What the Benton County Fair Is
The Benton County Fair in Corvallis is a 4-H fair held at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The 2026 edition ran Wednesday, July 29 through Saturday, August 1 under the theme "Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights." Members show market beef, sheep, swine and meat goats, enter static exhibits, compete in judging and marketing contests, and finish with the Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction.
Ways to Take Part
- Market animal projects: beef, sheep, swine and meat goats. Horse is a separate 4-H project with its own horse fair held in July.
- Static exhibits: Family, Consumer Science, Arts and Sciences projects, open to all 4-H members. Members choose classes online and reserve an interview judging time slot. Judging was Saturday, July 25, 2026.
- Livestock judging contest: open to all 4-H members; tests selection of beef, sheep, swine and meat goats, with handbooks available.
- Marketing contest: open to animal science members. Members promote their animal to judges for presentation purposes only; no sale takes place and the animal must be present. Sign-up opens online in mid-July, and openings are first come on the fair-week bulletin board.
- Herdsmanship: a team contest where clubs are judged twice daily. Members do the work; parents and leaders may only supervise and teach.
- Master Showmanship: chooses top showmen to represent each species.
- Table setting contest: covers table setting, meal planning, theme creativity, public speaking and food safety.
- Milk Chug-A-Lug: teams of up to six; open to members, leaders and parents, sponsored by the Linn-Benton County Dairy Women.
Key Dates and Deadlines (2026 Edition)
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| May 26 | Online registration opens |
| June 1 | YQCA training deadline |
| June 12, midnight | Registration closes |
| July 15 | Auction book cover submissions due to the Extension office |
| July 25 | Static exhibit judging at the fairgrounds |
| July 29 to August 1 | Fair |
| August 1, 3:00 p.m. | Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction |
Rules and Fees
Each member must register online to select classes, including horse. YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) is required for all members in animal science projects; it is a statewide Oregon 4-H policy covering food safety, animal well-being and character awareness, and certificates are valid for three years. A judges' fee of $10 per member (not per species) applies to beef, sheep, swine and meat goat projects, collected at check-in in exact cash or check. Eligibility for the auction is spelled out in the 4-H Fair Book.
The Auction and Book Cover Contest
The Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction helps 4-H and FFA members build life skills, responsibility, decision-making and record-keeping, and profits typically go back into projects or future educational expenses. Benton County 4-H members can also enter the auction book cover contest, which carries cash awards sponsored by the Dowless Family. Entries are black ink or pencil on 8.5 by 11 inch white paper with a small white border, must carry the title "2026 Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction," the date, time and theme.
Camping
RV and tent camping is in the Oak Grove area for 4-H members and families. RVs 30 feet or shorter get priority placement, larger RVs go on a waitlist, and each club may be limited to a set number of trailers. Reservations go through the 4-H office with the fairgrounds. A fair information and camping packet is released in late May.
Questions
Is there an age limit?
No age requirements or divisions are published for the Benton County fair classes.
Does the marketing contest sell my animal?
No. It is a presentation contest only.
Who runs it?
Benton County 4-H, through the OSU Extension office.
Official Links
Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Indiana's 92 counties each host a fair, and most run in July, per the Farm Bureau's 2026 county fair guide. Allen County ran June 23-28 and Adams County July 19-23.
State fair
The 2026 Indiana State Fair ran August 7 to 23 in Indianapolis, with 4-H beef, swine and sheep shows starting August 7, per the livestock show schedule.
IDs and health
Animal ID goes into Indiana 4-H Online by May 15, per the 2026 ID chart. Indiana animals need no BOAH health certificate unless the show asks, per the state requirements.
Who can show
Indiana 4-H runs from third grade through grade 12, up to ten years, per the eligibility policy. Members enroll each year in 4-H Online.
Show week
Harrison County opened livestock check-in June 19 and held its auction June 25, per its 2026 handbook.
Next steps
Ask your county Extension office for your fair book and ID day dates.
Rules and entry limits differ by fair.
Read the full guide: Indiana County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Gibson County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Pesticide applicator recertification program on Nov. 18, 2026 in the Exhibit Hall at the Gibson County Fairgrounds; registration opens at 11:00 a.m.
- Knox County Pesticide Applicator Recertification (PARP)
Two-hour pesticide applicator recertification session on Dec. 11, 2026 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Vincennes, part of the Southwest District series.
401 Felt King Drive, Vincennes, IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Knox County Official event details - Ripley County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest and Family Fun Day
Summer shooting sports contest and family fun day for Ripley County 4-H members at the Coon Hunters Lodge, scheduled for July 10, 2027.
IN | Organizer: Purdue Extension Ripley County Official event details - Fort Wayne Farm Show
Northeast Indiana's winter farm equipment show fills the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for three days with free admission. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 13 to 15, 2026.
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Official event details - Indiana Beef Cattle Association Annual Convention
Indiana cattlemen gather at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville for the annual membership meeting, awards banquet and election of officers. Held each year; the most recent date was January 17, 2026.
Noblesville, IN | Organizer: Indiana Beef Cattle Association Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.