We do a Christmas 'Strictly Come Wood turning competition'.
2 lathes, 8 persons (mostly press-ganged by me)
Each round has a certain amount of time and a piece of wood, (normally green for ease of turning and to remove the sanding)
First round is drawn, 8 to 4 persons, the 4 winners then draw again, the 2 winners face off for a slightly larger and harder challenge, a Bowl or somesuch with a degree of decoration (colour or texture) in 15 minutes. There is a prize for the winner of course.
Also press-ganged are the judges, who not only have to pick, but also critique and say why they made their choice.
Still the hard part is getting people to cheer the participants on.