Let me start with a word of confession. I’m a grown-up 4-H kid. For a few years, I pledged my head to clearer thinking and my heart to greater loyalty. And I won two blue ribbons at the Clay County Fair, one for Million Dollar Sugar Cookies. (This year’s Clay County Fair will be held July 8-9.) So I have a soft spot for county fairs. If you’ve never been to a real county fair, you’re missing out. Maybe this is the summer you make your first visit!
County fairs are usually different from local festivals or community events in a couple of ways. The biggest difference is the long-time partnership between county fairs, 4-H and Cooperative Extension. For lots of kids across the U.S., competing at the county fair is the conclusion of many weeks, months or even a year’s worth of learning, creating and discovering through 4-H experiences. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization, serving more than six million kids each year.
Don’t worry — yummy fried foods and exciting carnival rides are a big part of the fun!
While they have quite a bit in common with each other, each county fair has a different personality and history. Take the Platte County Fair, located in Tracy, Mo., and scheduled for July 20-23. Recorded as the oldest continuously operating fair west of the Mississippi—since 1863! — the Platte County Fair features a rodeo, demolition derby, carnival, mud-a-thon and live music.
Just down the road from Tonganoxie, Kan., your family can visit the Leavenworth County Fair on July 26-30. This fair offers a draft horse pull and a variety of rodeo events, including mutton busting for kids age 4-7 and mini bull riding.
The Douglas County Free Fair is held in Lawrence, Kan., with events beginning on July 16 and running through July 30. Check the schedule to plan your visit. Maybe you want to take in garden or antique tractor pulling, a bale throwing contest or the corn-hold championship.
Cass County holds their fair in Pleasant Hill, Mo., July 12-17 and is one of the earlier fairs in the metro area. If you’re interested in motor sports, rodeo or livestock shows, the Cass County Fair may be a perfect day trip for you. Feel like getting closer to the action? You and a teammate can compete in the Super Farmer contest. Farmers and non-farmers are welcome!
Held in Gardner, Kan., the Johnson County Fair will run from July 31 to August 6. Don’t miss the parade in downtown Gardner on August 6 at 10:30 a.m.! Other highlights include a square dance show, poultry judging and live music, all chosen to align with the 2022 theme: Barn in the USA.
Wherever your summer travels take you, there is most likely a county fair nearby. You can find a listing of fairs across Missouri here. Kansas county fairs are listed here.
