizes given out to the winners of each contest, along with other great prizes.  Competitors also get free admission to the Fair.  Full details for each contest are listed below.  

 

​REGISTRATION:  Click Here   $20 per contestant/contest, includes free Fair admission!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 9

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1. Total Look / Fantasy Hair & Make-Up Rules  On-site performance with a live model.  2026 Theme:  Animal Kingdom  

2. Total Evening Elegance (Manikin) Rules   Manikin Styling performed on-site. 

3. Anything But Hair (Manikin) Rules    Manikin creation design & construction performed on-site.   

4. Total Style (Showcase) Rules  Manikin Styling completed in advance and brought to the state fair for judging. 

5. Fantasy Nail Art Design (Showcase) Rules  Manikin Hand creation completed in advance and brought to the state fair for judging.   2026 Theme:  Animal Kingdom

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Participants MAY enter the TOTAL STYLE or FANTASY NAIL ART DESIGN (Showcases) Competition AND the TOTAL LOOK, TOTAL EVENING ELEGANCE or ANYTHING BUT HAIR live competitions if desired, but will need to register for each competition and pay a registration fee for each.

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**NOTE TO ALL STUDENT CONTESTANTS:  You will need to provide your Social Security Number THE DAY OF THE COMPETITION, in order to receive prize money (if you place/qualify).  If you are not able to provide your SSN on Competition Day, you will not receive prize money.  The State Fair will NOT accept SSNs After the competition date.

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Releases (Liability, Medical, Photo/Sound)

 

  

   Sponsors:  Great Clips

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