Considering the number of students who participate in them each year, science fairs are an under-researched area of science education. As part of a broader research agenda examining and conceptualizing science fairs, in this study we interviewed parents who had children who had participated in science fairs and were now in university. Parents discussed their role in working with their children, what understandings of science were held and were developed through these activities, and how they perceived the overall science fair experience that their child (or children) had. Using three representative cases, from a phenomenological perspective, we describe assistance ranging from providing some technical support and encouragement to a parent who hired graphic designers to create the poster for the science fair. Implications of these interviews may be useful for schools and science fair organizers/judges.