Moultrie County Illinois Fairgrounds Events
Moultrie County, Illinois, has a long agricultural tradition, and its county fair activities provide an opportunity for young exhibitors, farming families, and local residents to share their work with the community. In Sullivan, the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair is an important event for visitors interested in livestock, youth development, and practical agricultural education.
The junior fair is associated with the Sullivan 4-H Center at 1400 N. County Road 1500 East, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. It provides a setting for livestock exhibitions and non-livestock projects, including crafts, gardening, and baked goods. These activities give young people a chance to demonstrate skills developed through 4-H and other educational projects.
It is important to distinguish the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair from the separate Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in Arthur, Illinois. Both serve agricultural communities in the region, but they are different events held at different locations.
Moultrie County’s fair tradition dates to the nineteenth century. Historical accounts describe an early fair held near Sullivan in 1857, followed by the organization of the Moultrie County Agricultural Society in 1858. The fairgrounds were subsequently relocated in 1872 to a site northwest of Sullivan. This history reflects the importance of agriculture, livestock breeding, and community gatherings in the county.
The modern junior fair continues that tradition through organized competitions and opportunities for young exhibitors to present their work.
Upcoming Events at Moultrie County Fairgrounds
Events to Look For
The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair focuses on youth exhibitions rather than the full-scale commercial midway associated with some larger Illinois county fairs. Its published program includes livestock shows and judging of non-livestock projects.
Typical fair activities include:
- Beef cattle and swine exhibitions.
- Goat, horse, and pony shows.
- Poultry and rabbit exhibits.
- Gardening and other agricultural projects.
- Crafts, baked goods, and other non-livestock entries.
- Judging sessions where exhibitors demonstrate what they have learned.
The exact classes, entry requirements, and daily schedule can change from one year to another. Visitors should check the current fair program before traveling to Sullivan.
Seasonal Schedule and Other Activities
The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair is held in late June. Its 2026 edition was scheduled for June 26–27, providing a useful indication of its usual seasonal timing. However, those dates should not be treated as the confirmed schedule for 2027.
The available information does not establish a regular calendar of independent concerts, demolition derbies, flea markets, gun shows, motocross events, or rodeos at this location. Visitors should not assume that these activities are part of the junior fair simply because they appear at other county fairgrounds.
Likewise, separate facility rentals and private-event bookings should be confirmed directly with the local organizers rather than assumed to be available.
The County Fair Itself: Dates, Competitions, and Activities
When Is the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair?
The 2026 Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair was scheduled for June 26–27, 2026. As of October 29, 2026, confirmed dates for the 2027 edition have not been established here. Visitors should avoid assuming the event will follow precisely the same schedule next year.
Livestock and Competitive Exhibits
The junior fair’s published program identifies several livestock categories, including beef cattle, swine, poultry, horses, rabbits, and goats. Non-livestock competitions include gardening, crafts, and baked goods.
Livestock competitions require preparation well before fair week. Exhibitors may need to meet ownership deadlines, complete entry paperwork, comply with Illinois animal-health regulations, and follow the fair’s instructions for animal identification and arrival.
The annual fair book is the appropriate reference for eligibility, entry limits, judging rules, premiums, and animal-release procedures. Classes and regulations should be checked each year because requirements can change.
Carnival Rides, Food, and Entertainment
The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair’s documented focus is agricultural and youth exhibition. A large traveling carnival, a specific number of rides, wristband packages, grandstand concerts, and demolition derbies cannot be confirmed as standard features of this event.
Similarly, food vendors, concession arrangements, admission prices, and free-entry policies should be verified through the current event announcement. Visitors should not assume that arrangements at the larger Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in Arthur also apply in Sullivan.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibition Buildings and Livestock Areas
The Sullivan 4-H Center is the published location associated with the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair. Livestock exhibitors and visitors should consult the current fair program for animal check-in areas, show locations, and instructions for moving between exhibits.
Historical descriptions of Moultrie County’s earlier fairgrounds mention exhibition halls, livestock stalls, and pens. Those descriptions document the county’s agricultural-fair history but should not be used to estimate the present site’s acreage, building count, or capacity.
Parking, Accessibility, and Amenities
Current, verified information about parking capacity, overflow lots, accessible routes, restroom facilities, first-aid stations, ATMs, and camping at the Sullivan 4-H Center is not established here.
Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the organizers before attending to confirm accessible parking and routes to the exhibition areas. Livestock exhibitors bringing trailers should ask where vehicles can be parked and whether separate unloading instructions apply.
Camping and RV hookups should not be assumed to be available on-site. Anyone requiring overnight accommodation should confirm arrangements before traveling.
Moultrie County Illinois Fairgrounds Events relate to searches for agricultural displays, local fairs, livestock shows, and community gatherings in east-central Illinois. Readers interested in west-central Illinois can continue with Morgan County Illinois Fairgrounds Events to explore local fairs and agricultural traditions.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
How to Enter the Fair
The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair is especially relevant to young people preparing agricultural and creative projects. Its published categories include livestock and non-livestock exhibits, with entry requirements set out in the annual fair book.
Exhibitors should prepare to:
- Review the current fair rules and determine the correct department and class.
- Complete the required entry forms or online registration, where available.
- Confirm animal ownership, identification, and health requirements.
- Check the arrival deadline for the relevant livestock species or project.
- Follow judging, exhibit-release, and cleanup instructions.
The current year’s rules take precedence over older fair books. Exhibitors should also confirm deadlines directly rather than assuming that an entry can be submitted on the day of judging.
Commercial Vendors and Booth Applications
The available event information does not establish a complete commercial vendor application process or a current schedule of booth fees. Businesses, food sellers, and craft vendors should ask the organizers whether commercial spaces are offered and what insurance, permits, electrical access, and setup arrangements may be required.
Fair Contact Information
Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair
Sullivan 4-H Center
1400 N. County Road 1500 East
Sullivan, IL 61951
General questions: 217-825-9679
Livestock entries: 217-205-7649
Fair email: [email protected]
These contact details are published for the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair. Confirm that the relevant organizer and contact information remain current before submitting entries or arranging vendor participation.
Getting to Moultrie County Fairgrounds
The fair is associated with Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County in central Illinois. Visitors traveling from within the county can use Sullivan as their navigation reference, while those coming from nearby communities should confirm the precise entrance and parking instructions before departure.
The published Sullivan 4-H Center address is 1400 N. County Road 1500 East. Some fair records and livestock-entry information also reference 1595 County Road 1575 East, Sullivan. Because these addresses differ, livestock exhibitors and first-time visitors should confirm the correct destination with the organizers rather than relying on an old listing.
For travelers coming from Decatur, Arthur, or other nearby central Illinois communities, route choice will depend on the starting point. Use current road directions and allow extra time if transporting animals or arriving during scheduled check-in periods.
No dedicated fair-week shuttle service or public transportation arrangement has been confirmed. Rideshare availability and designated passenger drop-off points should also be checked before the event.
4-H and FFA at Moultrie County Fairgrounds
Youth Development Through 4-H
Youth education is central to the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair. Preparing a project gives participants experience in planning, responsibility, recordkeeping, presentation, and responding to judges’ feedback.
Livestock projects also involve daily animal care, feeding, handling, and preparation for competition. Gardening, crafts, and baked goods allow young people to demonstrate different interests without entering an animal show.
University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H resources for the Moultrie-Douglas area. Its local programming supports youth education and publishes fair-related information, including schedules and fair-book resources.
FFA Participation and Livestock Auctions
The precise FFA chapters participating in a particular Moultrie-Sullivan fair edition, and whether a junior livestock auction is included in its current program, should be confirmed with the organizers. A livestock show does not automatically mean that a public auction takes place.
Where an auction is scheduled, the fair book or auction committee can explain buyer registration, bidding procedures, payment, animal ownership, and any arrangements for processing or transporting purchased livestock.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
The best-established public event associated with the Sullivan location is the annual junior fair. Information reviewed does not confirm a regular year-round calendar of flea markets, swap meets, gun shows, ATV competitions, rodeos, or touring concerts at this site.
Community groups and businesses interested in organizing a separate event should ask whether the facilities are available for rental. Before making plans, they should establish whether the site permits the intended activity, whether insurance is required, and whether suitable parking, restrooms, and indoor space are available.
For visitors seeking a wider range of rides, commercial entertainment, or grandstand attractions, it is important to distinguish Sullivan’s junior fair from larger regional fairs that publish different entertainment programs.
History of Moultrie County Fairgrounds
Moultrie County’s agricultural fair tradition began before the modern 4-H program. Historical accounts describe a fair held southeast of Sullivan in 1857, when local residents were already interested in showcasing farming and livestock.
The Moultrie County Agricultural Society was formally organized in 1858 to promote agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanical arts. Historical descriptions mention exhibition halls, livestock stalls, and pens for farm animals, demonstrating that animal displays and agricultural products were important from the beginning.
In 1872, the fairgrounds moved to a location northwest of Sullivan. A historical account described a site of approximately 40 acres, with facilities for livestock and agricultural exhibitions. That figure refers to the historical grounds and should not be presented as a verified measurement of the current Sullivan 4-H Center.
Over time, agricultural fairs developed into places where communities could compare livestock, display practical skills, recognize young exhibitors, and exchange knowledge. The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair continues part of that tradition by emphasizing youth participation and agricultural projects.
A complete verified record of past cancellations, attendance records, or notable celebrity appearances was not established for this article. Those details should not be added without reliable local documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Moultrie County Fair in 2027?
The 2027 dates for the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair have not been confirmed here. The 2026 event was scheduled for June 26–27, and visitors should verify the next schedule before making travel plans.
What time does Moultrie County Fairgrounds open?
Opening times depend on the event and the day’s judging schedule. Check the current program for public access hours and the specific check-in time for livestock or non-livestock exhibits.
Is there camping at Moultrie County Fairgrounds?
On-site camping and RV facilities have not been confirmed. Contact the fair organizers before planning an overnight stay.
How do I enter livestock in the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair?
Review the current fair book, complete the required entry paperwork, and confirm ownership, identification, and animal-health requirements. Contact the livestock-entry representative for species-specific deadlines.
Are dogs allowed at Moultrie County Fairgrounds?
A current dog policy has not been confirmed. Ask the organizers before bringing a pet, especially when livestock are present.
Where do I park at Moultrie County Fairgrounds?
Confirm the designated parking and entrance arrangements with the organizers. Livestock trailers may require separate unloading or parking instructions.
Who do I contact to rent Moultrie County Fairgrounds?
Contact the fair organizers to ask whether the Sullivan 4-H Center or associated facilities are available for private or commercial events. Rental availability and terms have not been confirmed.
How much does it cost to attend the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair?
A verified admission price for the next edition is not available here. Check the current announcement for admission charges and any separately priced activities.
What animals are shown at the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair?
Published program information identifies beef cattle, swine, poultry, horses, rabbits, and goats. The final species list and class schedule should be checked in the current fair book.
Is the Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair the same as the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair?
No. The Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair is associated with Sullivan, while the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair takes place in Arthur. They have separate locations, schedules, and programs.
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