Yuma County Fair Returns in 2026 With America the Beautiful Theme

The 74th Annual Yuma County Fair opens Tuesday at the Yuma County Fairgrounds under the theme "America the Beautiful," bringing six days of agricultural competition, livestock auctions, and open-division exhibits to 2520 E 32nd St through April 5.

Gates open at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and at noon each day Wednesday through Sunday, according to the fair's event listing. The fairgrounds serves as the county's largest annual agricultural and community festival, and the 2026 edition's premium book, theme, and core attraction details have been posted ahead of opening day.

Exhibitors working on a deadline should note that online registration closed March 30 at noon, though the fair allows on-site drop-off and same-day registration for those who bring their entries in person. Open division entries, covering categories including crafts and hobbies, student art, photography, and student publications, were accepted March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Horticulture entries followed a separate window, with drop-off on March 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The livestock program reaches its peak on Saturday, April 4, when the Small Animal and Dairy Goat Auction kicks off at 9 a.m. in Ring 1, followed by the Junior Livestock Large Animal Auction at noon. Sunday's schedule is the most compressed of the run: a 4-H Home Economics General Projects and Annual Recognition Awards Program begins at noon in Ring 1, exhibitors report to the grandstand at 3 p.m. for release instructions, and 4-H and FFA animals move out between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Small animals are released from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and exhibits clear the buildings in the final hour before midnight.

Anyone who does not retrieve open-division entries on the night of April 5 has one additional window: Monday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Fair Office. The Yuma County Fair, Inc. has stated it will not be responsible for any items left after that time.

For 4-H leaders and FFA advisors, auction checks will be available for pickup at the Fair Office beginning June 1, 2026. The fairgrounds can be reached at (928) 726-4420.