Lamar County Alabama Fairgrounds Events
Lamar County sits in the northwest corner of Alabama, along the Mississippi line. It covers about 605 square miles, and the county seat is Vernon. It has no fairgrounds property with livestock barns, a grandstand, and a midway, and the county has no fair association that puts on a fair week. Agricultural and community gatherings happen at smaller venues and through public offices instead.
Why the search results are confusing
Several other places share the name. Lamar County, Mississippi, down in Purvis, has a real county fairgrounds and community complex. It has a covered arena, a horse barn, and an exhibit barn, and it hosts rodeo and horse events. Lamar, Missouri holds a well-known free fair every August. Lamar, Colorado has the Prowers County Fairgrounds, and Lamar County, Texas has fairgrounds in Paris. A search for “Lamar fairgrounds” can return any of them, so check the state before you drive anywhere.
Who runs public events here
Lamar County is governed by an elected five-member county commission, and the Lamar County Government site lists community events. The Lamar County Recreation Department coordinates youth sports and seasonal community events. Because nothing at a fairgrounds is posted in one place, the county’s community events page is the best starting point for what’s coming up.
Upcoming Events in Lamar County
What to expect through the year
Lamar County fair events are small and local rather than a single big fair week. Here is what the record shows.
Vernon City Celebration (April). Vernon hosts this annual event with food, music, games, and rides. It is the closest thing the county has to a fair-style midway. Dates shift from year to year, so confirm them with the town of Vernon.
Backstreet Opry (Saturday nights). Live shows run at the Lamar Theatre in Vernon and are free and open to the public. Check that the schedule is running before you make the trip.
Extension workshops. The Lamar County Extension Office runs agricultural programs through the year. Recent listings include a forage and hay production lunch-and-learn in February 2026, a farm marketing workshop in March 2026 called “Market Smarts: Boost Your Booth & Sales,” and a backyard poultry class. A beef quality assurance training was held in 2024. These are open to the public, and most have a registration step.
How to find the current schedule
Check the Lamar County Government community events page and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System event calendar at aces.edu, then filter by Lamar County. Facebook pages for the county recreation department and the town of Vernon also post short-notice events.
Lamar County Alabama Fairgrounds Events offer visitors a chance to enjoy local fairs, agricultural activities, community celebrations, livestock exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment. In a similar way, Jefferson County Alabama Fairgrounds Events provide diverse opportunities to experience local gatherings, seasonal activities, and events that bring communities together. Exploring both counties can help visitors discover more of Alabama’s fairground traditions, support local vendors and organizers, and enjoy memorable experiences filled with entertainment, culture, and community spirit.
4-H, FFA, and Youth Livestock in Lamar County
The extension office
The Lamar County Extension Office is at 281 Columbus Avenue NW in Vernon, AL 35592. It is part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which Auburn University and Alabama A&M University run together. The office is where families ask about 4-H programs, livestock education, and youth projects. Call it directly to ask which 4-H clubs are active this year, since I could not verify a current club count.
Schools and FFA
The county’s public schools include Sulligent High School, home of the Blue Devils, and Lamar County High School in Vernon. Whether each school runs an active FFA chapter and a livestock project program is something to confirm with the school or the extension office. I could not verify it.
Junior livestock shows
Without a county fair, there is no county-level junior livestock auction in Lamar County. Families with show animals typically enter shows in nearby counties or at regional and state events. The extension office can point you to the nearest ones and explain the entry and animal health requirements.
Getting Around Lamar County
State Highway 18 runs east-west through Vernon, and Highway 17 runs north-south through town. US Highway 278 passes through Sulligent, the county’s largest city. Vernon and Sulligent are about eight miles apart. Lamar County Airport (M55) sits north of Vernon and handles general aviation only.
The county has two public fishing lakes, Lamar County Public Fishing Lake and Sulligent Lake, which draw weekend visitors in warm months. Anyone planning a trip to the county for the Opry or the April celebration can combine it with a stop at either lake.
Where to Go for a Traditional Fair
If you want carnival rides, livestock barns, and a full midway, plan a longer drive.
Alabama National Fair (Montgomery). This is the major fair in the state, with a published daily schedule at alnationalfair.org. Montgomery is a long drive from Lamar County, so expect a full day or an overnight stay.
Fairs in neighboring counties. Counties around Lamar, in both Alabama and Mississippi, hold fairs and livestock shows of their own. I could not verify specific dates or venues for this page. The extension office is the fastest way to learn which ones local families attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Lamar County Fair in Alabama?
No. Lamar County, Alabama does not currently hold an annual county fair. Searches for a “Lamar County Fair” often point to fairs in Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, or Colorado.
When is the Lamar County Fair in 2026-2027?
There are no Lamar County, Alabama fair dates to list for 2026 or 2027. For community events, check the county government’s events page and the aces.edu calendar.
Where are the Lamar County fairgrounds?
Lamar County, Alabama has no dedicated fairgrounds. The fairgrounds that come up in search results are in other states, including Purvis, Mississippi.
Is there camping at the Lamar County fairgrounds?
There is no fairgrounds to camp at. Lamar County Public Fishing Lake near Sulligent has been listed as a tent camping location in a campground directory, but confirm current rules and fees with the county before planning a trip.
How do I enter livestock in a fair near Lamar County?
Contact the Lamar County Extension Office at 281 Columbus Avenue NW in Vernon. Staff can explain 4-H livestock projects and point you to the shows and fairs open to Lamar County exhibitors.
Can I rent a venue in Lamar County for an event?
Venue rental in Lamar County goes through the county government or the town where you want to hold the event. Start with the Lamar County Government site and ask which facilities are available for your event type.
How do I become a vendor at a Lamar County event?
Booth rules vary by event. For the Vernon City Celebration, ask the town of Vernon. For farm-market vendors, the extension office has run marketing workshops covering licenses, permits, and booth setup.
What is the closest big fair to Lamar County?
The Alabama National Fair in Montgomery is the major statewide option. Neighboring counties may be closer, so ask the extension office what local exhibitors attend.
Are dogs allowed at Lamar County events?
It depends on the event. Outdoor community events in Vernon are usually more flexible than ticketed shows, but ask the organizer ahead of time.
