Dawes County Fair
Sponsored by the Dawes County Agricultural Society, the Dawes County Fair has been the place for friends and family to have fun for over 130 years. Each summer, the fair offers free events for visitors, including 4-H exhibits and judging, special events and activities for children, great food, and display of local arts and crafts.
2024 Schedule
July 25-Aug. 3, 2024
2024 Full Schedule
THURSDAY, JULY 25 (all events at Chadron High School)
8:30 a.m – 9:30 a.m. – 4-H Clothing Check-in, followed by Modeling Practice at 9 a.m.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4-H Construction Judging
10-11 a.m. 4-H FCS Life Challenge Contest
7 p.m. 4-H Fashion Show Public Welcome
FRIDAY, JULY 26
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open Class Check-in (JUDGING AT 2 PM), Dixie Eaton/Henkens Roberts Buildings
2:00 p.m. Closed for Judging
8:30 a.m. 4-H Cat Show (CHECK-IN 7:30 a.m.), Vetter Building
1 p.m. 4-H Dog Show (CHECK-IN 12 PM), Vetter Building
SATURDAY, JULY 27
7 a.m. Breakfast- Security First Bank Chadron, ARENA
(Horse show participants, families, and spectators only)
7:30 AM 4-H Working Ranch & Performance Horse Show, ARENA
(CHECK-IN; SHOW TO BEGIN AT 8 AM)
Working Ranch Horse, Dummy Roping, Breakaway Roping, Trail, Halter, Showmanship, Green Broke, Pleasure, Horsemanship, Reining, Poles, Barrels.
8 a.m. -1 p.m. 4-H Hippology Challenge Contest, Stage Area
6:00 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Contestant Check In
6:30 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Cowboy Auction , Grandstand
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction – Sponsored by FNBO, Grandstand
7 p.m. Ranch Rodeo & Bronc Match (Check-in at 6 p.m.), Arena
Must Preregister at www.dawescountyfair.com by 7/24/24. Check Facebook for updates. Limited entries to 15 teams. $300 a team for 4-person teams. Bronc riders $125 a rider. Call in is July 17th 5-10p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
2 p.m. Dawes County Hall of Fame, Grandstand
Century Farm and Ranch Family Good Neighbor Award
Chairmen: Con Marshall
3 p.m. Tractor Weigh-in, Grandstand
3 p.m. Lawn Mower Association Races, North 40 Track
Chairmen Roger Eaton and Team
4 p.m. Antique Tractor Pull, Grandstand
Highway 20 Antique Tractor Association
Chairmen: John & MaryAnn Schleicher 308-432-3140, Neal Soester 308-672-8675
4 p.m. Hall of Fame Awards Reception, 4-H Dining Hall
Served by HAPPY HUSTLERS & HIGHLAND HUDDLERS 4-H Clubs
MONDAY, JULY 29
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. DAWES COUNTY HAY CONTEST
($50/entry, $1,000 added payout, Sponsored & tested by Legacy Coop & Cargill Contact Casey Schuhmacher: 308-430-4346)
8:30 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Check-in, 4-H Building
9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Interview Judging, 4-H Building
2 – 4 p.m. 4-H Decorated Cakes Judging, 4-H Building
2:30-4 p.m. Stick Horse Races Ages 6 & Under-No Fee, Arena & Grandstand
5 p.m. Youth Rodeo (GYMKHANA) Ages 7-10, 11-13, 14-18, Arena
5-7 p.m. 4-H Creative Chefs Silent Auction, 4-H Building
5:30 p.m. 4-H Live Cake & Pie Auction, Grandstand
5:30 p.m. Free Popsicles courtesy of Nebraska Bank, Grandstand
5:30 p.m. 3-D Archery Shoot Open to ANY AGE, East End Racetrack
TUESDAY, JULY 30
8 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibits Open, 4-H Building
8 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Open, 4-H Building
8:30 a.m. 4-H Companion Animal Show, Vetter Building (Check-in at 8 a.m.)
Followed by: 4-H Exotic Animal Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Rabbit Show, Vetter Building
11:00 a.m. 4-H Poultry Check-in, Vetter Building
LUNCH BREAK IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING 4-H RABBIT SHOW
Followed by: 4-H Poultry Show, Vetter Building
1:30-3:30 p.m. 4-H Swine Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
3:30-5 p.m. 4-H Goat & Sheep Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
4:30 p.m. 4-H Static Award Photos (Champions & State Fair), 4-H Building
5-6 p.m. 4-H Beef Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
5:30 p.m.Free Snow Cones courtesy of Chadron Federal Credit Union, Grandstand
6 p.m. Dawes County Fair Board Hog Wrestling & Pig Wrangler Auction, West of Arena
Chairmen: Cooper Cogdill 308-430-3473, Jodi Reitz 308-430-2560, Brooke Keim 308-430-3163 Contestants need to check-in by 6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction Sponsored by FNBO
WEDNESDAY, July 31
Free Water Donated by Homestead Bank
8:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy Goat Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Meat Goat Show, Vetter Building
1-3 p.m. 4-H Bottle Lamb Interviews, Show Barn
3 p.m. 4-H Swine Show, Vetter Building
5:30 PM Tough Truck Registration, entries close at 6:45, Stage
5:30 p.m. Free Root Beer Floats courtesy of Security First Bank Chadron, Grandstand
6:30 p.m. Drivers’ Meeting, Arena
7 p.m. Tough Truck Competition, Arena/Grandstand
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
7 a.m. Free Breakfast courtesy FNBO, Open Air Shelter
8-10 a.m. 4-H Bucket Calf Interviews, Vetter Building
8:30 a.m. ALL ANIMAL LIVESTOCK SALE PHOTOS
8:30 a.m. 4-H Sheep Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Bottle Lamb Awards, Vetter Building
11 a.m. 4-H Dairy Cattle Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Beef Showmanship, Vetter Building
LUNCH BREAK FOLLOWING BEEF SHOWMANSHIP
Followed by: Bucket Calf Awards, Breeding Beef, Stocker-Feeders
Followed by: 4-H Market Beef Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: Livestock Sale Photos for Beef, Vetter Building
5 p.m. 4-H Youth Pizza Night, Vetter Building
5:30 p.m. Free Snow Cones courtesy Platte Valley Bank, Grandstand
6 p.m. Rubber Check Race & Team Auction, Grandstand/Arena
Please pre-register by Tuesday, July 30th
Chairmen: Jodi Reitz 308-430-2560, Georgia Kahl 308-665-5365, Casey Schuhmacher 308-430-4346
7:00-9:00 p.m. Free Fair Dance, Open Air Shelter
Sponsored by Dawes County Ag Society
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Open Class Check-out, Dixie Eaton/Henkens Roberts
9 a.m. Small Animal Round Robin, Vetter Building
11 a.m. Large Animal Round Robin, Vetter Building
4 p.m. 4-H Council Fundraiser, Vetter Building
5-6 p.m. Livestock Buyers’ Social, Vetter Building
5:45 p.m. Clover Kids’ Parade, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Closes, 4-H Building
6 p.m. 4-H Small Animal Check-out, New Building
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
8 a.m.-10 a.m. 4-H Exhibit Check-out/Animal Projects Released/Fairgrounds Clean-up – EVERYONE SHOULD HELP!
2024 4-H Schedule
THURSDAY, JULY 25 (all events at Chadron High School)
8:30 a.m – 9:30 a.m. – 4-H Clothing Check-in, followed by Modeling Practice at 9 a.m.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4-H Construction Judging
10-11 a.m. 4-H FCS Life Challenge Contest
7 p.m. 4-H Fashion Show Public Welcome
FRIDAY, JULY 26
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Open Class Check-in (JUDGING AT 2 PM), Dixie Eaton/Henkens Roberts Buildings
2:00 p.m. Closed for Judging
8:30 a.m. 4-H Cat Show (CHECK-IN 7:30 a.m.), Vetter Building
1 p.m. 4-H Dog Show (CHECK-IN 12 PM), Vetter Building
SATURDAY, JULY 27
7 a.m. Breakfast- Security First Bank Chadron, ARENA
(Horse show participants, families, and spectators only)
7:30 AM 4-H Working Ranch & Performance Horse Show, ARENA
(CHECK-IN; SHOW TO BEGIN AT 8 AM)
Working Ranch Horse, Dummy Roping, Breakaway Roping, Trail, Halter, Showmanship, Green Broke, Pleasure, Horsemanship, Reining, Poles, Barrels.
8 a.m. -1 p.m. 4-H Hippology Challenge Contest, Stage Area
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction – Sponsored by FNBO, Grandstand
MONDAY, JULY 29
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. DAWES COUNTY HAY CONTEST
($50/entry, $1,000 added payout, Sponsored & tested by Legacy Coop & Cargill Contact Casey Schuhmacher: 308-430-4346)
8:30 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Check-in, 4-H Building
9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Interview Judging, 4-H Building
2 – 4 p.m. 4-H Decorated Cakes Judging, 4-H Building
5-7 p.m. 4-H Creative Chefs Silent Auction, 4-H Building
5:30 p.m. 4-H Live Cake & Pie Auction, Grandstand
TUESDAY, JULY 30
8 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibits Open, 4-H Building
8 a.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Open, 4-H Building
8:30 a.m. 4-H Companion Animal Show, Vetter Building (Check-in at 8 a.m.)
Followed by: 4-H Exotic Animal Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Rabbit Show, Vetter Building
11:00 a.m. 4-H Poultry Check-in, Vetter Building
LUNCH BREAK IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING 4-H RABBIT SHOW
Followed by: 4-H Poultry Show, Vetter Building
1:30-3:30 p.m. 4-H Swine Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
3:30-5 p.m. 4-H Goat & Sheep Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
4:30 p.m. 4-H Static Award Photos (Champions & State Fair), 4-H Building
5-6 p.m. 4-H Beef Weigh-in & Check-in, North Side Vetter Building
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction Sponsored by FNBO
WEDNESDAY, July 31
Free Water Donated by Homestead Bank
8:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy Goat Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Meat Goat Show, Vetter Building
1-3 p.m. 4-H Bottle Lamb Interviews, Show Barn
3 p.m. 4-H Swine Show, Vetter Building
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
8-10 a.m. 4-H Bucket Calf Interviews, Vetter Building
8:30 a.m. ALL ANIMAL LIVESTOCK SALE PHOTOS
8:30 a.m. 4-H Sheep Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Bottle Lamb Awards, Vetter Building
11 a.m. 4-H Dairy Cattle Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: 4-H Beef Showmanship, Vetter Building
LUNCH BREAK FOLLOWING BEEF SHOWMANSHIP
Followed by: Bucket Calf Awards, Breeding Beef, Stocker-Feeders
Followed by: 4-H Market Beef Show, Vetter Building
Followed by: Livestock Sale Photos for Beef, Vetter Building
5 p.m. 4-H Youth Pizza Night, Vetter Building
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Open Class Check-out, Dixie Eaton/Henkens Roberts
9 a.m. Small Animal Round Robin, Vetter Building
11 a.m. Large Animal Round Robin, Vetter Building
4 p.m. 4-H Council Fundraiser, Vetter Building
5-6 p.m. Livestock Buyers’ Social, Vetter Building
5:45 p.m. Clover Kids’ Parade, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Closes, 4-H Building
6 p.m. 4-H Small Animal Check-out, New Building
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
8 a.m.-10 a.m. 4-H Exhibit Check-out/Animal Projects Released/Fairgrounds Clean-up – EVERYONE SHOULD HELP!
2024 Entertainment Schedule
SATURDAY, JULY 27
6:00 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Contestant Check In
6:30 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Cowboy Auction , Grandstand
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction – Sponsored by FNBO, Grandstand
7 p.m. Ranch Rodeo & Bronc Match (Check-in at 6 p.m.), Arena
Must Preregister at www.dawescountyfair.com by 7/24/24. Check Facebook for updates. Limited entries to 15 teams. $300 a team for 4-person teams. Bronc riders $125 a rider. Call in is July 17th 5-10p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
2 p.m. Dawes County Hall of Fame, Century Farm and Good Neighbor Awards, Grandstand
Chairman: Con Marshall
3 p.m. Tractor Weigh-in, Grandstand
3 p.m. Lawn Mower Association Races, North 40 Track
Chairmen Roger Eaton and Team
4 p.m. Antique Tractor Pull, Grandstand
Highway 20 Antique Tractor Association
Chairmen: John & MaryAnn Schleicher 308-432-3140, Neal Soester 308-672-8675
4 p.m. Hall of Fame Awards Reception, 4-H Dining Hall
Served by HAPPY HUSTLERS & HIGHLAND HUDDLERS 4-H Clubs
MONDAY, JULY 29
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. DAWES COUNTY HAY CONTEST
($50/entry, $1,000 added payout, Sponsored & tested by Legacy Coop & Cargill Contact Casey Schuhmacher: 308-430-4346)
2:30-4 p.m. Stick Horse Races Ages 6 & Under-No Fee, Arena & Grandstand
5 p.m. Youth Rodeo (GYMKHANA) Ages 7-10, 11-13, 14-18, Arena
5-7 p.m. 4-H Creative Chefs Silent Auction, 4-H Building
5:30 p.m. 4-H Live Cake & Pie Auction, Grandstand
5:30 p.m. Free Popsicles courtesy of Nebraska Bank, Grandstand
5:30 p.m. 3-D Archery Shoot Open to ANY AGE, East End Racetrack
TUESDAY, JULY 30
5:30 p.m.Free Snow Cones courtesy of Chadron Federal Credit Union, Grandstand
6 p.m. Dawes County Fair Board Hog Wrestling & Pig Wrangler Auction, West of Arena
Chairmen: Cooper Cogdill 308-430-3473, Jodi Reitz 308-430-2560, Brooke Keim 308-430-3163 Contestants need to check-in by 6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. FFA Hay Auction Sponsored by FNBO
WEDNESDAY, July 31
Free Water Donated by Homestead Bank
5:30 PM Tough Truck Registration, entries close at 6:45, Stage
5:30 p.m. Free Root Beer Floats courtesy of Security First Bank Chadron, Grandstand
6:30 p.m. Drivers’ Meeting, Arena
7 p.m. Tough Truck Competition, Arena/Grandstand
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
7 a.m. Free Breakfast courtesy FNBO, Open Air Shelter
5:30 p.m. Free Snow Cones courtesy Platte Valley Bank, Grandstand
6 p.m. Rubber Check Race & Team Auction, Grandstand/Arena
Please pre-register by Tuesday, July 30th
Chairmen: Jodi Reitz 308-430-2560, Georgia Kahl 308-665-5365, Casey Schuhmacher 308-430-4346
7:00-9:00 p.m. Free Fair Dance, Open Air Shelter
Sponsored by Dawes County Ag Society
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
4 p.m. 4-H Council Fundraiser, Vetter Building
5-6 p.m. Livestock Buyers’ Social, Vetter Building
5:45 p.m. Clover Kids’ Parade, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Foundation Market Livestock Sale, Vetter Building
6 p.m. 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Closes, 4-H Building
Wristbands are available for purchase for $20 each at the Dawes County Extension Office and will be available at the fair. Wristbands serve as a four-day pass and allow the owner to enter all of the evening events for one price.
Daily gate admission is $10 per person. Children age 12 and under are free, and all 4-H members receive free admission.
