(KIWA Staff Photo)
Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — The Sioux County Youth Fair returns this Saturday, July 11th, 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 2026 one of the biggest fairs yet.
New Additions Continue Fair’s Growth
One of the biggest additions for this year is a new livestock building, providing additional space for exhibitors and allowing more animals to return to the grounds.
Marketing Manager Tara Kooiker says the improvements are helping the fair keep pace with its growth.
More Space, More Families
Now in its third year at the new location, the fair has expanded activities, improved the experience for exhibitors and visitors, as well as welcome more families to the fairgrounds.
Fair Board President LeAnn Englin says attendance has continued to grow, with many new families discovering the fair while longtime supporters help keep events affordable. She says one strength of the fair is that there is something for everyone.
New Attractions Join Returning Favorites
While 4-H and FFA competitions remain the centerpiece of the week, organizers have added several new attractions to appeal to the entire family:
- 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
- Queen and Little Miss Coronation shifting to Saturday evening
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.
Fair Princess Allie Wielenga hopes more young people discover what the fair has to offer and encourages them to get involved.
Fair Schedule at a Glance
- Saturday, July 11th
- Pet Show & Dog Show
- Barnyard Olympics
- Mud Volleyball
- Queen & Little Miss Coronation
- Johnny Holm Band
- Sunday, July 12th
- Community Worship Service & Brunch
- Open Sheep Show
- Praise n’ Worship Night
- Monday, July 13th
- Rabbit & Sheep Shows
- Bacon Buddies
- Northwest Iowa Youth Classic Swine Show
- Double S Extreme Bulls & Events
- Tuesday, July 14th
- Goat, Poultry & Dairy Shows
- Livestock Judging Contest
- Double S Extreme Bulls & Events
- Wednesday, July 15th
- Swine Show
- Horse Pleasure Show
- Demo Derby
- Thursday, July 16th
- Beef Show
- Super Showmanship
- Greased Pig Contest
- Foam Cannon
- Friday, July 17th
- Horse Games
- 4-H Awards Program
- Ribbon Auction
- Livestock Release
- Sioux County Fair Dance
The 2026 Sioux County Youth Fair runs Saturday, July 11th, through Friday, July 17th, at the Sioux County Fairgrounds west of Sioux Center. A complete schedule, registration details, and volunteer information can be found at siouxcountyfair.org.
