LOOGOOTEE — The highly anticipated Martin County 4-H Fair is officially returning from July 9 through July 14. The annual event promises a jam-packed week of livestock shows, exhibits, contests, live entertainment, and activities designed for community members of all ages.
In a recent interview, Purdue Extension Educator Dena Held highlighted the fair as a celebratory culmination of a full year’s worth of hard work and dedication by local 4-H members. Held encouraged area residents to attend the festivities to support local youth and to learn more about the diverse leadership and educational opportunities available through the 4-H program.
Local Junior Leaders are also using the event to give back, promoting a community food drive that will benefit local families. Additionally, official fair t-shirts will be available for purchase throughout the week, and a special post-fair 4-H pool party has been scheduled to celebrate the members’ achievements on Thursday, July 16.
2026 Martin County 4-H Fair Full Schedule
Thursday, July 9th – Fair Opening Night
- 4:00 p.m: 4-H Rabbit Show (Livestock Arena)
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Static & Open Class Exhibits on Display & Silent Auction Opens (Community Building)
- 6:30 p.m.: Queen Contest, 4-H Fashion Revue & Mini Sewing Modeling (Stage)
- 7:30 p.m.: Euchre Tournament Registration (Livestock Arena)
- 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Jr. Leaders Euchre Tournament (Livestock Arena)
Friday, July 10th – Health & Safety Night
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Static & Open Class Exhibits on Display & Silent Auction Opens (Community Building)
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Health and Safety Interactives (Between the Community Building and CLC; Prizes sponsored by RTC)
- 6:30 p.m.: 4-H Beef & Dairy Cattle Show, followed by the Old Timers Beef & Dairy Show (Livestock Arena)
- 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Live Music by Kirby Stailey and the Dash (Stage)
Saturday, July 11th – All-Star Saturday
- 9:00 a.m.: 4-H Poultry Show (Poultry Barn)
- 9:00 a.m.: 4-H Static & Open Class Exhibits on Display & Silent Auction Opens (Community Building)
- 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Craft Corner Open (Community Building)
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Sheep & Goat Show, followed by the Old Timers Sheep & Goat Show (Livestock Arena)
- Post-Show: Great Inflatable Races (Immediately following the sheep/goat show. Participants must bring their own inflatable)
- 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Bounce Houses Open (Lawn; Bracelets are $5 per night)
- 7:00 p.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Show Speed Classes – Day 1 (H & P Arena)
- 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Andrew Staggs – One Cause Band (Stage)
Sunday, July 12th – Kids Day At The Fair
- 10:00 a.m.: Community Church Service with a message by Lauren (Biggs) Alexander (Stage)
- 1:00 p.m.: Exhibits Open, Silent Auction Opens, & Craft Corner Open (Community Building)
- 2:00 p.m.: Farm Bureau Games (Livestock Arena)
- 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Pie Baking Contest Drop-Off (Judging begins at 3:30 PM at the CLC)
- 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.: Carnival Games (Farm Bureau Building)
- 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Registration (Lawn)
- 4:00 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Pull Begins (Sponsored by Farm Credit Mid America)
- 4:00 p.m.: 4-H Horse & Pony Show – Day 2 (H & P Arena)
- 4:00 p.m.: Lego Build with Shoals Robotics (Community Building)
- 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Bounce Houses Open (Lawn; Bracelets are $5 per night)
- 4:30 p.m.: Baby Show (Community Building)
- 5:00 p.m.: Watermelon Seed-Spitting & Cookie-Stacking Contests (Lawn)
- 5:15 – 5:30 p.m.: Story Time with Shoals Library (Lawn)
- 5:30 p.m.: Animal Tales (Lawn)
- 6:00 p.m.: Jr. Leaders Movie Night featuring Sandlot 2 (Lawn)
- 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Ice Cream Contest Drop-Off (Judging begins at 6:30 PM at the CLC)
Monday, July 13th – Rodeo Day
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Static & Open Class Exhibits on Display & Silent Auction Opens (Community Building)
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Swine Show, followed by the Old Timers Swine Show (Livestock Arena)
- 7:30 p.m.: Bar MC Rodeo (Admission: $10; Children ages 4 and under are free)
Tuesday, July 14th – Closing Day Of The Fair
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Static & Open Class Exhibits on Display & Silent Auction Opens (Community Building)
- 5:00 p.m.: 4-H Supreme Showmanship (Livestock Arena)
- 5:15 p.m.: 4-H Static Exhibits Released & 4-H Gratitude Station Open
- 5:30 p.m.: Silent Auction Ends (Item pickup scheduled for 6:30 PM in the Community Building)
- 7:00 p.m.: 10-Year & Last-Year 4-H Member Recognition (Livestock Arena)
- 7:15 p.m.: 4-H Premium Livestock Auction (Livestock Arena)
Fairground Food Vendors
Attendees can enjoy a wide array of local fair foods and refreshments throughout the week, provided by the following vendors:
- Karen’s Custom Kandies & More
- Mimi’s Sugar Shack
- Spill The Tea With Mama Z
- The SnoMobile
- Warship Cafe
- Martin County 4-H Council
