JOIN The FUN AT THE Allamakee County Fair THIS WEEK

Tracy Byrd to headline Friday's grandstand entertainment; Variety of activities and events planned

This week, July 15-19,  the 173rd Allamakee County Fair will be held for all to enjoy at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon. A wide variety of entertainment is in place to headline this year’s Fair at the grandstand, along with a great deal of other activities for everyone to enjoy each and every day throughout the five-day event.

GRANDSTAND STAR POWER AND HORSE POWER

Kicking off this year’s grandstand entertainment line-up Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. will be a Truck and Tractor Pull featuring local trucks and tractors as well as some powered-up regional competitors in a variety of high-revving classes. Free admission is being granted to all local military veterans for that truck and tractor pull event, and there will also be a Pie Auction for pies contributed by this year’s Allamakee County Fair Royalty in an effort to raise funds for the Fair Royalty Fund and the 2027 Fair Improvements Fund. To register or for more information, contact Herb Behrend, Nick Wild, Doug Wild, Todd Wild or Heath Dee at the information found online under the “Forms & Agreements” tab at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

Motocross returns to the Allamakee County Fair Thursday, July 16, as 74 Promotions Motocross brings its racing series to the local dirt track once again, beginning at 7 p.m. Some local favorites and some series travelers will provide all the thrills, chills and maybe even some spills in a variety of competition classes.
The Friday evening, July 17 music performance in the grandstand will feature a legendary country music headliner and some regional talent, beginning at 8 p.m. Multi-Platinum country music recording artist Tracy Byrd will headline this year’s Friday musical event in the grandstands, with Iowa-based Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys performing as the opening act to kick off that night of entertainment.
Tracy Byrd became a household name on the country music scene in 1993 when his third single, called “Holdin’ Heaven”, off of his self-titled debut album, hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Fueled by such chart-topping hits as “Watermelon Crawl” and “The Keeper of the Stars”, Byrd’s second album soared to Double Platinum status, which certifies sales of over two million copies. “The Keeper of the Stars” won the Academy of Country Music’s “Song of the Year” award in 1995.
The remainder of the first decade of his legendary career saw Byrd release four more albums that hit Gold status in their sales. Those works were fueled by such party-favorite songs as “I’m From the Country,” “The Drinkin’ Bone” and “10 Rounds with Jose Cuervo”. After more than 15 years as one of the most successful male country performers of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Byrd took a break from music to concentrate on his family, finally returning to performing in 2014.
Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys are a country band based in central Iowa. Formed in 2015, the group got its start in small-town bars and parties, honing their skills to now make more than 50 years of experience combined. Now playing across the Midwest everywhere from rockin’ honky-tonks to opening shows for the likes of Tracy Byrd, John Michael Montgomery, Craig Morgan and more, Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys bring a neo-traditional sound with high energy and real music. Drawing influence from artists like Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels and Hank Williams Jr., audiences of all kinds find a show they can enjoy and music they can feel.
The power and grace of rodeo will take over the grandstand Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m., as Iowa-based Rogue Rodeo from Albia will bring such events as Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and even Mutton Bustin’ for the youngsters. Another opportunity to participate in the Allamakee County Fair Royalty Pie Auction will also take place during the rodeo. For further details on Rogue Rodeo or to register for any of the events, visit www.roguerodeo.com.
The culminating grandstand event Sunday afternoon, July 19 will feature even more action, as area drivers will race their trucks to the limit on a Tough Truck obstacle course. Filled with mud, jumps, chills and thrills, the four-wheeled fun begins at 1 p.m. To register or for more information, contact David Howard at the information found online under the “Forms & Agreements” tab at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

GRANDSTAND PASSES ONLINE OR IN ADVANCE

The ability to purchase grandstand tickets online is again available for this season’s grandstand entertainment performances. The Fair’s webpage, www.allamakeecountyfair.org, has a “Buy Tickets” link and button on the website’s home page that will take online purchasers through a check-out process. Tickets for the grandstand events can be purchased for all five evenings of grandstand entertainment at this year’s Fair, or for just a single event. Admission to the grandstand events is free for children ages 10 and under when they are accompanied by an adult.

Advance tickets for grandstand events can also be purchased at Waukon State Bank, Freedom Bank in Waukon and Postville, Kerndt Brothers Bank in Waukon and Lansing, Village Farm & Home in Waukon, New Albin Savings Bank, and Peoples State Bank in Harpers Ferry and Waukon. Tickets can also be purchased during the Fair at the Fair Office or at the grandstand prior to each event.

QUEEN AND LITTLE MISS PAGEANT KICKS IT OFF

The coronation of the 2026 Allamakee County Fair Queen and Allamakee County Fair Little Miss will kick off this year’s Fair Wednesday evening, July 15, beginning at 5 p.m., taking place in the Fairgrounds Pavilion. This year’s five Allamakee County Fair Queen candidates - Reegan Benzing, Addisyn Berns, Miriam Downing, Olivia Enyart and Makenna Kurth - will take the spotlight to determine who will wear the crown of the 2026 Allamakee County Fair Queen.
Complementing that Fair Queen pageantry again this year will be the featuring of a younger group of ladies vying for the honors of Allamakee County Fair Little Miss. That competition involves four contestants ranging in age from seven to nine years old, including Rayna Collins, Khloe Deering, Myla Evanson, and Wrenley Rixen.

COOKING UP SOME COMPETITION

Anyone who wants to show their skills in the kitchen, or just their love of cooking and creating, will have plenty of opportunity at this year’s fair with a variety of food contests. All entries must be homemade and brought to the competition at designated drop-off times in the Open Class Building.
Thursday, July 16 will feature a Lemonade Contest which will begin its judging at 5:30 p.m. with a drop-off time at 5 p.m. Friday, July 17 will offer a Cookie Contest where entries can be dropped off at 4 p.m. and judging will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18 will feature a Cupcake Contest that will be taking entries at 3:30 p.m. for judging taking place beginning at 4 p.m.
From kitchen creations to chowing them down, a pair of free eating contests will also be taking place at the Beer Tent near the grandstand. A Watermelon Eating Contest is scheduled for partner competition at 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, with winners receiving Meet & Greet passes for the Tracy Byrd concert that evening. Saturday, July 18 will feature a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 5:30 p.m. with youth and adult divisions.
Although not a competition, and certainly not requiring those who participate to cook anything, the Allamakee County Fair Board will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast Sunday, July 19 from 8-11 a.m. in the Fairgrounds Pavilion. The breakfast was rescheduled from the snowed-out St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend in March and offers a hearty way to start the final day of the Fair.

MANY OTHER COMPETITIONS

The local competition for the statewide Bill Riley Talent Search will take place Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. in the Fairgrounds Pavilion and offer a chance for local talent - ages two to 21 - to earn a spot in the Iowa State Fair competition held in Des Moines in August. Additional information on how to register for this free contest can be found on the Allamakee County Fair website at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.
A Mechanical Bull will also be available to ride near the grandstand from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, from 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again from 12-4 p.m. Sunday afternoon. A Bags Tournament is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 19 by the Beer Tent, with registration beginning at 11 a.m.
For those seeking more of a physical competition, several opportunities exist to do that as well throughout the Fair. The Ag Olympics, a timed obstacle relay race using various items found on the farm, is open to youth and area business “celebrities” and takes place in the new Show Barn Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. A Kids Pedal Tractor Pull will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Commercial Building, with registration beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The Little Switzerland FFA Chapter from Waukon High School will be hosting Pedal Tractor Races outside the Pavilion at 3 p.m. Friday, July 17. Also taking place Friday will be the return of the Haybale Toss at 6 p.m., next to the Beer Tent.
Also returning this year will be the Boot Scoot 5K Fun Run starting at the Grain Bin Gazebo Saturday morning, with registration opening at 7 a.m. and the run to begin at 8 a.m. Pre-registration can be completed under the “Contests & Events” tab at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

DAILY ACTIVITIES AT THE FAIR

Also returning to the grounds this year will be a Little Allamakee Self-Monitored Play Area available near the Appreciation Building on the Fairgrounds each day of the Fair, from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 19. A Dunk Tank will also be available each day of the Fair, near the Commercial Building, including from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 1-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, July 19.

FREE DAILY ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to the grandstand attractions and variety of contests and competitions, there will also be a wide variety of free entertainment performances and activities throughout this year’s Fair for all to enjoy at no charge and at various venues throughout the Fairgrounds. Wednesday through Sunday, Robey Memorial Library will feature its self-guided Story Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Pavilion and lasting throughout each day. Each stop will direct readers to the next “page” in the story.
A variety of free entertainment activities will take place Wednesday through Sunday as well, with some of them new to the Fair this year. Hillbilly Bob and his convertible 1929 Model A Ford named “Old Ruthie” will return to have folks rolling down the streets with laughter with a display of tricks, sound effects, and balloon animals, hats and more created by Hillbilly Bob. He will be performing at the Commercial Building from 4-5 p.m. and again from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, and will continue with performances from 12-1 p.m., 3-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. each day Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 16-18, in addition to two more performances Sunday, July 19 from 12-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
New this year, Polka Dot Entertainment will feature Pete the Juggler, who specializes in walking on stilts, juggling and other interactive entertainment, at the Commercial Building. Those performances are scheduled for 5-5:30 p.m. and 7-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Also new this year to the Fair will be the The Real Beal’s One Man Band strolling the fairgrounds each day of the Fair with his guitar and carrying his drum set strapped to his back, providing all his own accompaniment for musical entertainment the crowd can enjoy, sing along to and be interactive with. The One Man Band performances will begin at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. at 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.
Face Painting will take place in the Kids Center from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. “The Nose” caricature drawings will be taking place in the grain bin gazebo from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, and again from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
Kids Day at the Fair is scheduled for Friday, July 17 from 1-4 p.m. at the Kids Center and Appreciation Building. A wide variety of kid-friendly and creative activities will be available to participate in at no charge. Saturday, July 18 will feature a Barn Dance inside the Pavilion from 8-11 p.m. as well as 2 for the Road live music from 9 p.m.-12 Midnight at the Beer Garden. Everyone is also invited to participate in the Barn Praising church service hosted by Iron Ridge Church inside the Show Barn, beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 19.

PREREGISTER FOR THESE ACTIVITIES

The Open Class Building and Fairgrounds Pavilion will both be hosting “Make and Take” workshop activities Saturday, July 18 with some pre-registration required at www.allamakeecountyfair.org. A Tye Dye Workshop will take place in the Open Class Building at 1 p.m. Saturday, and a Kids Painting Class (ages 10 and older) is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Pavilion.

PROJECTS AND LIVESTOCK SHOWS

Along with the fun and thrills of this year’s entertainment and activity line-up, the hard work and dedication of county youth and other exhibitors will be on display each and every day of the 2026 Allamakee County Fair. The 4-H and Open Class Buildings on the grounds will house the efforts of local exhibitors of all ages in a wide variety of creative, useful interests.
All residents of Allamakee County, or those employed or attending school in Allamakee County, are welcome to place entries in the Open Class Exhibit competition of the Fair in such areas as Youth, Flowers, Agricultural Products, Textiles & Fabric, Arts & Crafts, and Antiques & Collections. Those exhibits can be entered Wednesday, July 15 from 12-8 p.m. for judging and will be available for viewing every day of the Fair in the Open Class Building.
Daily animal shows and judging will take place in the livestock show barn. The daily livestock youth shows begin Thursday, July 16 with the Swine Judging at 9 a.m. and Sheep and Meat Goat Judging at 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 17 will feature the Beef Judging at 9 a.m., the Clover Kids Pet Show at 2 p.m. and Rabbit and Poultry Judging at 3 p.m.
Dairy cattle and goats will be judged Saturday morning, July 18, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with the Dairy Auction scheduled for 2 p.m., the Pee Wee Dairy Show at 2:30 p.m. and the Dog Show at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon. Sunday morning, July 19 will wrap up the livestock shows with the Horse Judging, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Horse Arena.
Returning this year will be a Round Robin Showmanship Contest to be held inside the Show Barn, beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday. That event gives Senior (grades 10-12) Showmanship winners and reserves in the Fair’s beef, dairy, sheep, swine and meat goat shows this year the opportunity to compete for top showmanship honors at the Allamakee County Fair by showing each of those species in front of a species judge to determine the Fair’s overall top showman.
The traditional Appreciation Supper and 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction will take place Sunday afternoon under the awning of the new Show Barn. The supper begins at 3:30 p.m., with the auction getting underway at 5 p.m. The Parade of Champions will continue this year as well, featuring all the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion winners from this year’s Allamakee County Fair, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Show Barn.

MIDWAY AMUSEMENTS

Midway Amusements will offer a variety of fun at this year’s Allamakee County Fair, featuring a full array of rides and games. Rides will be in operation from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, from 3-11 p.m. Friday, from 1-4 p.m. and again from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, and from 12-4 p.m. Sunday. Wristbands allowing a full-day ride session will be available for purchase both in advance and at the Fair, as are Mega Bands that allow rides during the entire Fair.
Further event details, schedule and other information about the 2026 Allamakee County Fair, July 15-19, can be found in the Wednesday, July 15 edition of The Standard, and can also be found on the Allamakee County Fair website at www.allamakeecountyfair.org.

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