THE 2025 TABLE SETTING SHOWCASE COMPETITION

Presented by Pura Event Design in partnership with the Sonoma County Fair

***Please review all details below before registering. A confirmation email will be sent automatically once your registration and payment are complete. Please check your Spam folder.***

The Table Setting Showcase Competition is your chance to design a fully styled tablescape and have it displayed LIVE at the Sonoma County Fair. Your table will be seen by 15,000–20,000 daily attendees — PLUS receive online exposure through expert judging and social media voting. 

Pilot Program Notice: As this is a brand-new competition added late in the planning season, this year serves as a pilot program to test and shape the event for future years. We appreciate your flexibility, feedback, and support in helping us successfully establish this showcase. 

Fair Event Dates: August 1–10, 2025 (Fair closed August 4)  

Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds | Garden Building | 1450 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 

Competition Overview 

There will be two winners: 

• Expert Choice Award (Cash Prize & Award) 

• People’s Choice Award (Cash Prize based on digital voting & Award) 

All participants will receive public exposure across Sonoma County Fair and Pura Event Design social media platforms. 

What’s Provided 

• Table provided onsite by the Fair (36”x36”)

• Reserved competition display space 

• Expert judging & public voting 

• Promotion via Sonoma County Fair and Pura Event Design social media platforms 

• Complimentary participant perks (provided after Registration confirmation)

• Each participant will receive two (2) admission passes and one (1) parking pass for Setup Day
  (Further instructions on how to receive your passes will be provided closer to the event)

Participant Details 

• Each display must include a complete table setting for two (2) guests

• You may bring your own tableware, décor, props, and materials

• If you wish to rent items, Encore Event Rentals is our featured partner offering a participant discount. You’ll receive the name and contact info for your Encore representative in your confirmation email. Encore rental orders will be available for pick up at the Windsor Showroom Will Call location (1001 American Way, Windsor, CA 95492)

Schedule 

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 

Encore Rental Orders Due: Friday, July 25, 2025 

Setup Day — Wednesday, July 30, 2025: 

• 5:00 PM — Arrival & Check-In 

• 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM — Setup Window (must be fully set by 7:00 PM) 

• Please enter through Gate 4 — no parking pass is required.

• You're welcome to bring one additional person to assist you with setup.

Expert Judging: 

• Immediately after setup on July 30 at 7 PM

Digital Public Voting: 

• August 1 – August 9, 2025 (via Instagram and Facebook) 

Winners Announced: 

• Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2 PM

Take-Down Day: 

• Monday, August 11, 2025 — 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

• Please enter through Gate 4 — no parking pass is required.

• You're welcome to bring one additional person to assist you with breakdown.

General Rules & Regulations 

• All designs must remain on display for the entire Fair duration

• No early removal is permitted

• No live animals, open flames, or hazardous materials allowed

• Displays may not include: 

• Real food or liquids 

• Lit candles (flameless LED candles allowed) 

• Strong scents (essential oils, eucalyptus, etc.) 

• Disposable or paper tableware (unless pre-approved for design concept)

• Allowed Items 

• Dinnerware (plates, chargers, bowls) 

• Flatware & utensils 

• Glassware & stemware 

  • Cloth napkins, runners, and linens 

• Faux or dried floral arrangements 

• Fresh flowers are permitted; however, please consider their condition over the duration of the display period

• Faux food displays 

• Flameless LED candles 

• Printed menus, place cards, and décor 

• Creative props within table boundaries

• All flatware, dishware, and glassware should be placed approximately 1” from the table edge

• Displays must fit within your assigned space

• Pura Event Design and Sonoma County Fair reserve the right to adjust displays as needed for safety, event flow, or compliance 

Judging Criteria 

Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

• Creativity and originality of design 

• Cohesiveness and execution of desired theme 

• Attention to detail and craftsmanship 

• Adherence to table etiquette and proper place setting standards 

• Overall visual impact and presentation 

Social Media Promotion 

We encourage participants to share behind-the-scenes photos and videos of your setup experience! A social media kit will be provided prior to the Fair, including: 

• Approved hashtags 

• Suggested captions and sample text

• Sonoma County Fair and Pura Event Design account handles 

Media Release & Liability Waiver 

By participating, you agree to the following: 

• You consent to being photographed, filmed, or interviewed. Your display, name, and likeness may be used by Pura Event Design and Sonoma County Fair in any promotional materials, including social media, print, and digital platforms

• You are solely responsible for your personal items and materials. Pura Event Design and Sonoma County Fair are not liable for any loss, damage, or theft

• Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Pura Event Design and Sonoma County Fair assume no liability for injury, property damage, or unforeseen incidents

Registration Fee
The entry fee for the Table Setting Showcase Competition is $10.00. This covers your participation, event promotion, and judging.

All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Thank you for your understanding.

Please note:
A small processing fee may be deducted by the payment platform (Squarespace Payments), so the total you pay may reflect this. We’ve kept the base cost low to make the competition accessible to all.

To complete your registration, click ‘Register’ below and fill out the form. Then, click the cart icon in the top right corner to check out. A confirmation email will follow once your registration is submitted.

***A confirmation email will be sent automatically once your registration and payment are complete. Please check your Spam folder.***

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We’re excited to see your creativity on display. Thank you for helping us launch this exciting new showcase! 

For any further questions or clarification, please email: hello@puraeventdesign.com.