THE 2025 TABLE SETTING SHOWCASE COMPETITION

Presented by Pura Event Design in partnership with Sonoma County Fair

*Please read all details below prior to registering.

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. 

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 

You’ll have the opportunity to design and display a fully styled tablescape, showcase live at the Fair, and be promoted through social media and digital voting. Approximately 15,000–20,000 attendees will view your design daily! 

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 (SIZE TBD)

  • 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)

Participant Details 

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

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

Schedule 

Registration Deadline: July 23, 2025  

Encore Rental Orders Due: 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) 

  • You will be provided with (2) entry tickets and (1) parking pass for Setup Day.

Expert Judging: 

  • Immediately after setup on July 30 

Digital Public Voting: 

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

Winners Announced: 

  • August 9, 2025 

Take-Down Day: 

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

  • You will be provided with (2) entry tickets and (1) parking pass for Take-Down Day.

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) 

  • 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. 

Allowed Items 

  • Dinnerware (plates, chargers, bowls) 

  • Flatware & utensils 

  • Glassware & stemware 

  • Cloth napkins, runners, and linens 

  • Faux or dried floral arrangements 

  • Fresh flowers are allowed, however please keep the length of display days in mind 

  • Faux food displays 

  • Flameless LED candles 

  • Printed menus, place cards, and décor 

  • Creative props within table boundaries 

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 verbiage 

  • 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. 

Post-Event Feedback 

Following the Fair, we may send a brief feedback survey to gather your input to help improve and shape this competition for future years. 

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.