What the Outagamie County Fair Is
The Outagamie County Fair in Seymour is one of the earliest county fairs of the Wisconsin summer. Its Junior Fair is a youth exhibition where members of recognized youth groups such as 4-H and FFA show livestock and enter projects in about 30 departments, from dairy cattle and swine to photography, woodworking and foods. The 2026 fair ran June 24 to 28. The next fair is scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2027.
Who Can Enter
- Entries are open to certified members of county-recognized youth organizations that have adult leadership and a fair-approved education program.
- Members must be in good standing by March 15 of the fair year.
- Exhibitors must be under 20 as of January 1 of the fair year.
- Live animal exhibitors must be in grade 3 or higher. Department 117 (4-H Cloverbuds, Young Exhibitors) is for grades K through 2.
- Exhibitors may only show in projects they are enrolled in for the current year, and all work must be the exhibitor's own and from the current year.
- The same animal or item cannot be entered in both junior and open class.
How It Works: The Timeline
- April 16 Online entry opens at the fair website under Exhibitors, then Junior Fair. Print your confirmation as proof.
- May 25, 11:59 p.m. Entry deadline. There are no late entries and no changes after the deadline.
- June 1 Entry tags are ready. Communications exhibits (Department 131) are due by email at 11:59 p.m.
- June 10 Animal fees are due.
- Tuesday, June 23 Non-animal exhibits are brought in from noon to 6 p.m. and judged.
- Wednesday, June 24 All animals must be checked in by 6 p.m. Check-in windows are dairy and beef 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., swine and sheep 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., goats 8 a.m. to noon, poultry 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and rabbits 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barn decorations must be done by 7 p.m.
- Thursday to Saturday Judging, covered below.
- Sunday, June 28 Non-animal exhibits are released at 5 p.m. and animals at 5:30 p.m. Removing an exhibit early forfeits premiums.
Judging Schedule
| Day | Judging |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Plant and soil science 9 a.m.; goats 4 p.m. |
| Thursday | Swine 7:45 a.m.; rabbits 8:30 a.m.; dairy 9 a.m.; sheep 3:30 p.m. |
| Friday | Beef 8 a.m.; poultry 8:30 a.m.; horse trail classes 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Youth Livestock Auction 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Horse pleasure show 8 a.m. |
| Sunday | Horse gymkhana 8 a.m.; dog exhibition 1:30 p.m. |
Fees, Premiums and Awards
- $5 per dairy, beef, swine, sheep or goat entry.
- $2 per poultry or rabbit entry.
- $25 per horse stalled on the grounds.
Fees are paid online at entry or by mailed check, and unpaid exhibitors cannot show. Entries not shown are not refunded. Ribbons are blue (excellent), red (very good), white (good) and pink (needs improvement). Most livestock placings pay $5 to $12 and showmanship classes typically pay $1.50 to $3. Premium checks must be cashed within 120 days. Animal limits vary, for example up to 6 each in dairy, beef, swine, sheep and goats, and up to 15 poultry entries.
Where
The fair is in Seymour, Wisconsin. Mail to Outagamie County Fair, P.O. Box 246, Seymour, WI 54165. Fair office phone: (920) 833-2941. Entry questions go to Tammy at (920) 997-0363.
Questions
Can I enter after May 25?
No. The rules say there are no late entries.
Do I need to own the animal?
Ownership by the exhibitor is suggested, and exhibitors must feed and care for their own animals. The fair provides no feed, straw or bedding.
What happens if I leave early?
Removing exhibits before the scheduled release forfeits all privileges and premiums.
Do animals need IDs?
Yes. Each animal needs state-approved identification and a Premise ID on the entry.
Official Links
- 2026 Junior Fair premium book: departments, schedule and premiums
- 2026 Junior Fair rules: eligibility, deadlines and fees
Wisconsin County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Wisconsin had 73 state-aided county and district fairs in 2025, with about 2 million visitors and 43,465 exhibitors, about 72 percent of exhibits from juniors.
Rules differ by county
Each county publishes its own fair book. In Clark County, for example, exhibitors must be 8 to 19, own and show their own animal, and follow species tagging, drug history and weight rules to sell.
Common requirements
Expect premise ID, ear tags or DNA ID, YQCA certification, health papers and early registration, per the Sauk County rules.
Sale day
Selling is its own set of rules. In Clark County you may weigh in several species but sell only one animal, complete three educational points, and sell your own animal in your assigned slot. Check your county's sale rules before you buy a project animal.
Next steps
Get your county's current fair book and mark the spring deadlines now. Dates and rules change each year.
Read the full guide: Wisconsin County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Wisconsin Farmers Union Annual State Convention
The Wisconsin Farmers Union state convention, with policy sessions and a Friday evening Farmers Union Camp fundraiser. Next edition December 11-13, 2026 in Appleton; the 95th convention was held December 12-14, 2025.
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau annual meeting, where county delegates vote on policy, combined with the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. Next edition December 4-7, 2026 at Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Beef Weigh-In
Initial beef weigh-in for youth in the fair's Meat Animal Program, held in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Wisconsin Corn-Soy Expo
Two-day winter trade show for corn, soybean and pork producers with over 150 booths and an education program. Next edition January 21-22, 2027 in Wisconsin Dells; the 2026 show ran January 29-30.
- Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.