Clark County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events
Clark County Fairgrounds is located at 1201 Highway 67 South, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, across from the Arkadelphia airport. The grounds host the annual Clark County Fair, a September event that brings together livestock exhibitors, local businesses, youth organizations, families, and visitors from across southwest Arkansas.
The fair is organized by the Clark County Fair Association. Its annual program combines agricultural competitions and educational exhibits with commercial booths, a carnival, a parade, pageants, and rodeo entertainment. The schedule changes from year to year, so visitors should distinguish the most recently published fair dates from the dates of the next event.
The 2026 Clark County Fair was scheduled for September 14–19, 2026. Those dates have passed. As of October 2026, the 2027 dates should be treated as unconfirmed until the association announces its next schedule.
Location and getting oriented
The fairgrounds’ published address is 1201 Highway 67 South, across from the airport in Arkadelphia. Highway 67 is the main road reference for visitors arriving by car. Use the full street address when planning a trip, and follow any temporary signs or instructions provided during fair week.
The grounds include areas used for livestock exhibits, show arenas, commercial and educational booths, carnival attractions, and rodeo events. The 2026 program identified a Youth Building, poultry barn, show arena, rodeo arena, and exhibit buildings. These names help visitors understand the layout, but a current public map and verified count of all permanent buildings were not established in the published information reviewed for this article.
Who runs the fair?
The Clark County Fair Association is the organizing body. Its published contact information lists a mailing address of P.O. Box 725, Arkadelphia, AR 71923, and identifies Ray Smith as president, with the association’s published contact number at (870) 403-3249.
The association handles fair-related information such as commercial booth applications, livestock registration, pageant entries, and event scheduling. The Clark County Cooperative Extension Service is a separate local resource for agricultural education and 4-H questions. Contact the organization responsible for the specific activity rather than assuming every fair question is handled by the Extension office.
Why the fair matters in Clark County
Arkadelphia is home to agricultural communities, local businesses, Henderson State University, and Ouachita Baptist University. The county fair provides a setting where youth exhibitors can present livestock and other projects, residents can view local agricultural and creative work, and businesses can meet visitors face to face.
For young participants, fair week involves preparation and deadlines well before the public gates open. Animals must be registered and cared for, creative entries must be submitted on time, and commercial exhibitors must arrange their booths. For visitors, the fair brings those activities together with a carnival, parade, and evening entertainment.
Upcoming Events at Clark County Fairgrounds
The latest confirmed fair dates
The published 2026 Clark County Fair ran from September 14 through September 19. The event’s theme was “Stars, Stripes & Carnival Lights.” The schedule included activities before the official fair week, such as commercial booth setup, livestock check-in, fine arts registration, and the Fair Queen and Talent Competition.
The next annual dates have not been confirmed here. Anyone searching for “Clark County Fair 2027” should look for a new announcement from the Clark County Fair Association rather than assuming the 2026 dates will repeat exactly.
Events associated with the fairgrounds
The 2026 program documented a broad range of activities, including:
- Rabbit, goat, lamb, swine, beef, and dairy shows
- Poultry activities and a poultry chain sale
- A premium livestock sale
- Arts and crafts, fine arts, horticulture, crops, baked goods, and ornamental plants
- Educational and commercial booths
- A fair parade on Main Street in Arkadelphia
- A carnival midway
- A petting zoo and a Pee Wee Livestock Show
- Mutton busting and rodeo performances
- A Fair Queen and Talent Competition
- A Cutest Kids contest and a Perfect Pet Photo Contest
These are documented activities from the 2026 program, not a guarantee that every item will return in 2027. The new schedule should be checked for event days, start times, ticket arrangements, and changes to locations.
Seasonal schedule and activities outside fair week
The main fair takes place in September. Preparation begins earlier: exhibitors may have meetings, registration deadlines, and setup responsibilities before the public program starts. This makes the association’s entry forms and schedule useful even for people who do not plan to attend every day.
The grounds may also be used for activities outside the annual fair. Arkadelphia’s community calendar has listed events such as Chamber bingo nights at Clark County Fairgrounds. However, that does not establish a regular weekly or monthly schedule for public markets, concerts, or livestock events. Confirm individual listings before traveling.
Building rentals and private events
The fair association has a building-rental section on its public site, but detailed rental terms were not available in the published information reviewed. If you want to hold a meeting, fundraiser, sale, or private gathering, contact the association to ask whether the required space is available.
Confirm the building’s capacity, rental fee, permitted uses, setup and cleanup windows, electricity, restrooms, insurance requirements, and whether tables or chairs are included. Do not assume that the availability of a rental page means every building is currently available for private bookings.
The Clark County Fair
When is the Clark County Fair held?
The 2026 fair dates were September 14–19. That places the event in mid-September, but the exact dates for 2027 need to be confirmed by the Clark County Fair Association.
The fair program spans more than the days most visitors spend on the grounds. Livestock check-in, exhibit registration, judging, booth setup, and pageant activities can take place before the main public schedule. Exhibitors should use the relevant entry form and daily timetable instead of planning around the general fair dates alone.
Livestock shows and judging
Livestock competitions are a major part of the Clark County Fair. The 2026 program listed rabbit, goat, lamb, swine, beef, and dairy shows. Poultry activities and a poultry chain sale were also scheduled.
The fair’s youth focus is visible in events such as the Pee Wee Livestock Show and the George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale. These activities give young exhibitors opportunities to demonstrate animal care and showmanship and, where eligible, participate in the sale process.
Livestock entrants should review the current registration rules for animal identification, health paperwork, arrival times, weigh-ins, show classes, housing, and release procedures. Do not assume that the requirements for rabbits or poultry are the same as those for cattle, goats, or swine.
Visitors interested in Clark County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events can also explore seasonal celebrations through Chicot County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events. Both counties provide opportunities to discover local heritage, enjoy community gatherings, and explore activities that bring residents and visitors together.
Arts, crafts, crops, and home exhibits
The 2026 schedule included fine arts, arts and crafts, ornamental plants and flowers, baked goods, horticulture, and farm crops. Registration and judging were scheduled for specific periods before and during fair week.
Exhibitors should pay close attention to the timing of each department. The 2026 schedule, for example, listed arts and crafts judging in the morning and judging of plants, baked goods, horticultural items, and farm crops later in the day. These examples illustrate why a general gate-opening time is not enough for someone entering an exhibit.
The current rules should explain age divisions, entry limits, labeling, judging criteria, and when items must be delivered and collected. If you plan to enter a project in 2027, wait for the new instructions rather than reusing last year’s forms without confirmation.
Carnival rides and midway
The 2026 fair schedule listed carnival hours from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, with the carnival opening at 5 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Those hours applied to the 2026 event and should not be treated as the next year’s schedule.
A confirmed ride count, current wristband price, and specific carnival operator were not established here. Families planning around rides should check the new schedule for operating hours, ticket options, height requirements, weather-related changes, and whether ride wristbands are sold separately from fair admission.
Food vendors and local organizations
The 2026 schedule listed the EHC Outback Kitchen, operated as part of the fair program, with lunch and evening service windows on several days. This gives visitors a specific food option associated with the event rather than an assumed list of generic midway concessions.
The current food vendor list may differ from year to year. If you have dietary requirements or need to know whether a vendor accepts cards, ask the organizer or vendor directly. Do not assume all food stands operate for the same hours or accept the same payment methods.
Rodeo, mutton busting, and evening entertainment
The 2026 schedule included mutton busting at 7:30 p.m. and rodeo performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The fair’s published information also states that rodeo admission is required in addition to fair admission.
That separate-ticket arrangement is important when budgeting for an evening visit. Check the next fair’s ticket information to determine whether admission prices have changed and whether rodeo tickets are sold at the gate or in advance. The 2026 schedule should not be used as a guarantee of future rodeo dates or performers.
Admission, parking, and special policies
The fair’s published 2026 information listed general fair admission at $5 per person, cash only. It also stated that fair admission was required in addition to rodeo admission. These are historical 2026 details, not a confirmed price for 2027.
The 2026 program listed a Senior Citizen Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, with free admission during that period. Visitors should confirm whether a similar promotion will be offered in the next season. A current parking fee, season pass policy, and child admission policy were not confirmed.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibit buildings and youth facilities
The 2026 schedule refers to exhibit buildings, a Youth Building, a poultry barn, a show arena, and a rodeo arena. These locations support the fair’s combination of youth activities, agricultural exhibits, animal competitions, and evening entertainment.
A verified total number of buildings, a full floor plan, and the square footage of each exhibit area were not available in the public information reviewed. If you need a particular type of space, ask the fair association which building is used for the event and whether the area is accessible to visitors during setup.
Livestock barns and show areas
The poultry barn was used for the scheduled poultry chain sale, while the show arena hosted the Pee Wee Livestock Show and the rodeo arena hosted mutton busting and rodeo events. These named areas help exhibitors identify where some activities took place in 2026.
Stall counts, species-specific barn layouts, stall rental fees, and current animal housing procedures should be confirmed with the fair association. Exhibitors should ask about bedding, water, feed storage, cleaning responsibilities, trailer access, and animal release times before arrival.
Commercial booths and visitor amenities
The fair offers commercial booth opportunities, and the 2026 schedule included designated setup periods. Vendors should confirm their assigned location, delivery route, setup time, and access to utilities.
A current inventory of public restrooms, first-aid stations, ATMs, accessible routes, and seating areas was not established here. Visitors who need accessible parking or a step-free route should ask the association about the available arrangements before arriving.
Parking, camping, and RV facilities
The fairgrounds are located on Highway 67 South across from the Arkadelphia airport. Event-day traffic can be different from ordinary highway traffic, so follow signs and staff directions when entering and leaving the property.
On-site camping, RV hookups, and overnight parking have not been confirmed. Anyone arriving with a camper or livestock trailer should contact the association first. Do not assume that a trailer parking area is approved for overnight use or that utility connections are available.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Applying for a commercial booth
The Clark County Fair Association published a 2026 commercial vendor application, confirming that commercial booth participation was part of the fair program. A vendor planning for the next season should request the current application rather than relying on the previous year’s form.
Ask about booth dimensions, fees, application deadlines, payment methods, electrical access, food sales requirements, tent rules, insurance, setup hours, and teardown. If you sell prepared food, verify any applicable health and operating requirements before buying supplies or advertising your participation.
Entering livestock
The association published a 2026 livestock registration form. For the next fair, exhibitors should confirm when registration opens and whether entries must be submitted online, on paper, or through a club or school program.
Before bringing an animal, review the rules for eligibility, identification, health paperwork, arrival and weigh-in times, showmanship, animal housing, and release. Contact the association if you need clarification about which form applies to your animal or age division.
Fine arts, crafts, plants, and baked goods
The 2026 program included separate registration and judging periods for arts and crafts, fine arts, ornamental plants, flowers, baked goods, horticulture, and farm crops. Each department may have different delivery instructions and judging criteria.
Ask for the current entry guide or catalog. Check the rules for labeling, entry limits, display requirements, judging times, and item pickup. If you cannot deliver an item during the listed hours, ask whether an alternative arrangement is permitted rather than assuming late entries will be accepted.
Fair association contact
The Clark County Fair Association lists its mailing address as P.O. Box 725, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Its published contact listing identifies Ray Smith, president, at (870) 403-3249. The Clark County Cooperative Extension Service can also help with agricultural education and 4-H questions at (870) 246-2281, at 640 S. 6th Street, Suite B, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
The fair association should be the first contact for fair schedules, commercial booths, livestock registration, pageants, and building-rental questions. The Extension office is better suited to questions about county agricultural and youth education programs.
Getting to Clark County Fairgrounds
From downtown Arkadelphia
From central Arkadelphia, head toward Highway 67 South and use the published address, 1201 Highway 67 South, across from the airport. Follow any event-specific traffic directions as you approach the fairgrounds.
Because the fairgrounds sit beside a major road, visitors should not stop on the highway shoulder to wait for passengers or unload equipment. Use designated entrances and follow parking staff instructions during busy fair evenings.
From Interstate 30 and nearby communities
Visitors arriving from Interstate 30 should plan their route into Arkadelphia and then navigate to Highway 67 South. Those traveling from nearby communities such as Gurdon or other parts of Clark County should check their starting address and current road conditions rather than rely on a single route description.
For vendors and livestock exhibitors, confirm whether a separate entry or unloading area is required. The shortest route for a passenger vehicle may not be the most practical route for a trailer or delivery truck.
Public transportation and rideshare
A dedicated fair-week shuttle or regular public transit service to Clark County Fairgrounds was not confirmed. Do not rely on a shuttle unless the association announces one for the current year.
Rideshare users should enter the full fairgrounds address and arrange pickup at a safe location approved by event staff. During the parade or other activities in downtown Arkadelphia, street closures may affect trips to or from the fairgrounds, so allow extra time.
4-H and FFA at Clark County Fairgrounds
The role of the Extension office
The Clark County Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Its local office supports 4-H youth development, agricultural education, animals and forages, soil testing, and other educational programs.
The Extension office is a useful starting point for families seeking 4-H information or advice about agricultural projects. However, the fair association manages the fair’s own registration and schedule. Families should contact the appropriate organization depending on whether they need general youth-program information or a specific fair entry form.
Youth competitions and school participation
The fair’s documented program includes youth livestock activities, the Pee Wee Livestock Show, and a junior premium livestock sale. These activities offer young exhibitors a chance to demonstrate their work and participate in a structured agricultural event.
A verified current count of Clark County 4-H clubs and a complete list of FFA chapters participating in the fair were not established here. Families should ask the Extension office or fair association which programs are active and which eligibility rules apply to a particular competition.
Premium livestock sale and poultry chain sale
The 2026 schedule listed the George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, and a poultry chain sale at 10 a.m. The schedule also included a Pee Wee Livestock Show later that day.
These sale activities are part of the fair’s youth and agricultural programming. Anyone planning to bid should ask for the current sale rules, buyer registration process, payment requirements, eligible animals, and how proceeds are handled. The dates and times above belong to the 2026 fair and should not be assumed for the next year.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Rodeo and mutton busting
The Clark County Fair’s 2026 program included rodeo performances and mutton busting on Friday and Saturday evenings. These events were held in the rodeo arena and required rodeo admission in addition to fair admission.
The next schedule should be checked for event times, ticket arrangements, and any changes in the program. Visitors should not assume that the same performances or ticket prices will return.
Parade, pageant, and talent competition
The 2026 fair parade was scheduled for Main Street in Arkadelphia. The Fair Queen and Talent Competition was listed for September 12 at Arkansas Hall at Henderson State University, before the main fair dates.
These activities are connected to the broader fair program but may take place away from the fairgrounds themselves. Check the location for each event instead of assuming that every fair-related activity occurs at 1201 Highway 67 South.
Other public events and private rentals
The fairgrounds may host community events outside September, but a comprehensive recurring calendar of flea markets, gun shows, swap meets, motocross events, or concerts was not established in the information reviewed. A separate listing for a Chamber bingo night at the fairgrounds shows that the property has been used for other community gatherings, but it does not establish a fixed schedule.
If you want to organize a fundraiser, meeting, sale, or other event, contact the fair association to ask about rental availability and the terms for using the property. The published building-rental section did not provide detailed fees or facility specifications, so obtain those details directly.
History of Clark County Fairgrounds
The Clark County Fair Association continues to organize the annual fair in Arkadelphia, bringing together agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, commercial booths, and community entertainment. The fair’s published programs show how youth agricultural activities and traditional fair events operate alongside a carnival and rodeo.
The current event schedule provides a record of recent activities, including livestock shows, a poultry chain sale, the George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale, and the annual parade. However, a verified founding year for the fairgrounds, a complete history of the association, and a documented timeline of building additions were not established here.
Historical attendance records, past cancellations, and major property changes should be checked against association archives, old fair catalogs, local newspaper coverage, and county records before being stated as fact. A reliable history should separate dated records from recollections and avoid assigning an unverified founding date to the fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Clark County Fair in 2026 or 2027?
The 2026 Clark County Fair was scheduled for September 14–19, 2026. Those dates have passed. The 2027 dates should be confirmed with the Clark County Fair Association before making plans.
What is the address of Clark County Fairgrounds?
The published address is 1201 Highway 67 South, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, across from the airport.
What time does Clark County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the date and activity. The 2026 schedule listed separate hours for exhibit buildings, the carnival, livestock shows, and rodeo events. Check the current schedule for the day you plan to attend.
How much does it cost to get into the Clark County Fair?
The published 2026 general fair admission was $5 per person, cash only. Rodeo admission was required in addition to fair admission. Confirm all prices and payment rules for the next fair.
Are carnival rides available at Clark County Fairgrounds?
The 2026 Clark County Fair schedule included a carnival midway. The next fair’s ride schedule, wristband options, hours, and prices should be confirmed when the new program is announced.
How do I enter livestock in the Clark County Fair?
Request the current livestock registration form from the Clark County Fair Association. Confirm deadlines, animal eligibility, identification, health documentation, arrival times, and show rules before transporting an animal.
Can I apply for a commercial booth?
Yes, the association published a commercial vendor application for the 2026 fair. Contact the association for the next season’s form, booth fees, setup rules, deadlines, and any requirements for food vendors.
Is there camping at Clark County Fairgrounds?
On-site camping, RV hookups, and overnight parking have not been confirmed. Ask the association before arriving with a camper or planning to stay overnight.
Are dogs allowed at Clark County Fairgrounds?
A general pet policy for the grounds was not confirmed. The fair has hosted a Perfect Pet Photo Contest, but that does not establish that pets are permitted throughout the property. Check the current policy before bringing a dog.
Who do I contact to rent Clark County Fairgrounds?
Contact the Clark County Fair Association to ask about building rentals, availability, fees, capacity, insurance, and permitted uses. Detailed rental terms were not available in the published information reviewed.
When is the junior livestock sale?
The 2026 schedule listed the George Sharp Jr. Premium Livestock Sale for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, and the poultry chain sale for 10 a.m. The next year’s schedule and buyer instructions must be confirmed.
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