Poinsett County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events
The Poinsett County Fair is held at the fairgrounds on Fairgrounds Road in Harrisburg, the county seat in the northeast corner of Arkansas. The fair has a long agricultural history, was suspended during World War II, and returned later in the twentieth century. This guide covers what is verified, what has changed, and where to confirm current dates and entry rules before you plan a visit.
Overview of Poinsett County Fairgrounds
Location and address
The fairgrounds are at 204 Fairgrounds Road in Harrisburg, Arkansas, ZIP code 72432. Harrisburg sits on Crowley’s Ridge, a long line of higher ground that rises out of the flat Delta, and it is about 20 miles south of Jonesboro, the largest city nearby. The Poinsett County Courthouse is in the center of Harrisburg, bounded by Court, North Main, Market, and East streets.
The fair association posted a notice that it had moved. The new location was not confirmed, so check the current address before traveling.
Who runs the fair
The Poinsett County Agricultural Fair Association runs the fair, and its board holds the fair’s contracts and schedules. The association was organized in the early 1900s in Harrisburg, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The Poinsett County Extension Office coordinates 4-H and youth livestock programs. Arkansas law requires county fair boards to include a county extension agent as a non-voting member, so the extension office is part of the fair’s governance.
Acreage and facilities
Total acreage, the number of buildings, and the grandstand’s seating capacity were not verified. The fair association can confirm the layout.
How long the fair has operated
The association was organized in the early 1900s. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas reports that the association discontinued the county fair in 1942 because of World War II, and the fairgrounds were used as a prisoner-of-war camp during that time. A fair was later revived, but the year it resumed was not verified.
Cultural and agricultural significance
Western Poinsett County is largely devoted to rice fields, and the county’s eastern towns, including Lepanto, Marked Tree, and Tyronza, have historically been tied to timber and farming. The extension office reports about 418 farms with more than 340,000 acres in production, though that figure comes from an undated listing. The fair brings these farm families together, and the fairgrounds’ long history has tied it to the county’s identity.
Upcoming Events at Poinsett County Fairgrounds
Types of events
The fairgrounds host the Poinsett County Fair, which combines agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and family entertainment. In 2022 the fair held a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo on September 9 and 10, with bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and a kids’ calf scramble. Demolition derbies, tractor pulls, gun shows, motocross, and concerts were not confirmed for the grounds.
Seasonal patterns
The 2026 fair was listed for September 17 through 19. An earlier statewide schedule listed the fair in early September, and fair guides in past years placed it in September. The rodeo has been held in the same week in recent years. Confirm each year’s dates.
Finding the current schedule
The Poinsett County Agricultural Fair Association posts updates on its Facebook page and its official website. The extension office at 302 North Main Street in Harrisburg can confirm 4-H and livestock events. Because the fair has moved, check the association’s current contact details before you go.
Visitors interested in Poinsett County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events can also explore community gatherings through Pike County Arkansas Fairgrounds Events. Both counties offer opportunities to discover local heritage, enjoy seasonal activities, and find community celebrations across Arkansas.
Renting the grounds
Rental rates and availability for private events were not verified. Contact the fair association to ask about booking.
The Poinsett County Fair Itself
Name and timing
The event is the Poinsett County Fair. The 2026 fair was listed for September 17 through 19, with times varying by event. Confirm the 2027 dates with the fair association.
Competitions
Youth livestock shows and exhibit competitions are central to the fair, and the 4-H program runs its own livestock groups, including a livestock club called Livestock Legends. Specific judging categories and the list of crop, home economics, photography, art, woodworking, floriculture, canning, and baking departments were not confirmed for the current fair.
Carnival rides and midway
Carnival rides and the carnival company were not verified. Check the fair association’s listing for the midway in the year you plan to attend.
Food vendors
Local organizations commonly run food booths at Arkansas county fairs. The specific vendors and any traditional fair foods for the Poinsett County fair were not verified.
Entertainment
The 2022 rodeo was the best-documented event on the fair program. Grandstand acts, local bands, pageants, talent shows, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies were not verified for the current fair.
Youth and junior fair programs
The Poinsett County 4-H program serves youth ages 5 through 19 and is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Its clubs include a Shooting Sports group, a Robotics and Engineering group, and a Livestock Legends group. The official Arkansas 4-H year runs from October 1 to September 30. The number of 4-H clubs in the county and the FFA chapters that take part in the fair were not verified.
Gate admission, parking, and passes
Gate prices, season passes, parking fees, and free-admission policies for children or seniors were not verified. Check the fair association’s listing before going.
Facilities and Grounds
Exhibit buildings
The fairgrounds include exhibit space for youth and adult entries, but the number and purposes of permanent buildings were not verified.
Livestock barns and stall rental
Livestock barns and stall rental procedures were not confirmed. Youth exhibitors should ask the extension office and fair association about barn assignments.
Grandstand or arena
The rodeo has been held at the fairgrounds, so an arena is in use for that event. Seating capacity and other arena events were not verified.
Commercial vendor space
Commercial vendor space at the fair was not verified. Contact the fair association for availability and fees.
Camping and RV facilities
Camping and RV hookups were not confirmed. Plan lodging in Harrisburg or in Jonesboro unless the fair confirms otherwise.
Accessibility, parking, and amenities
ADA parking, accessible restrooms, paved paths, parking capacity, concessions, first aid, and ATMs were not verified.
Vendor and Exhibitor Information
Commercial booths
Booth fees, applications, and insurance requirements were not verified. Contact the fair association for vendor forms.
Competitive exhibits and livestock entries
Exhibit entries follow the fair’s premium book and youth program rules. Youth livestock entries go through the 4-H program and the extension office. Confirm the current residency requirements and entry forms.
Premium book and deadlines
The premium book lists departments, rules, and deadlines for each year. Obtain the current book from the fair association or the extension office.
Contact information
The Poinsett County Extension Office is at 302 North Main Street in Harrisburg, with a phone number of (870) 578-4490 listed in the extension’s 4-H materials and a 2017 county listing. The fair association’s phone numbers and email appear in more than one listing, so confirm the current contact before calling or mailing applications.
Getting to Poinsett County Fairgrounds
From Harrisburg
The fairgrounds are on Fairgrounds Road in Harrisburg. Use a current map to confirm the route, since the fair association has announced a move.
From Jonesboro
Harrisburg is about 20 miles south of Jonesboro, the nearest large city, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The drive to the grounds from Jonesboro should be confirmed with a current map.
Highways and roads
The highways that connect Harrisburg to the fairgrounds were not verified for this article. Use a current map for turn-by-turn directions.
Shuttle and rideshare
Public transportation and shuttle service during fair week were not verified. Plan rideshare pickup spots ahead of time.
4-H and FFA at Poinsett County Fairgrounds
The extension office role
The Poinsett County Extension Office coordinates 4-H youth development and livestock programs. Its staff work with youth on livestock projects, STEM and robotics programs, and shooting sports, and they help with fair entries. The office also runs 4-H fundraisers and clubs, according to its listing.
4-H clubs
The Poinsett County 4-H program lists three groups in its current materials, including a livestock group. The total number of 4-H clubs in the county was not verified. Youth can call the extension office to find a club or start one.
FFA chapters
FFA chapters from local high schools take part in the fair. The names of Poinsett County chapters were not verified. Contact the schools’ agriculture departments for current information.
Junior livestock auction
Details on a youth livestock auction, including timing, bidder rules, and how proceeds are distributed, were not verified. Ask the extension office and 4-H leaders before planning to bid or sell.
Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair
Rodeos and horse shows
The fair’s rodeo has been held at the grounds, including a 2022 PRCA event. Other rodeos and horse shows were not verified.
Community and historic events
Harrisburg is home to the Modern News, which is described as the oldest established weekly newspaper in Arkansas. The Lawrence Reddmann Memorial Park inside the city includes a pool, walking track, playground, baseball field, and tennis courts. Lake Poinsett State Park is centrally located in the county.
Gun shows, swap meets, flea markets, and motocross
Gun shows, swap meets, flea markets, and motocross at the fairgrounds were not verified.
History of Poinsett County Fairgrounds
Poinsett County was formed on February 28, 1838, and named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. Secretary of War who introduced the poinsettia to the United States. The county seat moved to Harrisburg in 1856, though some sources give 1859. A courthouse fire in 1887 destroyed most public records, and the present courthouse was built in 1918 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Poinsett County Fair Association was organized in the early 1900s and discontinued the county fair in 1942 during World War II. The fairgrounds were used as a prisoner-of-war camp to house German soldiers, and many prisoners worked in local cotton and rice fields, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The fair’s later revival and its first postwar date were not verified.
The 1927 flood hit Poinsett County harder than any other Arkansas county, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Attendance records, famous visitors, and major renovations at the fairgrounds were not verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Poinsett County Fair in 2026 or 2027?
A September 2026 weekend guide listed the fair for September 17 through 19. Confirm the 2027 dates with the Poinsett County Agricultural Fair Association.
What time does Poinsett County Fairgrounds open?
Gate hours were not verified. Check the fair association’s schedule for fair week.
Is there camping at Poinsett County Fairgrounds?
Camping and RV hookups were not confirmed. Plan lodging in Harrisburg or Jonesboro unless the fair confirms otherwise.
How do I enter livestock in the Poinsett County Fair?
Youth enter through the Poinsett County 4-H program. Contact the Poinsett County Extension Office at (870) 578-4490 for forms and deadlines.
Are dogs allowed at Poinsett County Fairgrounds?
Pet policies were not verified. Ask the fair association before bringing a dog, especially during livestock shows.
Where do I park at Poinsett County Fairgrounds?
Parking capacity and overflow areas were not verified. Arrive early for the rodeo and busy fair nights.
Who do I contact to rent Poinsett County Fairgrounds?
Contact the Poinsett County Agricultural Fair Association. Confirm current contact information, since listings have shown more than one phone number.
How much does it cost to get into the Poinsett County Fair?
Gate admission was not verified. Check the current year’s listing before going.
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