By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The Adams County Fair will return to the fairgrounds from July 6 through July 12, offering a full week packed with tradition, agriculture, and a celebration of community spirit. This year’s fair is shaping up to be a special one, with improvements underway that fairgoers will immediately notice. Fair Board President Jason Hesler shared that while much of the remodeling will be completed in time for the 2026 fair, significant updates have already taken place. Almost every building on the grounds has seen some level of renovation, with old structures removed and new improvements put in place to make the fair experience more comfortable and accessible for everyone. Along with these changes, the development of new property will eventually provide additional parking and a second entrance to ease congestion and make it easier for families to attend.
The fair will kick off on Sunday, July 6, with gates opening at 7 a.m. and a morning church service to set the tone for the week. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy seeing the barns fill with animals as all livestock are required to be in place by 11 a.m. The official opening ceremony will take place that afternoon, welcoming exhibitors and visitors alike. Monday will begin a busy stretch for Junior Fair participants, with floral hall judging highlighting the creative work of local youth and the start of various animal shows that will continue all week.
Throughout the fair, young exhibitors will present months of dedication in the show rings, competing in contests that showcase their skills in swine, beef, dairy, goats, and poultry. Tuesday’s schedule will include the Lumberjack Show and other displays of agricultural heritage, while Wednesday will bring special recognition to 4-H participants during the annual 4-H Awards Ceremony. This event honors the hard work and achievements of youth who have invested countless hours in their projects, whether in livestock, horticulture, home economics, or other areas of learning. Pee-Wee Showmanship competitions will give the youngest participants their first taste of the show ring, providing an opportunity to build confidence and learn the fundamentals of caring for animals.
Thursday and Friday will continue to highlight agriculture’s central role in the fair. Pee-Wee Goat Showmanship and the Open Beef Show will draw crowds eager to support local exhibitors and see firsthand the quality of livestock raised in Adams County. The Open Dairy Show and Pee-Wee Dairy Showmanship will follow, offering a showcase of the county’s dairy producers and the next generation of farmers. The fair’s tractor show and parade on Friday will celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and honor the machinery that has shaped local farming for generations.
Saturday will wrap up the fair with some of the most anticipated youth events, including the Livestock Scramble and Barnyard Olympics. These hands-on competitions help build skills, teamwork, and a sense of camaraderie among participants. The Livestock Scramble, in particular, has become a rite of passage for many young people, testing their quick thinking and determination in the show ring.
In addition to all the scheduled livestock shows and contests, this year’s fair will honor Rick and Patty Crawford as the 2025 Outstanding Fair Supporters, recognizing their commitment and contributions to the community. Jason Hesler stressed how important it is to have the community’s support and to see families return each summer to celebrate local agriculture and rural life. He emphasized that the fair is not only a place for entertainment but also an important learning environment where youth develop life skills. “It is very important for kids to be involved,” Hesler said. “They learn responsibility, leadership, and a good work ethic that will last their lifetime.”
With so many improvements already in place and more on the way, organizers are encouraging everyone to come out and experience the Adams County Fair firsthand. “Many people in the county work tirelessly all year to make the Adams County Fair a place that families want to attend,” Hesler said. “Besides the 4-H shows and activities, there are attractions daily that everyone will enjoy.”
Visitors are encouraged to watch for the final schedule to be released soon, as there are always slight adjustments from year to year. Gates will open at 7 a.m. daily, and with a full slate of livestock shows, Junior Fair competitions, educational displays, and agricultural traditions, the 2025 Adams County Fair promises a memorable week of learning, community pride, and celebration of the county’s farming heritage. Whether you come to support young exhibitors, connect with neighbors, or appreciate the hard work that goes into every project, this year’s fair offers something meaningful for everyone.