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DeKalb County VFW Fair Returns for 71st Year With Nine Days of Rides, Shows and Celebration
- The Weekly Ledger
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area and Community News | Thursday, August 20, 2026
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The midway will soon light up again as one of DeKalb County’s longstanding fall traditions prepares for its biggest and longest celebration yet.
The 71st DeKalb County VFW Agriculture Fair is set for Oct. 16-24, 2026, bringing nine days of rides, agricultural shows, entertainment and family activities to the community.
Fair representatives say this will be the longest DeKalb County VFW Fair held to date, and Kissel Entertainment is bringing additional rides this year, giving fairgoers even more to experience on the midway.
The 2026 fair will also carry a patriotic theme in recognition of the nation’s semi-quincentennial:
“Happy 250th Birthday, America!”
More Rides and Entertainment Coming in 2026
Kissel Entertainment will once again bring the midway experience to DeKalb County. The traveling amusement company traces its history to 1932 and provides rides, games and attractions at fairs, festivals and celebrations.
Organizers say Kissel Entertainment plans to bring more rides to this year’s fair, adding to what is already shaping up to be a particularly large celebration.
Fairgoers will also have nightly entertainment throughout the week, including the Pompeyo Family Dog Show, known nationally for its appearance on America’s Got Talent.
Nine Days of Fair Activities
The fair opens Friday, Oct. 16, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the Horse & Mule Show beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Activities continue throughout the nine-day run with agricultural competitions, entertainment and special theme days.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, gates open at 1 p.m., with the Open Beef Show beginning at 1 p.m. and the Alabama Show Bird event scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, will feature Latin Night, with entertainment and dancing. The Poultry Show is scheduled from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., while fair gates open at 1 p.m.
The Lamb Show takes place Monday, Oct. 19, beginning at 1 p.m.
Veterans and Students Receive Special Discounts
Tuesday, Oct. 20, has been designated Veterans Appreciation Day. Veterans presenting identification will receive free gate admission and $5 off an armband. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the Rabbit Show & Costume Show beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The following evening, Wednesday, Oct. 21, is Student Day. Students will receive $5 off an armband. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the Dairy Goat Show begins at 5 p.m.
Another special offer arrives Thursday, Oct. 22, with Armband Day. Fairgoers can buy one armband and receive one free, with both individuals required to be present at the time of purchase. The Meat Goat Show begins at 5 p.m.
Armbands are listed at $25 each on Oct. 20 and 21 before applicable discounts. Armbands are $30 each on the other scheduled fair days, including the Oct. 22 buy-one-get-one-free promotion.
Fair Continues Through Saturday, Oct. 24
The final Friday of the fair, Oct. 23, will feature Demo Dog Shows at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.
The 71st fair concludes Saturday, Oct. 24. The 4-H Chick Chain is scheduled for 11 a.m., with fair gates opening at 1 p.m.
Twin City Used Cars Named Fair Week Sponsor
Organizers have also extended special thanks to Bobby Ledbetter and Twin City Used Cars, this year’s Fair Week Sponsor.
Fair representatives said the continued support of local businesses, volunteers, exhibitors and community members has played an important role in the event’s success throughout its history.
“To our faithful volunteers, community and exhibitors that have supported us in the past, we appreciate all you do to help us with our DeKalb County VFW Fair and help it do so well throughout the years,” a fair representative said.
Fair Catalog Moves Online as Costs Continue to Rise
There will also be a change to the distribution of the traditional fair catalog this year.
Organizers said that due to rising costs, printed fair catalogs will be limited to registration and judging personnel. Volunteers, exhibitors, and members of the public can instead access the catalog digitally.
Fair representatives apologized for the change but said reducing the number of printed catalogs is one way organizers are working to control expenses as costs continue to increase.
The complete 2026 DeKalb County VFW Fair Catalog is available online and contains information for exhibitors and others participating in this year’s events.
With an extended nine-day schedule, additional midway rides, agricultural competitions, special discounts and nightly entertainment, organizers are preparing for a memorable 71st year — one that celebrates both a treasured DeKalb County tradition and America’s 250th birthday.
Oct. 16-24, 2026
Theme: “Happy 250th Birthday, America!”
Fair Week Sponsor: Twin City Used Cars
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