In this article, the authors reflect on whether the competitiveness of science fairs does anything to enhance the learning environment of schools. The authors narrate how a visit to a local school's gymnasium to witness one of these gala events reminded them of why they so dislike science fairs. The authors mention that they applaud any sincere efforts to engage students in the processes of scientific inquiry. However, they also recognize that there are deep divisions between between teachers, educators, and scientists with regard to the value of science fair projects. From their perspective as science educators, they all too often see that the final projects at school science fairs don't accurately reflect either the enterprise of science or the students' interests. As science educators and parents, they suggest that schools and parents work to move the money invested in posters, instructional time, and after-hours staffing into funds that pay for student experiences outside the classroom, experiences designed to engage young citizens with real-life issues.