By Rich Larson
The 2026 edition of the Dakota County Fair opened yesterday and will continue through Sunday with a packed schedule of livestock competitions, grandstand entertainment, carnival rides and family activities.
Fair President Ashlyn Otto, a former Dakota County 4-H member and longtime volunteer, said the fair remains focused on creating lasting memories for families while showcasing the county’s agricultural traditions.
Admission to the fair is free, with visitors paying only for parking. Parking costs approximately $10 per vehicle, making it economical for families to attend multiple days of the event.
As it has always been, the heart of the fair is the 4-H livestock program. Following yesterday’s dairy and goat shows, today will feature the rabbit show, with those animals departing later this evening. New livestock arrivals begin Wednesday as beef cattle, sheep and swine move onto the fairgrounds.
Competition heats up later in the week with the sheep show Thursday morning, the beef show Thursday, and the popular swine show Friday in the Henry Fox Swine Barn. Poultry judging is also scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, featuring KYMN’s own Ned Newberg as one of the judges.
One of the fair’s truly unique attractions returns Sunday at noon with the second annual Celebrity Showmanship Contest. Local celebrity participants will be paired with 4-H members to learn how to show livestock, competing for charitable donations that will benefit organizations of their choice.
The fair’s free wedding program, based in the Dakota City section of the fairgrounds, is also back this year. Couples can exchange vows in Dakota City’s gazebo area, continuing a tradition that has grown steadily since its introduction several years ago.
Grandstand entertainment will run throughout the week, including what fair officials describe as Minnesota’s premier demolition derby, held on three-nights again this year, beginning Thursday and Friday at 7pm and on Saturday at 6pm. According to Otto, each derby night features five separate heats of competition.
Visitors can also enjoy carnival rides, daily grandstand events, live music performances in the beer garden and a variety of food vendors.
The Dakota County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 16. Fair officials encourage attendees to check the fair’s website at dakotacountyfair.org or the mobile app for daily schedules, hours and event updates.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
