On your mark, get set, tape! Contestants unwrap their imaginations at state fair duct tape contest

In between the rides and the exhibits, the food and the concerts, there are a number of contests at the Alaska State Fair. This past Sunday, contestants of all ages had the opportunity to put their creativity to the test with the annual Duct Tape Contest.

Hosted by Training Better Artists (better known as TBA) Theatre in Anchorage, individuals and teams had 15 minutes to create a masterpiece out of duct tape. The rules were simple-contestants could pick two rolls of duct tape at a time, come back and exchange for two different rolls of tape, to create whatever they could imagine in 15 minutes. Oh, and they could use the cardboard center of the tape. The limits, aside from their imagination, were that the scissors had to remain on the table, and they could not use anything except duct tape.

With rolls of colorful tape in hand and dreams of duct tape glory in their eyes, contestants were off to create. And they did not disappoint, with creations varying from a red and purple rowboat complete with seats and oars, to a bright neon pink pig, to a durable clutch that would not only hold up, but look good, too.

Entries were judged based on categories that included originality, entertaining, fun/toy, and time spent on their creations.

There was no shortage of original ideas, including an indestructible pineapple, a lumberjack complete with flannel shirt, camouflage cap, and jeans, a person waving “hi,” a colorful duck that the emcee lovingly commented was a “duck-tasrophe.”

One of the more entertaining presentations was a duo that created quite a fashion statement with exotic swimwear.

“We’re making a fashion statement,” they told event emcee David Block, a member of TBA Theatre.

“I would agree they are a statement,” joked Block.

The team was a “splash” during their presentation as they modeled their one-of-a-kind line of swimwear, pointing out the features that included a tightening belt that didn’t quite work, and in the spirit of 2022, the team said the swimwear was for anyone, no matter shape, size, or adhesive needs.

And while the duct tape didn’t always cooperate, and creations didn’t always meet the artists’ expectations, it seems that the cutthroat world of duct tape artistry and competition has come to an end for this year, but many, like first-time entrants Kiera and Carl Faye might “stick” with it and enter again next year.

Surprisingly there were no pre-made entries this year, so the field was wide open for the on-site category.

This year’s winning entries were: 3rd place-Alex and Ainsley with their elephant; 2nd place-Kiera and Carl with their duck; 1st place-Eliana Taylor with her Ferris wheel.

When asked how she felt about her victory, Eliana was modest in her words, simply saying, “I felt good.”

Meanwhile older brother, Nate, could be heard plotting and planning for next year, saying “I need to get tape now and practice!” Maybe he will create a bigger, faster, more adhesive Bat Plane for next year.