Every year, Holmes County looks forward to The Curious Carnival—a community celebration at the Hipp Station trail depot in Millersburg, Ohio. It’s the kind of small-town event that feels larger than life, with eccentric traditions, local talents, and, of course, the famous cherry pie contest.

This year, our team at Creative Quo imagined what it might look like if each of us designed a version of The Curious Carnival ourselves. The only rule was that each brand concept had to include a shade of the color red. What followed was a collection of seven playful, wildly different visions that prove creativity knows no bounds.

Here’s a peek at the (hypothetical) carnival reimagined, seven times over:

Erin’s Storybook Carnival  

Step beneath a canopy of stars into a moody, storybook world. At Erin’s Curious Carnival, every hour brings tales of heroes, dark forests, and magical spells read aloud in a cozy nook. The highlight? The Story Spinners Contest, where the best original tale earns a permanent place in the carnival’s very own book of legends. It’s equal parts whimsical and haunting, like stepping straight into a fairytale.

Victoria’s Chaotic Carnival  

Forget the quiet and quaint—Victoria’s version thrives on glorious chaos. Dance battles break out every hour, the cherry pie eating contest gets messy fast, and the showstopper is a wildly entertaining 5K… in high heels. It’s unpredictable, a little outrageous, and absolutely unforgettable.

Karlie’s Rock ’n’ Roll Carnival  

What happens when rock ’n’ roll collides with carnival classics? Karlie’s Rock Curious Carnival. Imagine live cover bands, fan-favorite fair eats, and competitions as bold as the music itself. Between hot dog eating showdowns and the cherry pie contest, this version brings the noise and the fun.

Shelli’s Fizzy Carnival  

Shelli’s take fizzes with nostalgia—literally. Only made-on-site sodas are allowed, from timeless classics to adventurous custom blends crafted by guests. Add in a yarn untangling showdown (yes, it’s as competitive as it sounds) and a bib-worthy cherry pie eating contest, and you’ve got a carnival bubbling with charm.

Emily’s What-If Carnival  

Emily’s carnival asks the most important question: What if? What if a cupcake could taste like tacos, or cobbler was filled with Reese’s Cups? In this version, contestants compete in food mashup contests judged on originality, flavor, and presentation. Beyond the food, attendees join scavenger hunts, track down a wandering Waldo, and settle in for classic movies at dusk—cherry drinks in hand.

Maritza’s Sweet Escape Carnival  

Maritza’s Curious Carnival transforms Millersburg into a wonderland of vibrant booths, exotic animals, and whimsical contests. While the cherry pie contest is still the hometown favorite, she introduces a cotton candy wig contest—equal parts silly and sweet. Here, the carnival becomes less about spectacle and more about the joy of possibility.

Leah’s Whimsical Rebellion Carnival

Leah’s vision blends cozy nostalgia with a rebellious streak. Carnival workers don striking red suits, setting the stage for moody lights, live music, circus spectacles, and handcrafted oddities from local makers. Classic films play at dusk, families gather around with blankets, and the unicycle race makes a triumphant return. It’s quirky, artsy, and rooted in community.

Why We Dream Up the Impossible  

The Curious Carnival may not exist (at least, not in these exact ways), but exercises like this remind us why we love what we do. Branding is about imagination, about crafting worlds where people feel connected, inspired, and maybe even a little curious.

Whether it’s designing a festival, shaping a business identity, or dreaming up a logo, creativity thrives when you give it room to play. And sometimes, the most curious ideas spark the best ones yet.

Ready to build a brand that feels like you and turns heads in the process?
Let’s make something unforgettable together.