BATESVILLE, Ark. — The Independence County Fair will run June 5–13, bringing a full slate of carnival rides, livestock shows, pageants, live music, and community events to the Independence County Fairgrounds in Batesville.
The event includes preview carnival nights beginning Friday, June 5, followed by official fair programming from Monday, June 8 through Saturday, June 13.
General Admission and Carnival Information
Preview carnival nights will be held Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Admission is $2 for all ages, with $22 armbands available each day.
The main fair opens Monday, June 8, featuring $3 admission for all ages and $2 carnival rides. A portion of Monday night’s proceeds will benefit the Independence County Humane Society. The Independence County Junior Fair Board will also sponsor the amateur dog show.
From Tuesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 13, gates open daily at 4:00 p.m. with admission charged at that time.
Admission prices are:
- Adults (12 and up): $7
- Youth (6–11): $3
- Children 5 and under: Free
Parking is free throughout the event.
Carnival armbands are $27 each day from Tuesday, June 9 through Saturday, June 13. The carnival is provided by Miller Spectacular Shows.
Officials note that all listed prices are cash prices, and credit or debit card purchases will include applicable processing fees.
Monday, June 8 Events
Monday begins with judging of educational exhibits from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The building will be closed during judging.
Educational and commercial buildings open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Evening events include:
- 5:30 p.m. — Rabbit Show
- 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. — Miller Spectacular Shows opens ($2 rides at the carnival)
- 7:00 p.m. — Amateur Dog Show (entry fee: 5 lb. bag of dog or cat food), conducted by the Independence County Junior Fair Board
Tuesday, June 9 Events
Carnival runs 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with $27 armband night.
Events include:
- 6:00 p.m. — Miss Independence County Pageant / Teen Miss Independence County Pageant
- 6:00 p.m. — Shepherds Lead In
- 6:30 p.m. — Sheep Show
- 7:30 p.m. — Swine Show
Wednesday, June 10 Events
Carnival runs 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with $27 armband night.
Events include:
- 9:00 a.m. — Poultry Show
- 5:30 p.m. — Prize Baby Girl Beauty Contest
- 6:00 p.m. — Little Miss Independence County Contest
- 6:30 p.m. — Petite Miss Independence County Contest
- 6:30 p.m. — Petite Young Miss Independence County Contest
- 6:30 p.m. — Young Miss Independence County Contest
- 6:00 p.m. — Horse and Mule Show
Thursday, June 11 Events
Carnival runs 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with $27 armband night.
Events include:
- 9:00 a.m. — Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat and Market Goat Show
- 5:30 p.m. — All Star Steer Showmanship
- 6:00 p.m. — Beef Breeding Classes, Commercial Heifer Judging, Beef Steer Judging, Beef Showmanship
- 8:00 p.m. — Tribute Artist Finley Watkins
Friday, June 12 Events (Senior Citizens Day)
Friday is Senior Citizens Day at the fair, featuring morning activities, contests, and evening entertainment.
Morning schedule includes:
- 8:00–8:30 a.m. — Sausage and biscuits, visiting with friends
- 8:00–9:00 a.m. — Pie Contest Registration (recipe required; pie must be in disposable container)
- 8:30 a.m. — Bingo and prizes begin
- 9:00 a.m. — Pie Contest Judging
- 9:30 a.m. — Cornhole and prizes begin
- 10:30 a.m. — Winners announced
Additional events:
- 9:00 a.m. — Grooming Contest (followed by Best of the Best Showmanship)
- 6:00 p.m. — Parade of Champions / Junior Livestock Exhibitor Awards Ceremony
- 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. — Carnival ($27 armbands)
- 8:00 p.m. — Marty Haggard and Dion Pride in concert
Saturday, June 13 Events (Veterans Appreciation Day)
Saturday features Veterans Appreciation Day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Evening events include:
- 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. — Carnival ($27 armbands)
- 8:00 p.m. — Country legend Ronnie McDowell in concert
A Full Week of Tradition
Organizers say the Independence County Fair continues to serve as one of the region’s largest annual events, combining agriculture, youth competition, entertainment, and family activities into a weeklong celebration.
From livestock arenas and pageants to carnival lights and live country music, the fair remains a long-standing summer tradition for Independence County and surrounding communities.
Event Information
Independence County Fairgrounds
Batesville, Arkansas
June 5–13
Website: http://icfair.com
Carnival Provider: Miller Spectacular Shows
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