Admission is charged during regulated fairground hours. Volunteers should contact their event leader for work day gate passes.

• Ages 5 and over: $4
• Ages 4 and under: Free
• Carnival armbands: $30 per person

Admission fees support the Van Buren County Fair & Livestock Association and the nonprofit youth organization helping with parking each day.

Fair Queen Pageant

The Fair Queen Pageant will be held Saturday, August 22 in the GW Building.

For a registration form, contact Dana Huyck at 501-253-3206.

Pageant Rules

• One parent or attendant is allowed backstage for contestants ages 12 and under.
• Contestants must be legal residents of Van Buren County for 90 days before the county pageant.
• Contestants must not be married except in the Mrs. divisions.
• Judges’ scores will not be given out.
• Jr. Miss, Miss, and Mrs. winners will represent Van Buren County at the State Fair.
• Contestants must agree to release the VBC Fair Association from all liability.
• Manners, behavior, appearance, and grooming will be observed from registration through the contest.
• Poor sportsmanship, unbecoming conduct, interference, or behavioral issues by a contestant, parent, relative, or supporter may result in disqualification from future contests.
• Questions about divisions must be addressed at registration.
• Being on time is the responsibility of the contestant.
• One parent is admitted free per contestant.

Fair Pageant Registration Form

Complete the online registration form to enter the 2026 Van Buren County Fair Pageant.

The VBC Fair Christmas Pageant is held the first Sunday in December. The deadline is the day of the event.

Open to all counties at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. Contestants may wear evening gown or Christmas wear.

Contestants will be judged solely on appearance and presentation on stage. Christmas wear is used for babies through 12 years old. Christmas wear or formal wear may be worn for ages 13 and up.

• Baby Snowflake — Newborn to 18 months, girls
• Baby Toy Soldier — Newborn to 18 months, boys
• Miss Sugar Plum — 19 months to 3 years
• Mister Elf — 19 months to 3 years
• Miss Mistletoe — 4 to 6 years
• Mister Jack Frost — 4 to 6 years
• Poinsettia Princess — 7 to 9 years
• Miss Gingerbread — 10 to 12 years
• Miss Holly — 13 to 15 years
• Miss Christmas — 16 to 21 years
• Ms. Merry Christmas — 22 to 30 years
• Ms. Snow Queen — 31 to 39 years
• Ms. Winter Queen — 40 to 50 years
• Ms. Ice Queen — 51 years and up
• Generation Gap — all family members in pageant

Notice: Any and all political advertising must have a permit that can be obtained at the VBC Fair Office. Political paraphernalia must be kept within the confines of paid booth space. All items given away must be approved by the Fair Manager, and no items may be distributed that are in direct conflict with the VBC Fair kitchen or carnival. No posting without permission.

• Political advertising must have a permit from the VBC Fair Office.
• Political materials must remain within paid booth space.
• Giveaway items must be approved by the Fair Manager and may not conflict with the VBC Fair kitchen or carnival.
• No posting is allowed without permission.
• Animals, articles, and exhibits competing for prizes must be entered and shown by one owner, maker, or grower.
• The Fair Association may accept or reject any exhibit before or after it is entered.
• The Fair Association provides general security, but property is brought onto the grounds at the owner’s risk.
• Each participant or group is responsible for the security of their individual function.
• Each organization is responsible for daily trash cleanup in its area. Fines may be assessed for noncompliance.
• No vehicle traffic is allowed in carnival, exhibit, or livestock areas after initial setup.
• Livestock entries are released after 8:00 p.m. Saturday.
• Homemaking items are released Sunday from 1:00–3:00 p.m.
• Removing exhibits before release times may result in forfeited prize money.

The Commercial Exhibit Building will be open to the public during fair week.

• Tuesday through Friday: 4:00–9:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Noon–9:00 p.m.

Livestock information, entry details, rules, regulations, and schedule information are available below.

Livestock Entry Form

The livestock entry form will be added when available.

Rules, Regulations, & Schedule of Events

Farmer for a Day is sponsored by Farm Bureau and is designed for children, toddlers through third grade.

In the barn, children can experience a day on the farm by becoming the farmer. Activities include milking Bessie the cow, gathering eggs, digging potatoes, picking apples and grapes, and more.

• Open Wednesday through Friday during School Bus Days.
• Open again each evening during the fair.

The Field of Flags is a veterans memorial area that continues to grow each year.

Your loved one can be among those honored by completing the online Veteran’s Wall of Honor / Field of Flags form.

Please complete the online form to submit a veteran for the Veteran’s Wall of Honor / Field of Flags.

The Missing Man’s Table honors fallen hometown heroes and serves as a remembrance display for those who did not return home.

To submit information for this honor, please complete the online Missing Man’s Table form.

There will not be a fair parade this year.

• Fair Manager: Dawn Williams, 501-253-1543
• Assistant Fair Manager: Kim Holland, 501-654-4116
• Creative Arts: Dana Huyck, 501-253-3206
• Parking: David Hess, 501-253-3470
• Salute to Veterans: David Caulkin, 501-253-4895

Previous Fair Queens

1937 Jean Roach Eoff Brazell
1938 Faye Sneed (Honeycutt)
1939 Bonnie Lefler (Lewis)
1940 Francis Lefler (Long)
1941 Bernice House
1942 Mary Beth Holiman
1943 Loula Margaret (Hall)
1944 Lois Rogers (Mahan)
1945 Mary Alice French
1946 Mae Patterson
1947 Laura Sue Lewis (Nunley)
1948 Mae Patterson (Clemons)
1949 Gloria Musgraves (Kline)
1950 Wilma Presley (Evans)
1951 Rebecca French (Patterson)
1952 Betty Sue Lankford (Dunigan)
1953 Polly W. Williams (Reagan)
1954 Carolyn Moss (Baker)
1955 Dora Lou Blair (Tudor)
1956 Bambi Oldham (Scheweiler)
1957 Jan Patton (Carver)
1958 Martha Wallace
1959 Lola Huggins (Edwards)
1960 Ginger Pate (Ervin)
1961 Gladys Dewey (Eoff)
1962 Sandra Shannon (McKnight)
1963 Tamara Stobaugh (Hannum)
1964 Doris Kirkendoll (Williamson)
1965 Glenda Edwards
1966 Jo Beth Burnett (Shaw)
1967 Martha Lasater (Douglas)
1968 Lavonne Huggins (Roddy)
1969 Joyce Kirkendoll (Roddy)
1970 Rhonday Story (Spann)
1971 Ginger Crownover
1972 Gwen Watts
1973 Jan Eoff (Henderson)
1974 Liz Lane (James)
1975 Lori Rogers (Blagg)
1976 Janet Johnson (Perkins)
1977 Welda Parish (Griffith)
1978 Nona Lowery
1979 LeAnn Freeman (Dempsey)
1980 Leanne Hall
1981 Sherrie Statler
1982 Chrystal Parish
1983 Wendy Cassell (Gross)
1984 Gayla Story (Bradley)
1985 Melissa Hodges (Johnson)
1986 Denise Weatherly (Green)
1987 Wendy Parish (Anderson)
1988 Gretchen Krikendoll (Hunt)
1989 Erika Eoff (Smith)
1990 Chelsea Rogers
1991 Rita Burroughs (Barns)
1992 Kim Lockard (Holland)
1993 Christy Whillock
1994 Ashley King (Marsh)
1995 Angela Ragland (Bentliff)
1996 Jennifer Collister
1997 Julie Boone (Lindsay)
1998 Sancy Hutto
1999 Karla Elliott
2000 Nancy Evans
2001 Rachael Bowman
2002 Rebekah Gardner
2003 Andrea Jones
2004 Cassie Bartley
2005 Kristen Hansen
2006 Tessa Scheeley
2007 LaSynda Lace Lockard
2008 Amber Gross
2009 Gwendolyn Bradley
2010 Miranda Bonds
2011 Ashley Wilder
2012 Hailey Stolzfus
2013 Hanna Stolzfus
2014 Sydney Bernhart
2015 Brooklyn Smith
2016 Jaycee Housley
2017 Bianca Lee
2018 Kelli Burroughs
2019 Alyssa McKnight
2020 Erin Holland
2021 Courtney Alexander
2022 Brinkley Smith
2023 Juliana Linn
2024 Leah Grimes
2025 Gracee Linville

Previous Mrs. & Sr. Mrs.

2013 Kim Holland Mrs.
2014 Christy Whillock Mrs.
2015 Rose Hamilton Mrs.
2015 Phyllis Young Sr. Mrs.
2016 Alice Chambers Sr. Mrs.
2017 Heidi Kottke Mrs.
2017 Corrine Weatherly Sr. Mrs.
2018 Dana Huyck & Jo Lockard
2021 Nita McCoy & Jackie Sikes
2022 Marsha Trammell Mrs.
2022 Cynthia Bartholomew Sr. Mrs.
2023 Bridget Leonard & Teri Weatherly
2024 Karen Freeman Mrs.
2024 Brenda Kay Sr. Mrs.
2025 No Mrs. winner
2025 MaryAnn Dale Sr. Mrs.

Previous Rodeo Queens

1944 Dana Lou Davenport Ruff
1945 LaDonna McCaslin Sheppard
1946 LaDonna McCaslin Sheppard
1947 Alice Ruth Thomason Dover
1948 LaDonna McCaslin Sheppard
1949 Mary Jo Watts died 1998
1950–1982 No Rodeo Queens during these years.
1983 Wanda Sturtevant Johnston
1984 Cheryl Ann Hoyle Munn
1985 Wendy Cassell Gross
1986 Becky Leonard Johnson
1987 Sherri Ware Sanders
1988 Becky Cullum Page
1989 Rita Coleman Ward
1990 Kimberly Lockard Holland
1991 Angela Ammann Watson
1992 Brigett Ward Smith
1993 Monica Eoff Lieblong
1994 Monica Eoff Lieblong
1995 Amy Bonds
1996 Shawna Rushing
1997 Amy Lockard
1998 Sara Ammann
1999 Amy Lockard
2000 Sara Ammann
2001 Amy Lockard
2002 Candice Pike
2003 Synda Lockard
2004 No Rodeo Queen contest
2005 No Rodeo Queen contest
2006 Synda Lockard
2007 Katie Barger *
2008 Synda Lockard
2009 Lauren Higganbothan
2010 Synda Lockard
2011 Breanna Bagley
2015 Breanna Bagley
2016 Taylor Holland
2022 Trinity Roberson
2023 Brinkley Smith

TWO $25.00 Cash Awards Depending on Availability from local sponsor.

All art must be framed and wired and be ready to hang except Class 10. No saw tooth hangers allowed. No Glass Cover! Plexiglas is accepted.

CLASS 1: ACRYLIC PAINTING Points

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 2: OIL PAINTINGS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 3: PASTEL PAINTINGS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 4: WATERCOLOR

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 5: CHARCOAL DRAWING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 6: PEN AND INK DRAWINGS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 7: PENCIL DRAWINGS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 8: MIXED MEDIA

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 10: SCHOOL ART After - REQUIRES NO MATTING OR FRAMING Insert Clothes Line Art has been discontinued due to Children and Parents not being able to find their son/daughter art while it is hanging up. Instead all clothes line art needs to be put into a binder with Teacher’s name on the outside of the binder and an index inside with Teacher’s name and Student’s name followed by the art pages. All binders will receive the same awards as in the past but this year will be displayed on table(s).

Best of Show Rosette

Lego Art entries are included in the Creative Arts class listings.

ONE $25.00 CASH AWARD SPONSORED BY VBC FAIR IN MEMORY OF CORRINE WEATHERLY

CLASS 13: WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 14: MEN’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 15: INFANT CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 16: BOY’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 17: GIRLS CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 18: ACCESSORIES & MISC. SEWING

TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS. Includes arrangements, wreaths, wall hangings, etc. in which flowers and green (fresh or artificial) are used as a major part of the exhibit.

CLASS 21: ARTIFICIAL/SILK BOUQUETS & ARRANGEMENTS

Best of Show Rosette

TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS Includes arrangements, wreaths, wall hangings, etc. in which flowers and green (fresh or artificial) are used as a major part of the exhibit.

CLASS 20: FLORAL BOUQUET & ARRANGEMENTS

269. Chrysanthemum Bouquet

TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

CLASS 22: FLOWERS

Best of Show Rosette

TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

CLASS 23: POTTED PLANTS

Best of Show Rosette

Kitty Kat Charisma

How photogenic is your cat?

• Enter an 8x10 matted picture. No frame.
• You may enter as many pictures as you would like. Each picture must be of a different cat.
• The picture should show the personality of the cat.
• Attach a 3x5 index card by paper clip to the matted part of the picture.

The index card should include the cat’s name, age and sex, and a short description of the cat’s favorite things to do, personality, and other details.

There will be an award for a King and Queen cat. The photo may also be entered into the Art Department as an entry for another chance to receive a ribbon.

ONE $25.00 CASH AWARD NEW BAKING CONTEST SPONSORED BY KING ARTHUR Flour - CLASS 34-BC

1. No commercial mixes allowed. Homemade mixes are allowed but must be labeled. They will not be judged against items made from “scratch.”

2. Unbaked and microwave exhibits must be labeled.

3. Recipes must be attached to “Diabetic” food preparation entries.

4. Foods showing obvious signs of spoilage will be discarded.

CLASS 25: BREADS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 26: CAKES (1/2 cake only)

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 27: DECORATED CAKES

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 28: CANDY (6 pieces)

3 2 1

CLASS 29: COOKIES (minimum of 6) 3 2 1

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 30: PIES (in pie tin)

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 31: DIABETIC BAKING (Attach recipe to exhibit)

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 32: WILD GAME JERKY

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 33: HOMEMADE MIXES IN A JAR

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 34: GLUTEN FREE BAKING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 34-BC: BAKING CONTEST SPONSORED BY KING ARTHUR FLOUR

Best of Show Rosette

2022 Prizes

Adult/Senior Prizes

1st Place: $50 gift certificate to the Baker’s Catalogue/kingarthurflour.com & dish towel

2nd Place: $40 gift certificate to the Baker’s Catalogue/kingarthurflour.com & King Arthur tote bag

3rd Place: $25 gift certificate

2021 PRIZES:

Youth/Junior Prizes

1st Place: $50 gift certificate to the Baker’s Catalogue/kingarthurflour.com & dish towel

2nd Place: $40 gift certificate to the Baker’s Catalogue/kingarthurflour.com & King Arthur tote bag

3rd Place: $25 gift certificate

RULES

1. All VBC Fair documents must be completed for each exhibit.

2. Exhibitors must bring the opened bag of King Arthur Flour OR submit the original UPC label from the flour bag when the exhibit is entered. Flour will be noted, but not kept.

3. Exhibitors must provide a legible recipe with the exhibit.

4. All exhibits must be submitted in or on a disposable container.

5. Failure to follow the rules may result in disqualification.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Judging will be based on the latest USDA recommendations.

2. For judging and safety reasons, jars must be clear with Mason or other standard/recognized name brand with a clean metal lid and ring. Jars with designs or etching will be disqualified. Ball Elite clear jars (square and spiral) will be accepted.

3. Dried food must be in a clear jar and need not be sealed. They may be handled by the judges to determine stage of dehydration.

4. All labels, tags, and stickers must be removed from the jars. Do not write on lids.

5. No food coloring is allowed unless recipe calls for ingredient. Attach recipe if color is included in canning.

CLASS 35: CANNED FRUITS & FRUIT JUICE

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 36: CANNED VEGETABLES Canned Squash will not be accepted

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 37: SOFT SPREADS - JAMS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 38: SOFT SPREADS - JELLIES 3 2 1

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 39: BUTTERS, PRESERVES, MARMALADES & CONSERVES

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 40: PICKLES

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 41: RELISHES & SAUCES

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 42: CANNED MEAT & FISH

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 43: DRIED FRUITS

3 2 1

CLASS 44: DRIED VEGETABLES 3 2 1

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 45: DRIED MEATS

Best of Show

CLASS 46: DRIED HERBS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 47: HONEY (APIARY)

Best of Show Rosette

All hanging craft exhibits should be wired and ready to hang. No sawtooth hangers.

CLASS 50: GENERAL CRAFT ITEMS 5 4 3

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 51: SCRAPBOOK

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 52: SOAPS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 53: CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 54: OTHER HOLIDAY CRAFTS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 55: EGG SHELL ART

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 56: GOURDS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 57: WOOD CARVING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 58: DECORATED HATS

Best of Show Rosette

CREATIVE WRITING - TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY FAIR BOARD IN MEMORY OF DEE PATTERSON

1. Photos must have been taken since previous county fair.

2. Photo must be 8 x 10 and mounted on an 11 x 14 mat (no frame or glass).

3. Creative writing must have been written since previous county fair.

CLASS 59: BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 60: COLOR PHOTOS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 62: THIS IS ARKANSAS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 63: COMPUTER ENHANCED

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 64: VAN BUREN COUNTY NATURAL PHOTOS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 65: CREATIVE WRITING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 66: COLLECTIONS Must be in a case, cabinet or album

Best of Show Rosette

Photo entries are included under Hobbies, Photography & Collections. See the Hobbies section for black and white photos, color photos, Van Buren County natural photos, and related photo classes.

CLASS 70: WOOD WORKING AND FURNISHINGS 3 2 1

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 71: WOOD WORKING

Best of Show Rosette

QUILTS ONLY - TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE PIECEMAKERS QUILT GUILD

1. All framed items must be wired and ready to hang (no saw tooth hangers).

2. Group quilt is defined as 3 or more people involved in making the quilt.

CLASS 80: HAND QUILTED (by exhibitor) - quilts twin size or larger

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 81: MACHINE QUILTED (Quilted by exhibitor) - quilts twin size or larger

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 82 A: ANTIQUE QUILTS (70 years or older)

CLASS 82: MACHINE QUILTED (Not quilted by exhibitor) - quilts twin size or larger

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 83: BABY QUILTS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 84 A: QUILT TOPS AND QUILT BLOCKS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 85 A: OTHER QUILTED ITEMS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 84: PILLOWS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 85: RUGS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 86: MOUNTED NEEDLEWORK

All mounted needle work must be framed, wired and ready to hang. No saw tooth hangers allowed.

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 87 HAS BEEN DELETED

CLASS 88: CROCHET

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 89: KNITTING 10 8 4

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 90: OTHER HOUSEHOLD ARTS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 91: CREATIVE RECYCLING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 92: CHRISTMAS CORNER

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 93: TABLE PLACE SETTING

Best of Show Rosette

TWO $25.00 CASH AWARDS ARE BEING SPONSORED BY THE VAN BUREN COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

ONE $25.00 CASH AWARD IS BEING SPONSORED BY PACK LUMBER COMPANY OF CLINTON

CLASS 100: FIELD CROPS Points

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 101: HORTICULTURE - FRUITS

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 102: VEGETABLES

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 103: OTHER HORTICULTURE 3 2 1

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 104: ARKANSAS - ALL NATURAL HABITAT

1366. Bird Nest !!DELETED!!

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 105: VEGGIE CHARACTER

CLASS 106: DECORATED GARDEN ITEMS

CLASS 107: UNIQUE GARDENING PLANTERS (3 OR MORE PLANTS ARE REQUIRED IN THE PLANTER)

CLASS 110: EGGS

Best of Show Rosette

FIELD CROPS/HORT - CLASS 111: FRESH HERBS

Best of Show Rosette

Educational exhibits are open to any Van Buren County Civic Club (4-H, EHC, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.) and to school classrooms. To reserve exhibit space call Dana Huyck 501-253-3206

Exhibit area available will be 4 feet wide and 4 feet deep. THE EXHIBITOR MUST FURNISH THEIR OWN TABLE AND A SCIENCE EXHIBIT (TRI-FOLD) POSTER BOARD FOR THE EXHIBIT BACKDDROP!

CLASS 115: EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS - YOUTH

15 10 5

CLASS 116: EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS - JUNIOR 15 10 5

CLASS 117: EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS - ADULT or SENIOR

CLASS 120: CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 121: MEN’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 122: WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Best of Show Rosette

CLASS 122: HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Best of Show Rosette