How Nebraska County Fairs Work
Nebraska has 93 counties, and fair boards and agricultural societies across them decide each year what their fair looks like. In 2020, for example, Nebraska Extension reported that county fair boards and agricultural societies in all 93 counties made their own plans while Extension worked with them on the 4-H side. That split is the key to reading any fair book: the fair board or society runs the grounds and open class, and Extension staff and volunteers run the 4-H experience.
Nebraska 4-H describes the purpose plainly: county fairs let youth build life skills while showing their 4-H projects, from live animals to static projects, along with contests and service projects. To find a fair near you, that page points to nebraskafairs.org, which has a printable list of fair dates and locations. For rules and local events, contact your county Extension office.
Open Class, 4-H and FFA
Most Nebraska fairs publish a fair book (also called a premium book) that covers several divisions.
- Open class. The Saline County fairbook says open class exhibits may be from any Nebraska resident, open class livestock exhibitors must be at least 5, and open class animal entries were made online by midnight June 13. Special Best of Saline County awards were limited to county residents.
- 4-H. Saline County requires bona fide county 4-H members. Nebraska 4-H says youth must be enrolled to take part in county fair 4-H activities.
- FFA. Saline County lets FFA members show until age 21 or the fourth National Convention after high school graduation, while Pawnee County's 2026 book says FFA members may show up to four years after their high school graduation year. Rules differ by county, so check your book.
Cherry County's book adds a rule worth knowing in any county: an exhibit cannot be entered in both open class and 4-H, and exhibits previously entered at a county fair or another fair cannot be re-entered.
Age Divisions
4-H age is counted as of January 1 of the current year. Pawnee County's 2026 fair book uses 8 to 18 for 4-H members, with the last eligible year being the year the member turns 19. Showmanship divisions there are Clover Kids 5-7 (noncompetitive), Junior, Intermediate 11-13 and Senior 14-18. Cherry County's 2024 book lists Clover Kids 5-7, Junior 8-10, Intermediate 11-13 and Senior 14 and up. Clover Kids exhibit for participation only and receive participation ribbons.
Static Exhibits and Livestock
Static exhibits are things you make or grow and hand in. Cherry County's book says exhibits must be the member's own work, completed since the start of the current year, and static exhibits are interview-judged, so members explain their project process. Incomplete exhibits are not accepted, and exhibits that miss specific requirements drop one ribbon placing.
Livestock and animal shows add paperwork. Examples from county books:
- Identification. Pawnee County requires USDA official ID on all goats and sheep. Free tags can be requested through the scrapie toll-free line listed in its book, and tags take about two weeks to arrive.
- YQCA. Pawnee County requires a YQCA certificate on file at the Extension office before June 15. Fillmore County explains that YQCA is a national program for youth ages 8 to 21 covering food safety, animal well-being and character development.
- Horses. Pawnee requires Level 1 horse testing by June 15, and Cherry County lists June 1 for levels testing and State Horse Show entries.
- Dogs. Cherry County requires dogs to be at least 6 months old and vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvo and rabies.
Entry Deadlines in General
There is no single Nebraska deadline, but June 15 shows up everywhere because it is the state 4-H enrollment cutoff. Examples:
- Pawnee County, 2026. Fair dates were July 13-18. By June 15, families enroll in 4-H Online, enter animals online at pawnee.fairwire.com, complete YQCA and submit State Fair nominations.
- Cherry County, 2024. Livestock and horse ID were due June 3, State Fair livestock nominations and enrollment June 15, and fair pre-entries and Quality Assurance Training July 15.
- Saline County, 2025. Animal entries and species ID were due midnight June 13, and 4-H enrollment and YQCA on file by June 15.
- Fillmore County, 2026. Sheep and goats were to be in place by 9 a.m. July 16 with a July 17 show, rabbits and poultry by 10 a.m. July 16, and swine by 8 a.m. July 16 with a July 18 show.
Late paperwork has teeth. Pawnee County says premiums are forfeited for late 4-H enrollment, late pre-fair entry or late animal ID forms.
Premiums and Ribbons
Nebraska counties commonly use purple, blue, red and white ribbons. Cherry and Pawnee describe purple as superior, blue as excellent, red as good and white as needing improvement or acceptable. A purple is required in many counties to be named champion or reserve.
- Cherry County 2024. Standard premiums were purple $5, blue $4, red $3 and white $2 unless a class lists otherwise.
- Pawnee County 2026. Typical breeding and market classes paid $7, $5, $3 and $1, and showmanship $8, $6, $4 and $2.
- Saline County. Showmanship entries are not paid a premium, and premiums not claimed by October 31 are forfeited.
Many fairs also hold a market animal premium auction. At Saline County, buyers donate to the exhibitor and no animal ownership transfers. Pawnee County limits sellers to two market animals, with sign-up due by 7 p.m. on the Friday of the fair.
The Nebraska State Fair Tie-In
The Nebraska State Fair is held in Grand Island. Per Pawnee County's 2026 book, it runs August 28 to September 7, with 4-H weekend August 28-30. Nebraska 4-H's state fair rules set these points:
- Enrollment. Youth must be enrolled in 4-H by June 15.
- Qualifying. Static exhibits must have earned a purple ribbon at the county fair, although Pawnee County notes a purple does not guarantee a spot because the state office sets county quotas.
- Livestock entry. Animal entries, fashion show and contests are entered by the family in ShoWorks by August 10 at 8 p.m. Central.
- Fees. Examples include $50 for market beef, breeding beef and feeder calf, $22.50 for market lambs, meat goats and market swine, and $5 for contests, dogs, poultry and rabbits.
- Livestock ID. Gage County's page says breeding, market and feeder calf animals must submit a DNA sample to be eligible, with a $7.00 nomination fee per animal and a June 15 deadline (2024 figures).
- One division. A project cannot be shown in both 4-H and FFA at the State Fair.
Check the Nebraska State Fair livestock exhibitor page for current limits and deadlines.
Practical Tips
- Get your county's fair book as soon as it posts and highlight every date.
- Enroll in 4-H Online and finish YQCA before June 15.
- Order free sheep and goat tags early, since they take about two weeks.
- Read the dress code. Cherry County asks for dark or blue denim, an official county 4-H T-shirt or a white shirt, plus boots or hard-soled shoes for livestock and horses.
- Clean your stalls. Pawnee County forfeits premiums for failing to clean assigned areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my county fair dates?
Nebraska 4-H points to nebraskafairs.org for a printable list of fair dates and locations. Your county Extension office can confirm rules and local events.
Can I enter the same exhibit in open class and 4-H?
Not in Cherry County, where an exhibit cannot be entered in both. Check your own fair book.
Do I need a purple ribbon to go to the State Fair?
For static exhibits, yes. Nebraska 4-H's rules say static exhibits must have earned a purple ribbon at the county fair.
Can adults enter?
Open class is for the public within each fair's rules. Saline County's open class is open to any Nebraska resident.
Nebraska Listings Covered by This Guide
- Burt County Fair
The 2027 fair runs July 16-20 at the Burt County Fairgrounds in Oakland, with livestock pre-entry due June 30, Clothing Day, fashion show and King and Queen voting July 1-15.
- Box Butte County Fair
The Box Butte County Fair in Hemingford is scheduled for August 3-8, 2027, with 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock activity.
- Chase County Fair Check-In Days
Static exhibit check-in is August 7 and the livestock weigh-in is August 9, 2027 for the Chase County 4-H fair in Imperial.
- Jefferson County Fair
Jefferson County Fair: Fairbury at Jefferson County Fairgrounds hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 9-12, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging. Located at 56575 PWF Rd, Fairbury.
56575 PWF Rd, Fairbury, NE 68352 Official event details - Platte County Fair Sheep and Goat Shows
Thursday morning sheep show at 8 am in the Green Barn followed by the goat show, after weigh-ins the day before. Held each year; the most recent shows were July 9, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Perkins County Fair
Nine-day fair in Grant that opens with a 4-H horse show and includes static entries, livestock shows, an FFA Farm Olympics, ranch rodeo, mutton bustin, a parade and the 4-H livestock sale. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 10-18, 2026.
Grant, NE Official event details - Platte County Fair Beef Show
Friday morning beef show in the Ag Park Arena Building, followed by the dairy show, after market beef weigh-in the afternoon before. Held each year; the most recent show was July 10, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Boone County Fair
The Boone County Fair is held each year in Albion at Boone County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 11-15, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows. Located at 2324 Fairgrounds Road, Albion.
2324 Fairgrounds Road, Albion, NE 68620 Official event details - Platte County Fair Swine Show
Saturday morning swine show in the Green Barn, ahead of the Celebrity Swine Showmanship Contest at 6:30 pm. Held each year; the most recent show was July 11, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Platte County Fair Round Robin Champion Showmanship
Saturday afternoon contest where species showmanship winners compete for overall champion showman at Ag Park. Held each year; the most recent contest was July 11, 2026.
Columbus, NE | Organizer: Platte County Agricultural Society Official event details - Furnas County Fair
Each year Beaver City hosts the Furnas County Fair at Furnas County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 13-18, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program. Located at 12th Street, Beaver City.
12th Street, Beaver City, NE 68926 Official event details - Pawnee County Fair
The Pawnee County Fair is held each year in Pawnee City at Pawnee County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 13-18, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows. Located at 1701 D St, Pawnee City.
1701 D St, Pawnee City, NE 68420 Official event details - Fillmore County Fair
The Fillmore County Fair is held each year in Geneva; the most recent dates were July 13-20, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows.
Geneva, NE Official event details - Dixon County Fair
Each year Concord hosts the Dixon County Fair at Dixon County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 8-12, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program. Located at 336 Maple St, Concord.
336 Maple St, Concord, NE 68728 Official event details - Platte County Fair
Platte County Fair: Columbus hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 8-12, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging.
Columbus, NE Official event details - Hitchcock County 4-H Fair
Hitchcock County 4-H Fair July 8-18, 2026: trap and rifle contests, horse, dog, rabbit, dairy and beef shows, swine, sheep and goat shows, livestock judging and a closing sale.
- Custer County Fair
Each year Broken Bow hosts the Custer County Fair at Custer County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 16-30, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program.
Broken Bow, NE Official event details - Colfax County Fair
The Colfax County Fair is held each year in Leigh at Colfax County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 16-19, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows.
Leigh, NE Official event details - Howard County Fair
Each year St. Paul hosts the Howard County Fair at Howard County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 17-22, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program. Located at 1381 US-281, St. Paul.
1381 US-281, St. Paul, NE 68873 Official event details - Sherman County Fair
Sherman County Fair: Loup City at Sherman County Fairgrounds hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 17-22, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging. Located at 47363 NE-92, Loup City.
47363 NE-92, Loup City, NE 68853 Official event details - Sheridan County Fair
Ten-day fair with a horse show on July 18, swine show on July 23, beef shows on July 24 and a livestock sale on July 25; the most recent dates were July 17-26, 2026, plus a Clover Bud pet parade.
NE | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Sheridan County Official event details - Douglas County Fair
The Douglas County Fair is held each year in Ralston at Liberty First Credit Union Arena; the most recent dates were July 18-19, 2026. This is a short two-day fair in the Omaha suburbs.
- Morrill County Fair
Morrill County Fair: Bridgeport at Morrill County Fairgrounds hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 18-25, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging. Located at 9054 NE-88, Bridgeport.
9054 NE-88, Bridgeport, NE 69336 Official event details - Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo
The Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo is held each year in Sidney at Cheyenne County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 18-25, 2026. A rodeo is part of the fair week.
- Thomas County Fair
Each year Thedford hosts the Thomas County Fair at Thomas County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 20-26, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program. Located at 83861 Highway 83, Thedford.
83861 Highway 83, Thedford, NE 69166 Official event details - Dundy County 4-H Fair
Weeklong 4-H fair in Benkelman, July 20-25, 2026: dog and companion animal shows, horse show, hog, beef, sheep and goat shows, round robin and a Saturday livestock sale.
- Buffalo County Fair 4-H Livestock Shows
4-H schedule July 21-27, 2026: dog show, horse show, sheep and goat judging, beef, rabbit, poultry and swine showmanship, fashion show and cake walk and pie auction.
- Dawson County Fair
The Dawson County Fair is held each year in Lexington at Dawson County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 15-19, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows. Located at 1000 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington.
1000 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington, NE 68850 Official event details - Cedar County Fair
The Cedar County Fair is held each year in Hartington at Cedar County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 15-19, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows. Located at 88266 Spur 564th Ave, Hartington.
88266 Spur 564th Ave, Hartington, NE 68739 Official event details - Adams County Fairfest
The Adams County Fairfest is held each year in Hastings at Adams County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 15-19, 2026. Billed as Fairfest.
947 S Baltimore Ave, Hastings, NE 68901 Official event details - Nance County Fair
Nance County Fair: Fullerton at Nance County Events Center hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 15-18, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging. Located at 406 N Ida St, Fullerton.
406 N Ida St, Fullerton, NE 68638 Official event details - Adams County 4-H Fair Animal Shows and Contests
4-H animal shows and contests run July 15-19, 2026 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings, with stalling on July 14-15 and fair setup on July 10.
- Webster County Fair
Webster County Fair: Bladen at Webster County Fairgrounds hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 23-25, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging. Located at 459 North Crescent Street, Bladen.
459 North Crescent Street, Bladen, NE 68928 Official event details - Seward County Fair
The Seward County Fair is held each year in Seward at Seward County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 23-26, 2026. Includes 4-H and FFA exhibits and junior livestock shows. Located at 500 North 14th Street, Seward.
500 North 14th Street, Seward, NE 68434 Official event details - Dawes County Fair
Dawes County Fair: Chadron hosts the annual fair, which most recently ran July 23 to August 1, 2026. Features 4-H and FFA exhibit judging.
Chadron, NE Official event details - Sioux County Fair
Ten-day fair in Harrison running more than 125 years, with 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, rodeos, a demolition derby and a free barbecue; the most recent dates were July 24 to August 2, 2026.
Harrison, NE | Organizer: Sioux County Agricultural Society Official event details - Stanton County 4-H Fair
Held each year in Stanton with dog and cat shows, horse, sheep, goat, dairy, beef and swine shows and a 4-H auction; the most recent run was July 24 to August 2, 2026, with the 4-H office at 302 6th Street.
302 6th Street, Stanton, NE 68779 | Organizer: Nebraska Extension in Stanton County Official event details - Saunders County Fair
The Saunders County Fair is held each year in Wahoo at Saunders County Fairgrounds; the most recent dates were July 26 to August 2, 2026. Address: 635 E 1st St, Wahoo.
635 E 1st St, Wahoo, NE 68066 Official event details - Wheeler County Fair
Each year Bartlett hosts the Wheeler County Fair at Wheeler County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 26 to August 2, 2026. Local 4-H youth exhibit and livestock events are part of the program. Located at 83200 Rodeo Lane, Bartlett.
83200 Rodeo Lane, Bartlett, NE 68622 Official event details - Dakota-Thurston County Fair
Each year South Sioux City hosts the Dakota-Thurston County Fair at Dakota Thurston County Fairgrounds. Most recent run: July 26 to August 2, 2026. Serves Dakota and Thurston counties.
1527 Stable Dr, South Sioux City, NE 68776 Official event details
Plus 51 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Nebraska directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.