The Marion County Fair & Livestock Show is set to return Wednesday, September 9 through Saturday, September 13, 2025, bringing a full week of tradition, competition, and community fun to the fairgrounds in Summit. The event has long been a highlight of the year for local families, showcasing everything from livestock judging to creative arts exhibits while offering entertainment rooted in the county’s agricultural heritage.
The fair officially opens on Tuesday, September 9, with creative arts, horticulture, and field crop exhibits being entered from noon until 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10, will begin with horticulture, field crops, and baked goods entries in the morning, followed by exhibit judging at 10 a.m. The exhibit building will be closed to the public during judging. Livestock entries open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with poultry testing scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. and an animal weigh-in at 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 11, is designated as School Day at the fairgrounds, starting at 9 a.m. The morning continues with a Livestock Skill-a-ton, while Senior Day will include bingo and lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Later in the day, a tractor driving contest will take place at 1 p.m., followed by the small animal show at 4 p.m. featuring sheep, meat goats, and swine. The evening closes with poultry judging at 6 p.m.
Friday, September 12, is packed with livestock activities. The day begins with dairy cow and goat shows at 10 a.m., rabbit judging at 11:30 a.m., and a beef show at 1 p.m. The evening’s entertainment includes a FFA/4-H barn dance at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 13, brings some of the fair’s most popular community events. The parade lineup begins at 8 a.m. with the parade itself stepping off at 9. Families can enjoy a “Touch A Truck” event at 10 a.m., calf dressing at 10:30, and a greased pig scramble at noon in the big arena. The afternoon features a pizza and pie-eating contest at 2 p.m. and the Power Wheels Derby at 3 p.m. The exhibit building will close at 3 p.m., and exhibits may be released between 4 and 5 p.m. The evening rounds out with the buyers dinner at 4 p.m., followed by the livestock auction at 5 p.m.
The mission of the Marion County Fair & Livestock Show Board extends beyond the annual fair. In addition to organizing this community tradition, the board works year-round to provide educational opportunities, entertainment, and tourism at the fairgrounds. The facility is available for private rentals as well, hosting events such as reunions, dances, and meetings.
“As summer winds down in the rolling hills outside Summit, anticipation builds for a community event that truly brings the county together,” organizers said. “From livestock exhibitors to cheering crowds and families looking for a locally rooted adventure, the fair has something for everyone.”
The fairgrounds are located in Summit, Arkansas. More information, including full details on entry requirements, can be found at marioncountyarfair.org.
