The Sioux County Youth Fair returns this Saturday, July 11, bringing a full week of livestock shows, youth competitions, family activities and entertainment to the Sioux County Fairgrounds west of Sioux Center. Organizers say the annual event continues to grow in its third year at the new fairgrounds, with expanded facilities, new attractions, and strong community support helping make this year’s fair one of the biggest yet.
New Additions Continue Fair’s Growth
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is a new livestock building, which fair leaders say will provide additional space for exhibitors while allowing more animals to return to the grounds.
Marketing Manager Tara Kooiker says the continued improvements are helping the fair keep pace with its growth.
“We have a new livestock building this year, which we’re super excited about. We’re glad we can get more animals back on the grounds. It’ll be a beautiful building for them and for people to be able to walk through and have the space to see the animals up close and in a better environment. We also have another big pad of concrete for the next building, and we’re hopefully going to have some animals on there. Again, it’s just nice to start spacing things out a little bit.”
More Space, More Families
The fair is now entering its third year at the new location after relocating from its longtime home. Fair Board President LeAnn Englin says the additional space has allowed organizers to expand activities, improve the experience for exhibitors and visitors, and welcome more families to the fairgrounds. Englin says attendance has continued to grow, with organizers seeing many new faces while maintaining affordable family entertainment thanks to the support of volunteers, sponsors, and the Sioux County community.
Englin says one of the strengths of the Sioux County Youth Fair is that there truly is something for everyone.
“There’s something for everybody. And that is one thing that our fair board and myself, in every communication that I have, county fairs, 4-H, and FFA is probably one of the only programs that there is something for everybody.”
New Attractions Join Returning Favorites
While 4-H and FFA competitions remain the centerpiece of the week, organizers continue adding attractions designed to appeal to the entire family. New for 2026 are an open team roping event, a second day of open barrel racing, expanded bull riding over two nights, face painting Monday through Thursday, horse games moving to Friday, and the Queen and Little Miss Coronation shifting to Saturday evening.
This year’s fair also features returning favorites including the Johnny Holm Band, Demo Derby, Greased Pig Contest, Bacon Buddies, Skid Loader Olympics, community worship service, praise and worship night, ribbon auction, petting zoo, butterfly exhibit, and numerous livestock shows throughout the week.
Fair Princess Allie Wielenga hopes more young people will discover what the fair has to offer and encourages them to get involved.
“You’re never going to know what you can accomplish until you just get two feet on the ground and try.”
Fair Schedule at a Glance
Saturday, July 11
Pet Show & Dog Show
Barnyard Olympics
Mud Volleyball
Queen & Little Miss Coronation
Johnny Holm Band
Sunday, July 12
Community Worship Service & Brunch
Open Sheep Show
Praise n’ Worship Night
Monday, July 13
Rabbit & Sheep Shows
Bacon Buddies
Northwest Iowa Youth Classic Swine Show
Double S Extreme Bulls & Events
Tuesday, July 14
Goat, Poultry & Dairy Shows
Livestock Judging Contest
Double S Extreme Bulls & Events
Wednesday, July 15
Swine Show
Horse Pleasure Show
Demo Derby
Thursday, July 16
Beef Show
Super Showmanship
Greased Pig Contest
Foam Cannon
Friday, July 17
Horse Games
4-H Awards Program
Ribbon Auction
Livestock Release
Sioux County Fair Dance
The 2026 Sioux County Youth Fair runs Saturday, July 11, through Friday, July 17, at the Sioux County Fairgrounds west of Sioux Center. A complete schedule, event registration, and volunteer information can be found at siouxcountyfair.org. Tune into our Daily Grind episode on the fair right here.
