Visitors to the 2026 Stevens County Fair will notice an exciting change aimed at giving exhibits more time in the spotlight.
For many years, Entry Day for Open Class, 4H livestock and Homemakers took place after the fair was already in full swing, with judging starting on Thursday. With the fair traditionally kicking off on Tuesday, that meant many exhibits were not available for viewing until later in the week.
Almost all Entry times will change in 2026.
Entry Day for most exhibits will move up by one day, including updated arrival times for livestock. The shift allows many exhibits to be judged earlier and displayed longer for fairgoers to enjoy.
Under the new schedule, 4-H Static exhibits will continue to enter on Tuesday as they have in the past. Open Class exhibitors will now enter items on both Monday evening (5 to 7PM) and Tuesday (8am to 4pm) , with judging scheduled for Wednesday morning. Homemakers entries will be accepted Wednesday morning (7am to 10am) and judged Wednesday afternoon.
Livestock entry times are also moving. Both 4-H and Open Class livestock will now arrive Wednesday morning. As in previous years, Open Class livestock exhibitors must still register their animals on Entry Day and bring them in on Wednesday. Most livestock judging times will remain the same in 2026 allowing animals and youth participants some additional downtime after arrival. The 4-H horse show will be the Wednesday prior to the fair August 5th.
Fair officials say the goal is simple: give exhibits more time to shine.
“With a bit more time to display exhibits, we hope visitors will take the opportunity to check them out and maybe even consider bringing an exhibit of their own,” fair organizers said.
All exhibits will remain on display until Sunday checkout. Livestock will begin leaving in shifts starting around 6 p.m. Sunday, while Open Class and 4-H Static exhibits will be released at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Entering Is Easy
Since 1873 people have been entering items at the Stevens County Fair and you have the chance to be part of this 153-year tradition. For those who have never considered entering something they have made, baked, sewn, grown, or raised, getting started is simple says both Judy Johnston and Kathy Summers Open Class Supervisor’s.
“The exhibit books come out about 30 days before Entry Day, and all of the classes are also listed on the fair website under Events, Open Class”, say’s Judy Johnston “You can also download the Exhibitor’s Handbook if you didn’t pick up a booklet at an area business.”
After selecting classes, exhibitors can complete their entries online and bring items on Entry Day. For those who prefer not to use online entry or are unsure which class fits their item, staff will assist in person on Entry Day. Staff said if you are unsure just bring out your item as it is quick and easy to add your entry. It is easier to just enter the item than to have to find and delete something you did not bring to display. “It’s simple and easy to enter but if in question just bring it out and let us do it for you” Johnston said.
Questions can be submitted by email, and someone will respond. In addition, fair staff are typically at the fairgrounds on Tuesday evenings after 6 p.m. throughout the summer preparing for the fair and are available to answer questions in person. Email is info@stevenscountyfair.org
Community members looking to get more involved are also encouraged to volunteer. Help is always needed for cleaning and assisting judges before and during the fair. If you would like to volunteer if its only for a couple of hours we would love to talk with you. Organizers say volunteering is a great way to meet new people and support the community. Drop an email or stop out to the fair on almost any Tuesday night during June or July and someone will be more than happy to talk with you about how you can become involved.
With expanded exhibit viewing time and easier entry options, fair officials are hopeful that 2026 will bring even more participation and creativity to the Stevens County Fair as we continue to promote agriculture, arts, entertainment and education for future generations.
