RISON, Ark. – The Cleveland County Fair and Livestock Show is returning to the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Rison, Arkansas, from September 10-14, 2024. This annual event promises a fun-filled week of activities for the whole family, celebrating the best of Cleveland County’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
The fair kicks off on Tuesday, September 10, with the submission of all exhibits (excluding livestock and baked goods) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by the Floriculture & Horticulture judging at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, marks the opening of the baked goods category from 8 to 9 a.m., and at 9:30 a.m., the judging of all exhibits begins, including educational booths. Livestock exhibits will be entered starting at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, September 12, the fairgrounds will open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a special performance by Kinders for head start and elementary groups from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Livestock judging and the show will take place at 5 p.m., followed by Bingo in the Fairgrounds Meeting Room from 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, September 13, offers a day dedicated to senior citizens and veterans, with free hot dogs and homemade ice cream available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day also features game day activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bingo will once again be available from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 14, promises to be the busiest day of the fair. The day begins with the Rison Shine BBQ Cook-Off from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with People’s Choice Voting at 12 p.m. The Cleveland County Youth Pageant will take place at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Cleveland County Fair Queen and Junior Fair Queen Pageant & Talent Contest at 5 p.m. The day will also feature livestock show awards at 11 a.m. and various exhibits open to the public throughout the day.
Exhibitors will be able to pick up their entries on Sunday, September 15, from 2 to 3 p.m., marking the conclusion of this year’s fair.
The fair will also include numerous prize drawings throughout the week, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees. Admission to the exhibit hall is free, with a $5 fee for pageant events for ages 10 and up.
This year’s Cleveland County Fair and Livestock Show is set to be a memorable event, offering a blend of tradition and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
Full Schedule of Events:
- Tuesday, September 10:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: All exhibits (excluding livestock and baked goods) must be entered.
- 6 p.m.: Floriculture & Horticulture judging.
- Wednesday, September 11:
- 8 to 9 a.m.: Baked goods may be entered.
- 9:30 a.m.: Judging of all exhibits, including educational booths (EHC/FFA/4H).
- Approximately 2 p.m.: Exhibits open to the public following completion of judging.
- 5 p.m.: Livestock exhibits may be entered.
- Thursday, September 12:
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Deadline to set up commercial/other educational booths.
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Exhibit open to the public.
- 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Kinders performing for head start and elementary groups.
- 5 p.m.: Livestock judging.
- 5 p.m.: Livestock show (open to the public).
- 6 to 8 p.m.: Bingo in Fairgrounds Meeting Room (Donations Accepted).
- Friday, September 13:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Exhibits open to the public.
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Senior Citizen’s Day (Age 60 & up) and Veteran’s Day.
- 1 to 3:30 p.m.: Bingo in Fairgrounds Meeting Room (Donations Accepted).
- Saturday, September 14:
- 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Rison Shine BBQ Cook-Off (People’s Choice Voting Begins at 12 p.m.)
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Exhibits open to the public.
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Game Day Activities.
- 11 a.m.: Livestock Show Awards – At conclusion of awards, all animals released.
- 2:30 p.m.: Cleveland County Youth Pageant.
- 5 p.m.: Cleveland County Fair Queen and Junior Fair Queen Pageant & Talent Contest.
- Sunday, September 15:
- 2 to 3 p.m.: Exhibitors will pick up their entries at the fairgrounds.