Union County Illinois Fairgrounds Events

The Union County Fairgrounds in Anna, Illinois, are a gathering place for agricultural exhibitors, local families, livestock show participants, and visitors from across Southern Illinois. The annual Union County Fair combines traditional farm competitions with carnival attractions, live entertainment, horse events, and grandstand competitions. Its schedule reflects the area’s agricultural heritage while giving young exhibitors an opportunity to present the work they have done throughout the year.

The fair is also a practical resource for residents looking for youth livestock shows, competitive exhibits, community activities, and family entertainment. Visitors planning a trip should confirm the current year’s schedule, admission arrangements, and individual event details before leaving home.

Overview of Union County Fairgrounds

Location and setting

Union County Fairgrounds is located at 185 Herman Wright Drive, Anna, Illinois 62906. Anna is the county seat of Union County, in the southernmost part of Illinois. The fair’s official event information identifies Anna City Park as the location of the annual Union County Fair, making the park and fair facilities a familiar destination for residents of Anna, Jonesboro, Cobden, Dongola, and surrounding communities.

The grounds bring several activities together during fair week, including livestock exhibitions, an exhibit building, carnival attractions, horse-related competitions, and grandstand entertainment. Individual events may use different entrances or sections of the grounds, so contestants and visitors should check the event instructions before arriving.

Who operates the fair?

The Union County Fair Board organizes the annual fair and coordinates with exhibitors, volunteers, event providers, and youth agricultural programs. The fair’s continued operation depends on the work of junior exhibitors, their families, local supporters, and volunteers who help prepare facilities and manage competitions.

The event is a longstanding Union County tradition. The 2026 edition was advertised as the 145th annual Union County Fair, reflecting more than a century of community participation in the event.

Why the fair matters locally

Union County’s fair connects agricultural education with public entertainment. Livestock competitions allow young people to demonstrate animal care, preparation, and showmanship, while open-class exhibits give other residents opportunities to display practical skills and creative work.

For families in Anna and nearby towns, the fair also creates a regular opportunity to meet neighbors, support local organizations, and watch competitions that are part of Southern Illinois fair culture.

Upcoming Events at Union County Fairgrounds

Annual fair and seasonal activities

The main event is the Union County Fair, traditionally held in late August. The 2026 fair ran from August 21 through August 29, 2026. Those dates are historical, not a confirmed schedule for 2027.

During fair week, visitors can expect a program built around agricultural judging, youth activities, carnival entertainment, and scheduled grandstand performances. Past programs have included tractor pulls, truck and semi pulls, rodeo events, demolition derbies, harness racing, a queen pageant, a pet parade, and musical entertainment.

Not every activity is offered every year. The fair board’s next published schedule should be used to confirm which competitions, performers, and attractions will return.

Events outside the main fair

Livestock judging, horse shows, and other organized agricultural activities form an important part of the grounds’ use. The facilities may also accommodate activities arranged by outside organizations, depending on availability and the fair board’s policies.

Specific dates for flea markets, swap meets, craft fairs, private gatherings, or other independent events should not be assumed without confirmation. Visitors and organizers should contact the fair board to ask whether a particular activity is scheduled or whether facilities can be rented.

How to check upcoming events

The most useful details to confirm before visiting are the daily event timetable, exhibit registration windows, grandstand start times, carnival operating hours, and parking arrangements. Fair schedules can change, and admission to the grounds may be separate from tickets for grandstand performances or carnival rides.

For the 2027 fair, look for an official announcement from the Union County Fair Board rather than relying on the previous year’s dates.

The Union County Fair: Dates, Competitions, and Entertainment

Typical fair season: Late August

The Union County Fair traditionally takes place during the latter part of August. Its 2026 edition was scheduled for August 21–29. The exact dates for the 2027 edition should be confirmed when the organizers release the next fair calendar.

Livestock and competitive exhibits

Livestock judging is one of the central activities of the Union County Fair. The 2026 program included junior livestock classes for beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, alongside FFA and open-class livestock activities. Horse competitions and heavy horse or mule-related events have also appeared in the program.

The fair’s exhibit program gives residents another way to participate. Depending on the current premium book, competitive categories may include arts and crafts, household projects, photography, baking, preserved foods, flowers, and other general exhibits. Entrants should consult the applicable rules for eligible classes, check-in times, judging procedures, and pickup requirements.

Carnival rides and midway

The midway adds rides and games to the agricultural program. The 2026 schedule included carnival operations on selected evenings, including a family-night wristband promotion. The number of rides, participating carnival provider, operating hours, and wristband prices can vary from year to year.

Visitors should check whether a ride wristband covers all eligible rides, which hours it applies to, and whether individual attractions have separate restrictions. A wristband for carnival rides should not be assumed to include grandstand admission.

Grandstand entertainment

The 2026 program featured a mix of traditional fair competitions and entertainment, including:

• Mini tractor pulls and truck or semi pulls.
• Tractor pulling competitions.
• Ranch and championship rodeos.
• Demolition derbies on consecutive evenings.
• A queen pageant and musical performances.
• Harness racing and community activities.

These events give visitors reasons to plan around a specific evening rather than treating fair week as one continuous program. The next fair schedule will determine which acts and competitions are confirmed for the upcoming year.

Food and admission

Fair visitors can generally expect the familiar combination of midway snacks, quick meals, drinks, and food stands. The exact vendors and any fundraising stands operated by community groups should be confirmed for the current fair.

For reference, the published 2026 gate policy listed a charge of $5 per vehicle and $1 per person entering on foot, with children aged three and younger admitted free. Family passes and separate grandstand ticket prices were also listed. These are 2026 prices, not a guarantee of future rates. Confirm current admission rules before budgeting for a visit.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition buildings and livestock areas

The Union County Fair includes an exhibit building and designated areas for livestock judging. The facilities support junior and open-class entries, agricultural demonstrations, and activities involving horses and other large animals.

Species-specific barn arrangements and stall availability should be confirmed with fair management. Exhibitors need to follow the published rules for animal check-in, health requirements, stall assignments, bedding, and removal after the competition.

The precise number of permanent buildings, total acreage, and individual building capacities have not been established here. Those details should be obtained directly from the fair board rather than estimated.

Grandstand and outdoor competition areas

The Henry Don Dillow Grandstand is used for scheduled performances and competitions. Past programs have included tractor pulls, rodeos, musical entertainment, and demolition derbies. The grounds also have designated areas for livestock and horse events.

Grandstand seating capacity, reserved-seat availability, and restrictions on bringing chairs or other equipment should be checked for the particular event.

Union County Illinois Fairgrounds Events highlight searches for local fairs, agricultural displays, livestock competitions, and community gatherings in southern Illinois. Readers exploring central Illinois can continue with Tazewell County Illinois Fairgrounds Events to research local exhibitions and county fair activities.

Parking, accessibility, and amenities

The 2026 admission information described vehicle parking as part of the gate arrangements. Event-specific instructions may direct competition participants to different entrances from general visitors. In 2026, grandstand contestants were instructed to enter from East Davie Street under a special vehicle-access arrangement.

Visitors with mobility needs should confirm the location of accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and suitable routes between parking and the event areas. The availability of camping, RV hookups, shuttle services, first-aid stations, ATMs, and other amenities should also be checked before arrival; these details should not be assumed without confirmation.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a commercial vendor space

Businesses, food vendors, artisans, and organizations interested in participating should contact the Union County Fair Board to ask about commercial space. Before committing to the event, ask about:

• Available indoor and outdoor booth spaces.
• Rental fees, deposits, and payment deadlines.
• Electrical access and other utility requirements.
• Food-service permits and applicable health regulations.
• Setup and removal times, insurance, and vehicle access.
• Rules for signs, merchandise, generators, and waste disposal.

The availability of a space does not automatically establish permission to sell food or operate equipment. Vendors should obtain approval for their specific activity before arriving.

Entering competitive exhibits

Livestock exhibitors and general-project participants should use the current year’s fair book for entry instructions. The rules explain eligible classes, age requirements, entry deadlines, judging dates, and any required forms.

The fair has used online registration for livestock entries, alongside in-person registration arrangements for certain open and junior exhibits. Procedures differ by category, so an exhibitor should not assume that registering one animal or project completes the requirements for every class.

Fair office and contact details

The published Union County Fair contact information is:

• Telephone: (618) 833-8923
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing address: PO Box 144, Anna, IL 62906

Contact the organizers to request the current premium book, vendor application information, livestock rules, or facility-rental details. Confirm that the contact information remains current before mailing documents or making payments.

Getting to Union County Fairgrounds

Driving from Anna and nearby communities

Because the fair is held in Anna, visitors already in the county seat can plan their trip around the address at 185 Herman Wright Drive. Drivers coming from Jonesboro, Cobden, Dongola, or other nearby communities should use current navigation directions to reach Anna and then follow event-day signs and parking instructions.

Interstate 57 and Interstate 24 are useful regional routes for reaching Southern Illinois, depending on the direction of travel. The best approach to Anna will vary with the starting point, road conditions, and any traffic restrictions in place during fair week.

Parking and transportation

Use the entrance specified for your activity. Livestock exhibitors, grandstand competitors, vendors, and ordinary visitors may have different access requirements, particularly during setup or large evening events.

Public transportation and dedicated fair shuttles should not be assumed to operate. Visitors using rideshare services should arrange a drop-off and pickup point that does not obstruct entrances or contestant traffic. If attending a busy grandstand event, allow extra time for parking and walking to the venue.

4-H and FFA at Union County Fairgrounds

Youth agricultural education

The fair gives young people a public setting in which to demonstrate skills developed through 4-H, FFA, and family agricultural projects. Participants prepare animals, learn showmanship, follow competition rules, and take responsibility for their entries.

Illinois Extension supports 4-H programming in Union County. The 2026 fair schedule included a 4-H livestock show, junior livestock classes, and an FFA livestock show. The precise number of currently active local 4-H clubs and participating FFA chapters should be confirmed with the relevant organizations rather than guessed.

Junior livestock auction

The junior livestock auction provides an opportunity for eligible youth exhibitors to present qualifying animals to prospective buyers. Buyers may include businesses, agricultural supporters, families, and other community members.

Auction rules determine which animals qualify, when bidding occurs, how buyers participate, and how payments are handled. Proceeds and sale arrangements may differ depending on the rules and the particular animal. Families should consult the current auction information for exhibitor eligibility, buyer registration, payment instructions, and any resale or processing arrangements.

The 2026 schedule placed the junior livestock auction on August 26. That date is historical and should not be used as the 2027 auction date without a new announcement.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

The grounds’ best-documented specialty events are connected to the Union County Fair itself. Past programs have included rodeos, horse activities, tractor and truck pulls, demolition derbies, harness racing, and youth livestock competitions.

The fair has also featured a pet parade, community worship, a pageant, and musical entertainment. These activities appeal to different audiences, from families attending daytime programs to visitors arriving specifically for a grandstand performance.

Other activities, including flea markets, swap meets, gun shows, seasonal festivals, and private functions, should be treated as unconfirmed unless an organizer announces them. The fair board can clarify whether the grounds are available for an outside event and what requirements apply.

History of Union County Fairgrounds

The Union County Fair has a long history of bringing agricultural exhibitors and local residents together. Its 2026 edition was identified as the 145th annual fair, while the fair board describes the event as a tradition sustained by volunteers, junior exhibitors, and their families.

That history reflects the changing role of county fairs: livestock and farm-related competitions remain important, while grandstand shows, carnival rides, and public entertainment broaden the event’s appeal.

A detailed account of the original founding date, changes to the grounds over time, historic attendance records, and any past cancellations would require confirmation from historical fair books, local archives, or the fair board. Specific claims about these events should not be published without supporting records.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Union County Fair in 2027?

The Union County Fair traditionally takes place in late August. The 2026 fair ran from August 21 through August 29. The 2027 dates should be confirmed through the fair board’s next official announcement.

What time do Union County Fairgrounds open?

Opening times vary according to the day’s activities. Livestock registration, exhibit judging, carnival operations, and grandstand performances may follow different schedules. Check the daily program before visiting.

Where are Union County Fairgrounds located?

The published address is 185 Herman Wright Drive, Anna, Illinois 62906. Anna is the county seat of Union County in Southern Illinois.

Is camping available at Union County Fairgrounds?

Camping availability and RV facilities have not been confirmed here. Contact the fair board before bringing a camper or planning an overnight stay.

How do I enter livestock in the Union County Fair?

Review the current fair book and livestock-entry instructions. These explain eligible classes, registration deadlines, animal requirements, check-in procedures, and judging schedules. Contact the fair organizers if you need help completing an entry.

Are dogs allowed at Union County Fairgrounds?

The published 2026 fair admission policy prohibited pets on the grounds while allowing service animals. Visitors should confirm the policy for the year they plan to attend.

Where do I park at Union County Fairgrounds?

Follow the signs and event-day directions for general parking. Contestants, vendors, and livestock exhibitors may have separate access instructions. Arrive early for popular grandstand events.

How much does admission to the Union County Fair cost?

The published 2026 gate prices were $5 per vehicle and $1 per person entering on foot, with children aged three and younger admitted free. Grandstand tickets and carnival rides had separate pricing arrangements. Check the current rates before visiting.

Who do I contact to rent Union County Fairgrounds?

Contact the Union County Fair Board at (618) 833-8923 or [email protected] to ask about facility availability, rental terms, and approval requirements for outside events.

Does Union County Fair have 4-H and FFA livestock shows?

Yes. The 2026 program included 4-H livestock judging, junior livestock classes, and an FFA livestock show. Check the next fair schedule for updated dates, participating classes, and entry requirements.

What grandstand events take place at the fair?

Past programs have featured tractor pulls, truck and semi pulls, rodeos, demolition derbies, musical performances, and other entertainment. The exact lineup changes by year.

Can I sell products at Union County Fair?

Prospective vendors should contact the fair board to ask about available booth spaces, fees, setup requirements, permits, and application deadlines. Availability and terms depend on the current fair arrangements.