MT. MORRIS — The U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition, known as Strawfest, returns to Mount Morris Aug. 7 through Aug. 23 at the Historic Campus Square with large straw sculptures, live music and family activities. The annual event will feature new sculptures along with past creations, with visitors able to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Strawfest Day will take place Aug. 22 with activities including straw bale races, games, food, demonstrations and the first Strawfest Strut 5K beginning at 8 a.m.
Jeff Bold of Encore Mount Morris said, “The sculptures themselves have to be straw or at least 90% straw on the outside. The minimum size required for the competition is six and a half feet.” Bold added, “Most of them exceed that by quite a bit.”
The 2026 event marks the 11th year of Strawfest, which typically displays nearly 20 sculptures throughout the campus.