BATESVILLE, Ark. – The 104th Annual Independence County Fair is set to bring six full days of tradition, entertainment, agriculture, and family fun to Batesville, running from Monday, June 9 through Saturday, June 14, with preview carnival nights on June 6–7. From carnival rides and pageants to livestock exhibitions and veteran tributes, the 2025 fair promises something for everyone.
🎡 Preview Nights & Double Dollar Kickoff
The fun begins with Preview Carnival Nights on Friday and Saturday, June 6–7 from 6–11 p.m. with $1 admission and $22 armbands. The official fair opens on Monday, June 9, also known as Double Dollar Night, where admission and rides are just $2 each. Monday night’s proceeds will partially benefit the Independence County Humane Society, and the night includes a rabbit show and an amateur dog show hosted by the Independence County Junior Fair Board.
🐴 Livestock Shows
Throughout the week, the J.W. Collier Show Arena will host a full schedule of livestock competitions, featuring:
- Rabbits, poultry, swine, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and mules
- Market and breeding class judging
- Showmanship and grooming contests
- The annual Parade of Champions and Junior Exhibitor Awards on Friday, June 13
All animals must be registered and entered by specified times, with barns closing nightly at 9 p.m.
👑 Pageants & Youth Contests
Beauty pageants span multiple age categories, from 6 months to 21 years, and include:
- Miss and Teen Miss Independence County
- Little, Petite, and Young Miss contests
- Prize Baby Girl Beauty Contest
Contestants are required to register online, attend a pre-fair check-in on June 2, and bring an 8×10 photo for display.
🎤 Nightly Entertainment
Live music and performances light up the fairgrounds each night:
- June 12 (Thursday): Finley Watkins – Tribute artist show featuring hits from Elvis and more
- June 13 (Friday): Marty Haggard and Dion Pride – Paying tribute to Merle Haggard and Charley Pride
- June 14 (Saturday): Ronnie McDowell – Country legend bringing a patriotic, crowd-pleasing performance
🎟️ Admission & Armbands
- Monday, June 9: $2 admission / $2 per ride
- June 10–14: $3 (ages 6–11), $7 (12 and up); 5 and under FREE
- Daily Armbands: $27 (Tuesday–Saturday)
- Parking: FREE
Cash only accepted at the gate and carnival.
👵 Senior Citizens Day – Friday, June 13
From 8–10:30 a.m., seniors are invited to enjoy:
- Free breakfast
- Bingo, pie contests, and cornhole tournaments
- Health screenings and vendor booths
- Activities hosted by the White River Area Agency on Aging
🇺🇸 Veterans Appreciation Day – Saturday, June 14
The fair honors military service with the 15th Annual Veterans & Military Appreciation Day beginning at 10 a.m. Highlights include:
- Veterans Wall of Fame Induction
- Color guard, taps, and 21-gun salute
- Patriotic music, including Lyon College Pipers and a special performance by Ronnie McDowell
From agriculture and youth achievements to food, rides, and heartfelt tributes, the 2025 Independence County Fair promises to deliver a classic county fair experience with deep local pride.
For more information, registration forms, or schedules, visit the official fair site: www.icfair.com
