Let the Good Times Roll at the 2026 Saline County Fair & Rodeo!
Get ready for five exciting days of carnival rides, competitive exhibits, livestock shows, delicious fair food, family activities and rodeo action! The 2026 Saline County Fair & Rodeo returns to Benton September 8–12 with something for visitors of every age.
“Let the Good Times Roll” is more than this year’s theme—it is the spirit behind everything the Saline County Fair Association plans. Dedicated volunteers spend countless hours preparing the fairgrounds and organizing events so local families can enjoy this treasured Saline County tradition.
Show Off Your Talents
Artisans, woodworkers, quilters, seamstresses, crafters, farmers, ranchers, horticulturists, gardeners, livestock exhibitors and hobby enthusiasts are encouraged to enter their work, produce or animals in the fair.
Rules and entry information are available in the fair book at www.salinecountyfairgrounds.com. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to enter online by midnight on August 31, 2026. Online registration helps volunteers prepare exhibit tags and organize entries before judging begins.
Early entry for non-perishable and nonliving exhibits will be available Thursday, September 3, from 1–7 p.m. Cultural arts non-perishable items, horticulture and livestock entry will take place Tuesday, September 8, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Baked goods, candy and horticulture entries will be accepted Wednesday, September 9, from 9–11 a.m.
Winning exhibitors will receive a ribbon or rosette along with a small cash prize.
Pageant and Talent Showdown
The excitement begins Saturday, August 29, with the annual Saline County Fair Pageant and the Saline Co. Fair Talent Showdown at the fairgrounds. Both competitions are open to Saline County residents and provide participants with a wonderful opportunity to build confidence, showcase their talents and prepare for future competitions.
- For Saline County Fair Pageant information, contact Tara Shelton at 501-317-8239 or register at: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260673788814168
- For Talent Showdown information and registration, visit: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260854967368172
Monday, September 7
The 4th Annual Junior Dog Show begins at 5 p.m. in the Show Arena. Come cheer on the young exhibitors and their canine companions as they demonstrate their skills and hard work.
Tuesday, September 8
Tuesday is a big day at the fairgrounds! Exhibitors may deliver their entries and animals from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
At 6 p.m., the annual Saline County Fair & Rodeo Parade will bring music and community pride to downtown Benton. School groups, marching bands, antique cars, church groups, elected officials, pageant winners, civic organizations, and horses and riders are invited to participate. All equine participants must have proof of a negative Coggins test dated within the past year.
- Parade participants may register at: https://form.jotform.com/260673867064163
- For parade information, call or text 501-317-5452.
Tuesday evening also marks the opening of the carnival! A $25 armband provides unlimited rides from 6–10 p.m.
The midway will once again be presented by Tom and Nancy Evans of Evans United Shows. Their colorful attractions, exciting rides and friendly staff have been a valued part of the Saline County Fair for several years. Add the irresistible aroma of funnel cakes, and you have everything needed for a memorable night at the fair!
Wednesday, September 9
Baked goods, candy and horticulture exhibits will be accepted from 9–11 a.m. Judging will take place throughout the day, with the exception of animal exhibits.
The annual Junior Livestock Show begins at 1 p.m. and includes cattle, hogs, goats and sheep. These young exhibitors devote countless hours to caring for and preparing their animals. Their achievements are a wonderful example of how dedication, responsibility and perseverance pay off.
The carnival and exhibit halls will open at 6 p.m., giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the rides and view the fair’s award-winning entries.
Thursday, September 10
Thursday is also Senior Citizens Day, with lunch served to senior guests at 11:30 a.m.
Poultry judging begins at 9 a.m., followed by junior poultry showmanship. Junior rabbit exhibitors will compete in showmanship before the Rabbit Show that begins at 1 p.m. in the Show Arena. Poultry and rabbit showmanship winners will be announced in the arena.
The carnival’s second $25 armband night runs from 6–10 p.m.
Friday, September 11
Friday begins with School Day from 8:30 a.m.–noon.
The carnival opens at 6 p.m., followed by Mutton Bustin’ at 6:30 p.m. The annual rodeo, produced by H & H Rodeo Company of Vilonia, begins at 8 p.m.
Friday rodeo admission is $15 for ages 11 and older, while children 10 and younger are admitted free.
Anyone interested in competing in the rodeo should call 501-733-3449 on Tuesday, September 8, between 6–9 p.m.
Mutton Bustin’ registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the main entrance ticket booth on the night of the show. The entry fee is $20 per child. Participation is limited to 50 children.
Saturday, September 12
The final day of the fair is packed with activities from morning until night!
The Poultry Chain Auction begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Show Arena. Through the Poultry Chain program, participating 4-H members receive young pullets to raise. At fair time, they return their three best matching pullets to compete for Grand Champion Pen of Pullets. The birds are then sold at auction, with proceeds helping fund chicks for the following year’s participants.
At 10 a.m., the Junior Livestock Exhibitors Premium Sale and Auction begins in the Show Arena. Local businesses and community members are encouraged to purchase a premium animal or make a donation in support of these hardworking young exhibitors. Contributions are tax-deductible and help participating youth continue developing their agricultural projects.
The carnival opens at 1 p.m., with a $25 armband session until 5 p.m.
Mutton Bustin’ begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the final rodeo performance at 8 p.m. Saturday rodeo admission is $15 for ages 11 and older, and children 10 and younger are admitted free.
Mutton Bustin’ registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at the main entrance ticket booth. The entry fee is $20 per child, with participation limited to 50 children and one night per contestant.
A Proud Saline County Tradition
H & H Rodeo Company will once again bring professional rodeo excitement to Benton. One of the most anticipated moments each year is the patriotic opening ceremony, which honors our nation, the American flag and the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms. A prayer is also offered for the safety of the competitors, spectators and those serving our country.
Long before the gates open, an extraordinary amount of work goes into making the Saline County Fair & Rodeo possible. Fair Association members, Extension Homemakers, Master Gardeners, 4-H leaders, 4-H members, families and community volunteers all play an important role in bringing this event to life.
This year will look a little different in places around the grounds, but a coordinated effort of Saline Co. Fair Association members and Saline Co. Public officials have worked tirelessly to get the grounds suitable for reopening.
The rodeo will look different this year without an arena cover, but it will be like old times for those of us who can remember that far back. Please take an opportunity to attend and see how it looks.
The Hog, Sheep and Goat barn will be vacant due to the lack of a cover. Temporary housing for goats & sheep has been set up on the south side of the cattle barn, and temporary housing for swine will be at the south side of the show arena.
The Saline County Fair Association sincerely appreciates every person who contributes time, talent and support to this special community tradition.
Join us September 8–12 in Benton and Let the Good Times Roll!
For updates and additional information, visit www.salinecountyfairgrounds.com, follow www.facebook.com/SalineCoFair, or call or text 501-860-6585.
🐎
