MONROE COUNTY FAIR

Shows & Contests

Find everything you need for Contests, Entry Forms, Fair Books for shows and more! Check back for 2026 forms for all contests and events listed below. We’re hard at work finalizing all details for Monroe County Fair 2026!

Click Below to Download the Full Printable Fair Schedule. It contains all Events, Shows, Activities – everything you need to have a fun-filled family weekend at the Monroe County Fair in 2026!

Flyer for a Cookie Stacking Contest on July 25 at the Exhibit Building at 10 am. Lists age groups and cash prizes.

  • Full Fair Book

    We are so excited to be rolling forward for the 2026 Monroe County Fair, but more importantly for your interest in being involved! Below, you can find the link for the full Fair Book.

    Download Full Fair Book Here
A woman wearing a crown poses with six children, each holding a box or bag, in front of a blue starry backdrop.

  • Prince & Princess

    The Monroe County Fair Little Prince and Princess Contest will be held on Sunday, July 27th, 2025 in the Exhibit Building on the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Check in time for all ages will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Building. The contest will follow at 5:00 p.m. There will be a table available in the building for check in. It would be beneficial if you could complete the entry form prior to actual registration.

    Download Form Here
Open Pet Show event announcement for Sunday, July 27th, at 2:00 PM in the showring, featuring a dog, cat, and rabbit.

  • Open Pet Show

    This event is open to the public and free to all with paid gate parking admission on Sunday July 27th at 1:30pm. Bring your pet – any pet – stuffed animal or even a picture to share! No large animals are allowed only small (example: cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, bottle lamb, bottle calf, etc...) No Wild Animals are allowed or Birds. No costumes on pets. Special Awards and Fun for all entrants!

Flyer for the Monroe County Fair Open Class Activity Building on July 24, 2025, in Albia, Iowa, with exhibit info.

  • Open Class Fair Book

    Welcome to the 2026 Monroe County Fair! We are so glad that you are interested in the Open Class Exhibition Department! The various departments are filled with information that you will need to have your exhibit judged and on display during the fair for all to see. Click to view general information and welcome letter, and view the full fair book and entry form below.



    Download Open Class Fair Book Here

    Download The Entry Form
A smiling child in a red shirt and blue jeans sitting on an orange surface against a bright turquoise background.

  • Baby Contest

    The Baby Contest will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 on the stage of the Exhibit Building. All babies are invited to attend! Prizes will be given out from donations. Registration will be from 1:30-2:00 p.m. with the contest to begin at 2:00 p.m. Contact Macey Lathrop or Angela Wilson with any questions.

    Download Entry Form Here
Flyer for a hot dog eating contest at Monroe County Fairgrounds, July 25th at 5PM, sponsored by Tharp Funeral Home.

  • Hot Dog Eating Contest

    Sponsored by Tharp Funeral Home, participants will have a specified time limit to eat the most hotdogs possible. Prizes will be given to the top three place in each category of $15.00 first place, $10.00 second place, and $5.00 for third place. Registration opens Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 at 5pm Grandstand/Northside of Building

A close-up of a colorful, hand-stitched patchwork quilt with varied patterns and textures, set against wooden walls.

  • Baby Quilt Contest

    The Monroe County Fair will be this year hosting a Baby Quilt Contest for quilters of all ages and kinds! Find the flyer attached below with rules, awards and more information you might need to enter this great event. The bonus – all entries will be donated to Monroe County NEST program following the completion of this year's fair!

    Download Flyer Here
Flyer for the Monroe County Fair Bill Riley Talent Show on Sunday, July 27 at 6:30pm in the Exhibit Building.
A red tractor performs a wheelie in a pulling competition, emitting a thick plume of black exhaust against a blue sky.

  • Pedal Tractor Pull

    Calling all Pedal Tractor Pull Participants! The 2025 Monroe County Fair will again feature the famous Pedal Tractor Pull on Thursday July 24th. Registration begins at 7:00 p.m. The actual action to take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Fair Board Office. and is free to all kids ages 4-10 with a maximum weight of 80lbs.

Herdsman Ship 

A herdsman is someone who owns or tends to a herd of animals. Herdsman ship is the way one tends to the animal or herd. If you are an exhibitor of livestock at the county fair your herdsman ship skills become very important! While at the county fair your animal or animals will be exposed to all kinds of different stresses they may not experience at home. The crowds, noise, other livestock, inclement weather, change in stalls or pends can all sometimes make it hard for them to adjust. It is your responsibility to see that your animal or animals and barn stalling areas are always maintained to the highest of standards for the entire duration of the county fair. Each 4-H Club & FFA Chapter will be judged daily between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. by volunteers who will go through the barns and score based on aisle cleanliness, animal cleanliness, bedding cleanliness, pen or stall display, adequate lighting and signage, and attendant’s manners. There must be adequate arrangements made to ensure that representation is present during these hours. The Monroe County Fair Board will award and present the winning club or chapter a cash award of $100.00 along with an additional $100.00 given by JTF Farms, Jerry & Tonya Findley Family at the beginning of the Livestock Auction on the Monday of the fair. It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to see that the care of their animal or animals are always maintained to the highest level during the county fair. If you require assistance, please discuss this with your Club Leader or Chapter Advisor as they will be glad to help in any way. If you are approached by anyone that you are not familiar with during your fair exhibition it is important that you reach out immediately to your leaders, advisors, or any adult fair official. Working together with other exhibitors within your assigned stall or pen area is an important part of herdsman ship during fair exhibition to ensure that the welfare of all animals is top notch. Make it your personal goal and maybe even the goal of your club or chapter to be an outstanding herdsman at home and during exhibition at all times. The county fair is your time to shine and how your animal or animals, pens and stalls look are a reflection on you, your family, and your club or chapter.