About this event
The Round Robin Showmanship final at the Oklahoma State Fair brings together the top junior showmen from each species. The 2026 final was Saturday, September 19 at 6 p.m. in the Performance Arena at OKC Fair Park, and that is the most recent verified date. The 2027 date has not been announced.
Who qualifies and how to enter
Overall champions of Junior Beef, Junior Goat, Junior Sheep and Youth Swine are eligible, and each must be a 4-H or FFA member in good standing. Each participant may enter only one species. An eligible showman accepts the offer with Livestock Show Office staff within 30 minutes after the last showmanship class. If a champion declines, the spot passes to the reserve, then to the next placings in a set order.
How it is judged
- Each participant brings an animal, which must arrive clean.
- Participants walk each species around the ring, demonstrate control and set up the animals.
- Scoring is up to 25 points per species in four areas: showing ability, control, species knowledge and sportsmanship.
- Two species are designated as tiebreakers.
- Outside coaching results in disqualification.
Awards
The champion receives $50 and a rosette; the reserve receives $30 and a rosette.
Getting there
The Performance Arena is at OKC Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The competition guide lists the show office on the south side of Barn 1 (Superbarn), open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the fair, and animal arrival at Gate 7. The Livestock Show Office and ODAFF phone is 405-522-6141.
Tips for exhibitors
- You must win your species' overall junior title first, so showmanship classes are the path in.
- Since you will handle several species, practice basic control with animals other than your own.
- Arrive with the animal clean; the guide states it must arrive that way.
Official links
Oklahoma County and State Fairs: The Essentials
Most Oklahoma counties hold a county or free fair, usually run by the local OSU Extension office and a fair board. A fair book (premium list) sets the divisions, entry dates and rules, and many fairs combine open class, 4-H and FFA entries.
Examples
The 2026 Oklahoma County Free Fair book says admission is free and no entry fee is charged. Junior livestock exhibitors must be 8 by July 1 and be 4-H or FFA members, and junior livestock class premiums run from $40 to $15, with $200 for grand champion. Wagoner County requires original health documents current within 30 days, and a written protest needs a $100 deposit. Tulsa County's fair started in 1903 and offers ribbons for first through fifth place.
State fair
The 2026 Oklahoma State Fair runs September 17-27. Livestock entries have separate deadlines, such as August 21 for 2026 junior steers, so read the guide for your species. Check your county's fair book for current dates.
Read the full guide: Oklahoma County and State Fairs: What to Expect
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Oklahoma Youth Expo
Premier statewide junior livestock show for 4-H and FFA exhibitors at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds; the next edition is listed for March 10-19, 2027.
- Farm City Festival
Farm City Festival in Oklahoma City on February 12 during Farm Bureau Week, connecting urban visitors with agriculture.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details - Oklahoma City Farm Show
Farm show with more than 250 exhibitors held at the OKC Fairgrounds after moving to earlier March dates.
- Oklahoma Farm-to-Table Festival
Local food and farm festival in Oklahoma City listed for March 20. Dates come from a festival guide listing and are not yet confirmed by organizers.
Oklahoma City, OK Official event details - Ag Day at the Capitol
Agriculture advocacy and promotion day at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, listed for April 29, 2026.
Oklahoma City, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.