With the 2026 Hempstead County Fair quickly approaching, the Fair Board, exhibitors, and parents would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to all members of our community!
This year’s fair will kick off with the Hempstead County Fair Pageant on Saturday, August 29th.
Exhibits of all types (livestock, arts and crafts, photography, etc.) will be on display beginning Tuesday, September 1st through Friday, September 4th.
The Junior Livestock Show will be held on Thursday, September 3rd beginning at 5pm with chickens, followed by rabbits, goats, sheep, cattle and swine.
The week culminates in the Junior Livestock Premium Auction on Friday, September 4th with a Buyer’s Luncheon beginning at 11:30 am and the Premium Auction beginning at noon in the Fair Park Coliseum.
What is a Premium Auction you may ask? For those unfamiliar with this event, a Premium Auction differs from a normal auction in that buyers bid on a “premium” to reward the exhibitor’s hard work, dedication, and showmanship—NOT their animal’s market value. All students (ages 5+) who participate in the County Livestock Show are eligible to “sell” one animal in the auction. Live bids are taken (just as in a traditional auction) as well as “add on” donations which are applied to the exhibitor’s grand total.
At the end of the day the exhibitors keep their animals and the premium buyers have made a (tax-deductible) donation, as well as a great investment, in the outstanding youth of Hempstead County! These funds help our young exhibitors cover project expenses and save for future agricultural or educational goals.
Donations to the Junior Livestock Premium Auction can be made in-person at the event, or contact Board President William Gentry at 870-904-9641 for additional information.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2026 Hempstead County Fair, and would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who selflessly contribute to our outstanding youth exhibitors year after year!