What the Jefferson County Fair Is
The Jefferson County Fair is held each year in the second week of July at Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Avenue in the city of Jefferson. The 2026 fair ran July 8 to 12 under the theme "Let the Good Times Grow!" It combines a Junior Fair with livestock and static projects, a youth livestock auction, grandstand motorsports and nightly music.
How It Works: The Timeline
- May 31, 11:59 p.m. Exhibit registration closes on FairEntry. The mandatory auction form, including the YQCA certificate, was also due May 31 (one per exhibitor), and new auction buyers registered online by the same date.
- June 15 Last Year Exhibitor Form due for last-year exhibitors.
- June 28 Static judging of all Sprout projects and most junior projects, including animal and vet science, natural science, cultural arts, photography, computers, woodworking, electricity, mechanical science, clothing, knitting and crocheting, home environment, child development, youth leadership and health. Exhibitors sign up for a time slot.
- July 5 Music and drama performances, scheduled by superintendents.
- July 7 Foods, plant and soil science, and flowers and house plants judging. Beef live grading at 7 a.m.
- July 8 to 12 The fair, with animal shows, grandstand events and music.
- July 12 Live archery judging.
Animal Show Schedule
| Species | When |
|---|---|
| Beef | Wed., July 8, 8 a.m.: feeder calves, market, breeds, bred and owned, showperson |
| Sheep | Wed., July 8, 1 p.m. |
| Goats | Dairy goats Wed., July 8, 9 a.m.; meat goats and market Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Equine | Showperson, driving and trail Wed., July 8, 9 a.m.; gymkhana and under saddle Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Swine | Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Dairy | Showperson Thu., July 9, 6 p.m.; breed show Fri., July 10, 9 a.m. |
| Poultry | Market and eggs Thu., July 9, 9 a.m.; showperson noon; breed show Fri., July 10, 10 a.m. |
| Rabbits | Wed., July 8, 1 p.m.; pets and showperson Thu., July 9, 1 p.m.; hopping Sun., July 12, 9 a.m. |
| Draft horse | Fri., July 10 and Sat., July 11 |
| Cats | Thu., July 9, 4 p.m. |
Sprout (young exhibitor) shows are Thursday for rabbits, Friday for poultry and Sunday at 10 a.m. for dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats and equine.
Rules and Animal Health
- A PRRS/PEDv test is no longer required for swine in 2026, but a certificate of veterinary inspection is.
- Lactating dairy cattle no longer need a negative influenza A milk sample.
- Beef bred and owned exhibitors bring a Bred and Owned Affidavit to check-in. Sprouts bring a liability waiver to their show.
- Bedding is free for beef and swine exhibitors.
- After arrival, find your department's superintendent. Trailer parking is color-coded: beef, sheep, goat and swine at the southwest end, equine at the northwest end, dairy on the northeast side.
- Fair Five Packs cost $35 if not bought ahead.
Entertainment
The Coors Light Entertainment Tent hosts Feudin' Hillbillys on Thursday, Gimme Skynyrd on Friday and Chasin' U on Saturday. The grandstand runs two tractor pulls Wednesday, a truck pull Thursday, a standup comedy showcase Friday, a horse pull Saturday and the demo derby Sunday. The WSLD Community Stage has daily local performers and bingo.
Where and Who to Call
Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI. Fair office: 920-674-7139.
Questions
When did registration close?
May 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Is there an auction form?
Yes. Each exhibitor submits one mandatory auction form, with the YQCA certificate, at JCoFair.com/auction by May 31.
Where do I sign up for static judging?
Through the SignUpGenius link, checking the premium book for each department's schedule.
Official Links
- Fair Timeline: deadlines and judging dates
- Fair Information: Animals: health rules and show schedule
- 2026 music lineup: entertainment and grandstand
- 2026 theme: dates and theme
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.