What the North Central Washington Fair Is
The North Central Washington Fair is the Douglas County fair in Waterville, where 4-H and FFA youth show beef, sheep, swine, meat goats and poultry and the public enters still life, clothing and other exhibits. The most recent edition ran August 27-30, 2026 under the theme "Rooted in the West," at 601 N. Monroe Street, Waterville, WA 98858.
Who Can Enter and Rules
Anyone can exhibit, but only enrolled 4-H members can enter the 4-H categories (Division 220). Projects must be listed on 4honline.com, and enrollment changes close July 31. Only members of 4-H, FFA or Grange may sell project animals at the livestock auctions. Age groups are set as of October 1:
| Group | Age |
|---|---|
| Cloverbuds | 5-7 |
| Juniors | 8-10 |
| Intermediates | 11-13 |
| Seniors | 14-18 |
Each exhibitor must fit and show one animal of each type brought to the fair and must do the preparation work personally. Market beef, sheep, swine and meat goat producer affidavit and QA forms must be complete at weigh-in. The market lamb weight range is 100-165 lbs. Stalls and enclosures must be cleaned by 8:00 am each morning, and stall decorations must be finished before Thursday judging. The swine, goat and sheep barns no longer have solid surfaces above the stalls, so plan decorations accordingly. Barn duty sign-ups are handled by each barn superintendent at check-in. Knowledge Bowl is not offered at this fair.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- July 15: animal registrations due online (contact the fair office right away if you missed it)
- July 25 and August 8: fairground work parties, 8 am to 12 pm
- July 31: 4-H enrollment changes close
- August 10: last day to register non-animal exhibits online at FairEntry; after that, register on entry day
- August 15: style show and clothing contest registration due through the 4-H office
- August 22: non-perishable still life entry day, 2 to 6 pm; stall decorating opens at 10 am. Poultry testing for avian influenza is held 8 am to 4 pm at the Chelan County Fairgrounds, with a suggested donation of $1 per animal; results count for this fair
- August 26: entry day for livestock and perishable still life, 1 to 8 pm
- August 27-30: the fair
Fees, Awards and What You Get
Exhibiting is free. Exhibitor tickets, required for animal exhibitors to attend the fair, cost $10 for students or $12 for adults and do not include special events such as concerts or rodeos. Ribbons follow the Danish system: Blue (90-100), Red (80-89) and White (79 and below). Grand and Reserve Champion awards are at the judges' discretion, usually with at least five entries. Blue ribbons can qualify members for the Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup. Premium point checks are mailed within about 60 days, and checks under $5 typically are not printed. Animals sold at the livestock auctions bring sale money to the 4-H, FFA or Grange member who raised them.
Questions
Can a non-4-H kid enter?
Yes, in the open categories. The 4-H categories require 4-H enrollment.
Can I enter at the last minute?
Non-animal exhibits can be registered on entry day after the August 10 online deadline. Animal registrations were due July 15.
Does the exhibitor ticket cover the rodeo or concerts?
No. It covers fair entry only.
Who to Call
The NCW Fair office: 509-745-8480, at 601 N Monroe Street, Waterville. For 4-H program questions, the WSU Extension office at 412 Washington Street, 509-667-6540.
Official Links
- North Central Washington Fair
- Chelan-Douglas County 4-H Fair Guide 2026
- Eastern Washington fair guide 2026
Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Washington's fair season runs from spring youth fairs to the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima, September 25 to October 4 in 2026, per a fair calendar. The Washington State Fair in Puyallup ran September 4 to 27.
Who can show
The state 4-H handbook requires members to be eight by October 1 to compete in livestock shows or sales. Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, cannot compete.
Rules to know
Animals sold at a junior livestock auction cannot be leased. Market steers must be polled or dehorned. Washington 4-H recommends YQCA training. Ownership dates vary: San Juan County's 2026 auction guide lists beef by April 15 and swine, lamb and goat by June 14.
Next steps
Ask your county WSU Extension office for your fair book. Dates, weights and sale rules change, so confirm with the organizer.
Read the full guide: Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Big Bend Roundup
PRCA rodeo at the Waterville fairgrounds that wraps up the North Central Washington Fair weekend. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug. 29-30, 2026.
601 N. Monroe St., Waterville, WA Official event details - Washington Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Annual Convention and Tradeshow
Held each year; the most recent dates verified were November 12-14, 2025, the 100th convention, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Wenatchee, WA | Organizer: Washington Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Kittitas Beef Pre-Show, Weigh-In and Judging Contest
Spring day where 4-H, FFA and Grange members weigh and tag fair steers (1,150 lb minimum), compete in a beef judging contest and show heifers. Most recent date: March 21, 2026.
Ellensburg, WA | Organizer: Kittitas County 4-H Official event details - Washington State Spring Fair
Held each year in Puyallup over two spring weekends; the most recent dates were April 9-12 and April 16-19, 2026.
Puyallup, WA Official event details - Whatcom County Youth Fair
Held each year in Lynden on the Northwest Washington Fair grounds; the most recent dates were April 10-11, 2026.
Lynden, WA Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.