Highland County Fair, Virginia

08/26/2026

1 WEEK UNTIL THE Highland County Fair!!
SEPTEMBER 2-5, 2026 - 386 MYERS-MOON ROAD, MONTEREY, VA
What are you most excited for???

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st
7:00–10:00 AM — 4-H & FFA Weigh-in & Entry of Livestock (Barns) VCE - Bath & Highland County VA 4-H & Highland County, Va. FFA Chapter
4:00–8:00 PM — Accepting All Exhibit Entries (Elementary School Gym)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd — “Family Night”
Valley Amusement rides at reduced rates
8:00–9:00 AM — Accepting Flower Exhibit Entries
9:00 AM–7:00 PM — Judging Exhibits (Gym CLOSED)
10:00 AM — 4-H & FFA Goats & Sheep Livestock Show
Goat & Lamb Pet Contest (following show) Livestock Pet Contests
6:00 PM — PARADE (Spruce St, Main St, Myers-Moon Rd.)
7:00–9:00 PM — Kimberly’s Kreations Face Painting
7:30–10:30 PM — NEW High Carbon Steel Music, Classic Country Music - High Carbon Steel Music
9:00–9:15 PM — NEW Orion Skys Drone Show
ROAMING —NEW Ariana Does Stilts

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd
10:00 AM — 4-H & FFA Hogs & Beef Livestock Show
Calf Pet Contest (following show)
12:00 PM & 2:00 PM — NEW Sunflower Hours
3:00 PM & 5:00 PM — NEW Gospel Harmony Boys
7:00 PM — NEW Begoon Brothers Bucking Bulls, LLC Rodeo
Includes Mutton Bustin, Junior/Mini Rodeo, Barrel Racing, Rodeo Clowns, Bull Riding
9:00–9:15 PM — NEW Orion Skys Drone Show
ROAMING — NEW Brian B. Magic

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th
10:00 AM — Kiddie Show
4:30 PM — Livestock Costume Contest & Obstacle Course
5:30 PM — Rabbit Race
6:00–7:00 PM — Little Switzerland Cloggers
6:00 PM — Power Wheels Derby
7:00 PM — Demolition Derby by Thomas Motorsport LLC
9:30–9:45 PM — NEW Orion Skys Drone Show
ROAMING — NEW Wishing Well Entertainment

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th
9:00 AM–12:00 PM — Dog Show
11:00 AM–1:00 PM — NEW The Conner Family & Caleb Bailey & Paine's Run, Bluegrass Music
1:00–8:00 PM — Kimberly’s Kreations Face Painting
1:30–3:30 PM — NEW Jacob Tolliver, Multi‑Genre Rock & Roll Pianist
2:00 PM — Commemorative Quilt Auction & 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale
2:00 PM — Corn Hole Tournament
4:00–4:45 PM — NEW David King, Tribute to Elvis (1950s–60s) - Elvis Tribute Artist
5:00 PM — Truck & Tractor Pull by NEW Dragon Motorsports Inc.
5:15–6:00 PM — NEW David King, Tribute to Elvis (Concert Years)
10:00–10:15 PM — NEW Orion Skys Drone Show
ROAMING — NEW Wishing Well Entertainment

All event details can be found at HighlandCountyFairVA.com

08/25/2026

JUST 1 WEEK AWAY FROM EXHIBIT REGISTRATION!
From garden produce, flowers, eggs, fruit, hay, and giant pumpkins to arts & crafts, photography, baked goods, quilting, sewing, and more — there’s a class for everyone at the Highland County Fair!! Find all the Departments at https://highlandcountyfairva.com/ or in the fair guide found at many stores, banks, and post offices in Highland County or online at https://www.therecorderonline.com/pageview/viewer/FairGuide2026

📅 Registration
⭐ EXTRA DAY Aug 29, 4–6 PM — Early registration (Arts & Crafts, Photography, Preserved Foods, Hunter–Fisher)
⭐ Sept 1, 4–8 PM — Main registration behind the Elementary School Gym
⭐ Sept 2, 8–9 AM — Flower entries

Exhibit Guidelines for Fair Participants
For Gym Entries ONLY
• Entry Process: All exhibits must be officially recorded and tagged by fair workers before leaving the entry area.
• Entry Limits: Each exhibitor is allowed one entry per class. Items must not be entered as “miscellaneous” if a specific category exists.
• Eligibility: All exhibits must be created by the individual submitting them.
• Age of Exhibits: Entries must have been made within the last 24 months. Quilts and comforters are an exception—they may be up to four years old, as long as they haven’t been entered in a previous year.
• Who Can Enter: All departments are open to both adults and youth. You do not have to be a Highland County Resident to enter.
• Exhibit Display: Exhibits must remain on display until 8PM on Saturday.
• Prize Money Distribution:
o Prize money will be available starting 8PM on Saturday.
o Hunter-Fisherman trophy exhibit area and tables in the elementary school gym will be the designated pick-up locations.
o Any prize money not collected by 10PM will be forfeited and returned to the general fund.
• Responsibility for Entries: Exhibitors must retrieve their items at the close of the show. The fair is not responsible for unclaimed items, which may be disposed of without liability.
• Committee/Volunteer Liability: While committees will take great care of exhibits, they cannot be held responsible for loss, theft, or damage. Exhibitors enter at their own risk.
• Judging Decisions: All judges’ decisions are final, and awards vary by class.
• Public Access During Judging: The public will not be permitted in the exhibit hall or gym during judging on Wednesday of fair week.
• Viewing Hours: Exhibits will open for public viewing at 7PM on Wednesday of fair week (after the parade) until 10:30PM each night when the gym will be locked.

📍 Highland County Fair • Sept 2–5, 2026 • Monterey, VA

08/24/2026

This BEAUTIFUL handmade community quilt will be auctioned off directly prior to the 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale at the Highland County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 5th at 2pm!
Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Highland Co. Non-Profit of the winner's choice.

We'd like to give a special THANK YOU to Kate Sponaugle for heading up this project throughout the summer!
Janice Estrada additionally graciously donated a previously completed masterpiece to accompany our new creation. It, too, will be auctioned off to benefit and help celebrate the 75th Annual Highland County Fair. We appreciate her generosity and guidance throughout the project.

The unique 3-D quilt square submission was made into a pillow cover to go with the quilt! It was created by Margie Boesch.

THANK YOU to the quilt's contributors:
Kim Hohenstein: flower
Pam Hoffman: speckled star, Forrest
Rhonda Doody: goat and chicken
Amy Blake: maple leaf and farm friends with barn
Mary Dunn Conover: 4-H sheep and horse
Margie Boesch: 3-D flower
Terri Puffenbarger: cow
Lucille Maloy: Ferris wheel and “A Walk Through the Fair”
Nancy Duncan: Turkey
Jane Rackley: hamburger
Mary Stephenson: fair ribbons
Kate Sponaugle: FFA block, corn, green/mustard colored star, Virginia, bear, flag
Lori Botkin: tractor
Mary Schooler: “Take Us to the Fair”
Nan Coppedge: canning jars
Black and pink Star: Kari Lightner

08/23/2026

Volunteer opportunities for Carnival Ride Ticket Sales are now open for September 2 to 5, 2026. Please sign up for your special spot today.

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet. Just follow the instructions on the page – it only takes a few seconds!
Volunteersignup.org is ad-free and spam-free – you do not need to register!

https://volunteersignup.org/XEAHL


Thank you for volunteering!

08/23/2026

As we get ready to welcome everyone to the 75th Highland County Fair, we want to share a few important guidelines to help all guests enjoy a safe, smooth, and enjoyable fair week.

⏰ Hours & Access

All barns close at 11:00 PM, and gyms close at 10:30 PM, including Saturday when exhibits must be picked up.

Only authorized personnel may remain on the grounds after 12:30 AM unless a grandstand event runs later.

🚻 Facilities

Handicap-accessible restrooms and a nursing/baby changing station are available in the elementary school.

🎟 Seating & Personal Items

“NO blankets can be left overnight for reserved seating. Blankets left will be discarded by 8:00am.”

🐾 Animals

No pets, comfort animals, or emotional support animals are allowed on the grounds.

Service dogs are welcome; handlers are responsible for cleanup.

Dogs participating in the dog show may be present only in the dog show area.

🚗 Parking & Transportation

No camper parking on the grounds except for one barn manager and Amusement Company staff.

ATVs, golf carts, UTVs, bicycles, skateboards, and similar items are not permitted unless authorized.

Motorized handicap scooters are allowed.

Fair‑provided golf cart transportation is available to all fairgoers.

📸 Drones

No drones are permitted without written permission from the Fair Association.

🔒 Weapons & Safety

“NO firearms/weapons permitted on school property which includes the handicap parking lot and the high school and elementary school gyms.” (VA Code §18.2‑308.1)

💵 Cash & ATMs

The Fair is primarily cash only, including admission.

ATMs are available on the grounds, and additional ATMs are located at Blue Grass Valley Bank and Burke & Herbert Bank in Monterey.

🚫 Alcohol & Drugs

No alcohol or drugs are permitted anywhere on the grounds or parking areas.

📞 Fair Office

Fair Office phone number during Fair Week: (540) 468‑2639

Located beside the high school gym.

Fair management reserves the right to remove violators from the grounds for the remainder of the day or week. Full details are available in our Grounds Access Policy at highlandcountyfairva.com.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and look forward to celebrating another wonderful year at the Highland County Fair! 🎡🌻

08/22/2026

Still lots of shifts to fill or we'll have to close during these times. Please volunteer!
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/W3M3F

Our Merchandise Booth is still needing someone Saturday, Sept. 5th 7pm-9pm
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/TJMYD

If you're participating in the GooseChase, volunteering is LOTS of points!

08/22/2026

1 WEEK UNTIL THE 75th Annual Highland County Fair Kickoff Event!!

📍 386 Myers‑Moon Road, Monterey, VA 24465
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026 9:00AM
💲 FREE ADMISSION

Join us as we kick off the 75th Annual Highland County Fair with a full day of events, exhibits, food, and fun for all ages. Mark your calendars and bring the whole family!

🐴 Highland County Fair Horse Show – Grandstand
9:00 AM — Hunter Show
12:00 PM — Open Show
4:30 PM — Horse Show Speed Classes JACKPOT
*Participants enter from the Rt. 220 entrance*

🎨 Exhibits & Pre‑Registration
📍 Elementary School Gym
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM
Accepting entries for: Arts & Crafts, Art & Photography, Preserved Foods (No baked goods), Hunter–Fisher entries
Pre‑registration also open for: Parade, Kiddie Show, Dog Show
(No dogs permitted on grounds during this kickoff event)

🎯 Games & Activities (4:00–6:00 PM)
Dunk Tank — Stonewall Ruritan Club
BINGO — Monterey Lions Club
Co****le — Mill Gap Ruritan Club

🚗 Cruise‑In – 4:00 PM
Hosted by Blue Grass Ruritan Club
ALL antique cars, trucks, motorcycles & tractors welcome
Participants enter through the school gate

🎥 Historical Showcase hosted by Cappie Hull – 5:30 PM
📍 Livestock Show Barn

🏇 Jousting – 7:00 PM (Grandstand)
Presented by the Natural Chimneys Jousting Club
Participants enter from the Rt. 220 entrance
Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Classes
ALL ARE WELCOME to participate!

🍔 Food Available All Day (may differ from that of the fair Sept 2-5)
Stonewall Ruritan Club: Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, potato chips, drinks
Bolar Ruritan Club: Breakfast items, hotdogs, corndogs, ham sandwiches, chips, drinks
Fair Association: Funnel cakes
4‑H & FFA: Ice cream floats & popcorn

Fair rules and regulations apply. Visit our website for details:
👉 www.highlandcountyfairva.com

A huge thank‑you to the Highland County Chamber of Commerce for assisting with cleanup on August 30.

JOIN US FOR THE 75TH ANNUAL FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 2-5, 2026
FULL SCHEDULE ON OUR WEBSITE!

08/21/2026

Calling All Hunters, Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts!
Show off your skills, your trophies, and your love for the outdoors in the Hunter & Fisherman Exhibits at the Highland County Fair!
📍 Located in the Highland Elementary School Gym
🦅 Open to all ages — multiple classes available

Classes
Deer (under 9 points)
Deer (9 points and over)
Deer (Euro & horns only)
Fish
Animals (general class plus birds)
Archery
Bear
Bobcat (Wild Cats)
Western Game Animals
Juvenile Class (15 years and younger)
Ladies Class
Best Fair Theme: “75 Years of Memories in the Mountains”
Provide a photo of you and your bounty to display next to your exhibit.

Special Awards
Best Taxidermy — Taxidermist’s Choice: $100 plus rosette
Sponsored by the Virginia Taxidermist Association

Best in Show — People’s Choice: $100 plus rosette
Sponsored by Sheriff Bob Kelly

Best Fair Theme: Trophy

Entries are judged on quality, craftsmanship, condition, presentation, and authenticity, depending on the class.

General Rules
-There is no date limit on entries.
-Only properly mounted entries will be accepted.
-If there are not more than three entries in Classes 4 and 5, entries from both classes will be combined for a general category.
-Entries from outside Highland County are permitted.

Prizes
In each class: 1st – $15; 2nd – $10; 3rd – $5

Overall: Best in Show – $100; Best Fair Theme – Trophy

🕒 Exhibit Registration Times
📅 Extra Registration Opportunity:
• Exhibits (except floriculture & baked goods) may be registered August 29 from 4–6 PM during the 75th Annual Highland County Fair Kickoff Event

📅 Normal Registration:
• Hunter & Fisherman exhibits: Tuesday of fair week, September 1st, from 4–8 PM in the Highland Elementary School gym

Explore full class lists here:
https://highlandcountyfairva.com/exhibits/hunter-fisherman-exhibits/

08/21/2026

Once again MAKING HEADLINES!

https://washingtonparent.com/labor-day-weekend-events-dmv/ One last summer celebration: Your guide to Labor Day weekend fun around the DMV

And!
https://virginianreview.com/335756/

AND!! https://americanfarm.com/articles/delmarvafarmer/fairs-exhibit-staying-power-editorial/

"A good county or state fair is an agricultural classroom, a showcase for young people and a gathering place that connects a community with the people who feed it. It’s students are drawn in by tall Ferris wheels, deep fried desserts and concerts, but become learners when they walk through the animal barns, peruse the farm crop exhibits and rest in the air conditioning at a cooking demonstration.
In many spots near and far, the fair’s longevity attest to its importance in the community.
This year, the Wicomico County Fair celebrates its 90th anniversary and Howard County Fair hit the 80-year milestone. In Virginia, the Arlington County Fair reaches 50 years and the Highland County Fair marks 75 years this year.
Beyond those noteworthy milestones, fairs all over the nation adding another year to their proverbial scrapbook that doesn’t happen to end in a zero are still building a legacy while anticipating their future.
These anniversary fairs are indicative of a fair’s staying power, adjusting as needed while maintaining long-standing traditions as a community builder and educational tool.
Unfortunately, county fairs do not operate on tradition alone. They require volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, donations, facilities and community support.
Costs continue to rise, while many fairs face the same financial pressures affecting nonprofit organizations everywhere.
That is why supporting fairs should not be viewed simply as a charitable contribution. It is an investment in agricultural education and in the community itself.
That mission deserves far more attention and support.
For many children, a county fair may be their first opportunity to stand beside a dairy cow, watch a livestock show, see a tractor up close or talk directly with someone who grows corn, vegetables or flowers.
Those experiences matter.
Agriculture can be difficult to understand when it is discussed only in statistics, photographs or social media posts. At a fair, agriculture is tangible.
The educational value of a fair goes well beyond agriculture.
The young people exhibiting livestock, crops, crafts, cooking and other projects are learning lessons that cannot always be taught in a classroom. They learn responsibility because an animal has to be fed and cared for every day. They learn patience because a crop does not grow on a schedule convenient to the exhibitor. They learn competition, sportsmanship, public speaking, record keeping and accountability.
They also learn that success generally requires work.
A child who spends months raising a market animal understands something about commitment that cannot be taught by a trophy alone.
When that animal enters the show ring, the exhibitor is presenting months of work to a judge and a community. Whether they win a championship or walk away without a ribbon, they have learned something valuable.
Those lessons are worth preserving and teaching again every year."

A good county or state fair is an agricultural classroom, a showcase for young people and a gathering place that connects a community with the people who feed it. It’s students are drawn in by tall Ferris wheels, deep fried desserts and concerts, but become learners when they walk through the anim...

08/20/2026

🌾 Barn Talks are back at the Highland County Fair! 🌾

If you love learning something new for your farm, homestead, or backyard operation, swing by the Livestock Show Ring September 2–4 from 3:00–3:45 PM for three afternoons of practical, down‑to‑earth sessions hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension!

🟫 Wednesday – Agribusiness
Tom Stanley shares insights on Fence Law and Stockpile Grazing Data — great info for anyone managing livestock or pasture.

🟪 Thursday – Technology
Kari Sponaugle breaks down Ag Tech and what actually make sense for your farm.

🟩 Friday – Farmer Health
Monte Skall covers the ABC’s of Lyme & Tick‑borne Disease, an important topic for anyone working outdoors.