Contests and Open Shows
There’s something for everyone at the Great Jones County Fair, and we couldn’t be more excited for another incredible season! Whether you love live entertainment, delicious fair food, livestock shows, exhibits, carnival rides, or simply spending time with family and friends, the fair is the perfect place to make lasting memories. We invite our community to get involved, join the fun, and be part of the tradition that brings us all together each year.
Great Jones County Fair Queen Contest | Sunday, July 12, 2026 | Doors Open 5:30 p.m.
Visit Greatjonescountyfair.com or contact the fair office.
Contest date is Sunday, July 12th at 6:00 pm – Door open at 5:30 pm
Coronation will be Tuesday, July 21st at 6:00 pm
Open Horse Show | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Equestrian Center
Entry Fee- $6.00 per class, $750 added to prize money
Full day of pleasure and game classes. MWHA Accredited Show.
Great Jones County Fair Amateur Photography Contest
Check Yearly Premium Book!
Wine-Making & Charcuterie Board Contest
Check Yearly Premium Book!
Cowgirl Queen Contest | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Equestrian Center
3 Divisions
Senior: 16-25 Junior: 10-16 Princess 10 and under as of 1/1/2024
Interest in participating?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6HDZsUJaOdpmnB-qRIVymXTP8E79E8twU5gZ-CuA-Si8qDQ/viewform
Kiddie Dairy Show | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 |10:30 AM
Equestrian Center
Regulations:
Calf must have been born after January 1, 2026, and be a dairy animal.
If you have a child who was enrolled in 3rd grade and under for the school year 2025-2026 who would like to participate in the Kiddie Show, please email fanfarefarms@hotmail.com
Calves must be in place in barns by 9:00 am on July 22nd. They will be released after the show the same day. Stalls MUST BE CLEANED AT THIS TIME.
Be ready to show at 10:30 a.m.
The child must wear blue jeans and white shirt.
The child will be required to lead the animal by themselves. Adults will be allowed in the show ring if assistance is needed.
There will be no premium money and no entry fees. Jones County Dairy Producers will provide awards.
Kiddie Goat/Sheep Show | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | Following the 4-H/FFA Sheep/Goat Show
Stalling Barn
Divisions:
Kindergarten & Under
1st Grade through 3rd Grade
All sheep and goats will be provided
Kiddie Pedal Pull | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.
Front of Youth Development Center
All are welcome! Join us. No pre-registration is required.
Veteran Spotlight | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Nomination deadline: July 5th
Nomination form: https://forms.gle/6wVd18zfXRb7zJBX9
Bacon Buddies | Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Livestock Pavilion
Bacon Buddies gives individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (Buddies) the opportunity to take a pig into the show ring. Their mentors include 4-H and FFA youth who have volunteered to share that show ring experience right along with them.
Interest in participating?
Bacon Buddies: Participant-Application and Waive 2026
Bacon Buddies: Mentor-Application-and-Waiver 2026
Bill Riley Talent Seach | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Calling all young Iowa performers! 
Welcome to the Great Jones County Fair Bill Riley Talent Search Qualifying Show! 
The Bill Riley Talent Search is a proud Iowa tradition that gives talented youth the chance to shine on stage and compete for an opportunity to perform at the Iowa State Fair. Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have another amazing talent — we want to see YOU!: Thursday, July 23rd 10:00 am: Free Stage
Divisions:
Sprouts: Ages 2–12
Seniors: Ages 13–21
Important Rules:
• Iowa residents only
• Max performance time: 3 minutes
• Max 5 performers per act
• No professional performers
• One performance per contestant
• Instrumental-only background tracks (no vocals)
• Check-in required 45–60 minutes before showtime
Register now:
https://forms.gle/U4Qk4RiHNMGGV3ndA
Cookie Contest | Friday, July 24, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.
Kid Zone – Berndes Center
Three divisions for each age group – Adults (18 & over) • Youth (through 17 years)
Chocolate Chip Only; Chocolate chip and One Other Ingredient; Open Ingredient
Awards – Plaques in each division with $100 cash prize to be prorated to winners in each division. Cookies will be donated after the contest. Enter at table in the Youth Development Center on Friday between 10 a.m. and 12 noon. Four cookies per plate.
Cookie Stacking Competition | Friday, July 24, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.
Kid Zone, Berdes Center
Rules:
- Contestants will have 30 seconds to create the highest possible singlestack of cookies.
- Cookies may not be organized prior to stacking.
- No adhesives,support, or pyramids may be used.
- Cookies may not be broken or twisted apart.
- At the end of 30 seconds, contestants must removetheirhands, and the stack must remain standing by itself for three seconds.
- If a child’s stack is knocked down by another child’s stack during the30 second wait period, it will be counted. If it is knocked down duringcompetition, there will be a restart.
Prizes will be awarded in each category.
Stein Holding Contest | Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Craft Beer Tent
Ladies and Men’s division
How to Compete and Win –
- The competitor who can hold their stein with proper form (as described in the rules below) for the longest without being disqualified by the judge will be considered the winner.
- An infraction of any rule will result in a strike being issued by the competition judge. After two strikes, the third strike results in the immediate disqualification of the competitor.
- If any amount of beer spills or drips off of the stein, the competitor is disqualified, regardless of the number of strikes previously assigned.
- Once the match has started and the competitor has extended their arm, they may not set the stein back down, switch hands, or touch the stein with their off hand to make any adjustments to grip.
Prime Steer Show | Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 12:30 p.m.
Livestock Pavilion
Entry Fee – $25 per steer, payable upon arrival.
1st Prize – $1,500, Belt Buckle, 2nd Prize – $600, Belt Buckle
3rd Prize – $300, 4th Prize – $225, 5th Prize – $150, 6-10th Prizes – $100 each
Sponsored by The Jones County Cattlemen and Cargill Animal Nutrition
Kiddie Beef Show | Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 12 p.m.
Livestock Pavilion
- Children who are three to ten years old are eligible to participate. (Children 10 years of age must have completed 3rd grade May of this year and are not eligible to participate in 4-H yet).
- The child must wear jeans, close toe shoes/boots, and a shirt.
- The child will be required to lead the animal by themselves. Ring help will be provided. No other persons are allowed in the ring.
- Calf must have been born after January 1, 2026, and must be a beef animal.
- Calves will be released after the show. Stalls/area must be cleaned at this time by the show person, parent or guardian.
- There will be no premium money and no entry fees.
Jones County Farm Bureau BBQ Contest | Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 7 a.m. Check in
