Heat wave greets 2026 Webster County Fair
Barns fill, tents go up and temps climb into fair week
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br> Aleah Anderson, 17, washes down one of her cows Wednesday afternoon at the Webster County Fair. Anderson is part of the Dayton Tigers 4-H club and will be showing Friday morning in the livestock beef competition.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br>Ezra Rasmussen, 3, and his mother, Jill, look at the ducks in the poultry barn at the Webster County Fairgrounds.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br>Cody Condon, 7, of Clare, plays a round of miniature golf at the Kids Zone at the Webster County Fair.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br> Aleah Anderson, 17, washes down one of her cows Wednesday afternoon at the Webster County Fair. Anderson is part of the Dayton Tigers 4-H club and will be showing Friday morning in the livestock beef competition.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br>Ezra Rasmussen, 3, and his mother, Jill, look at the ducks in the poultry barn at the Webster County Fairgrounds.
-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist <br>Cody Condon, 7, of Clare, plays a round of miniature golf at the Kids Zone at the Webster County Fair.
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As the heat index climbed to 95 degrees Wednesday afternoon, Webster County Fair Manager Heather Stewart wasn't watching the thermometer, she was hauling fans into the goat barn, angling them toward the stalls as the first livestock arrived.
The 2026 Webster County Fair opened amid high heat, with exhibitors bringing in livestock Wednesday afternoon and organizers working to keep animals and fairgoers cool. Crews had planned ahead with fans in all of the livestock barns and arenas, and water plentifully available throughout the grounds.
"It's a hot one, but it's been a great day," said Stewart. "We started the day with a dog show and flag raising, and we had a lot of new faces at that. Animals are in place now and we're working to make sure that they're all keeping cool and staying healthy. We have a lot happening and a lot of great entertainment for everyone at this year's fair."
The first 4-H and FFA livestock shows will begin at 9 a.m. today with the sheep show followed by the goat, rabbit, and swine show in the updated indoor arena.
Kids Day at the fair today includes a dinosaur exhibit, Agri-bots, the Pompeyo Dog Show, the Lew-E's Comedy Circus, and even a cupcake eating contest.
"We have some really great entertainment options this year," said Stewart. "The sharks weren't able to come, but we have a dinosaur exhibit coming in and it's really neat. There's definitely something for everyone to enjoy at this year's fair."
The IRR Youth Rodeo will close out today's fair entertainment in the outdoor arena followed by Punching Pandas at the free stage.
"Tonight's entertainment is free, and it's Kids Day, so come on out and enjoy the 2026 Webster County Fair," said Stewart.
Webster County Fair: Thursday, Kids Day
8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. -- Auditorium open
9 a.m. -- Webster County Future Showman Sheep (Indoor Arena)
9:30 a.m. -- 4-H/FFA Rabbit Hopping
9:30 a.m. -- 4-H/FFA Sheep Show (Indoor Arena)
11 a.m. -- Dinosaur Exhibits -- All Day Entertainment (across from kids zone)
11 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Kid's Zone Fun
11 a.m. -- Agri Bot (All Day Entertainment)
11 a.m. -- Lew-E's Comedy Circus (Kids Zone )
11 a.m. -- 7 p.m. Agri Bot (All Day Entertainment)
11 a.m. -- Kids DJ Bingo (free stage)
11:30 a.m. -- Webster County Future Showman Goat (Indoor Arena) to follow Sheep Show
12 p.m. -- 4-H/FFA Goat Show (Indoor Arena)
12 p.m. -- Pompeyo Dog Show (Behind the east side of the auditorium)
1 p.m. -- Kids Scavenger Hunt (Start in Kids Zone)
1:30 p.m. -- 4-H/FFA Rabbit Show
3 p.m. -- Cupcake eating contest (Free stage)
4 p.m. -- Scott's Amusement Carnival
4 p.m. -- Sunset Helicopter Rides
5 p.m. -- Webster County Future Showman Swine
5:15 p.m. -- 4-H/FFA swine show (Start with Peewee Show) (Indoor Arena)
5:30 p.m. -- Lew-E's Comedy Circus (Kids Zone)
6:30 p.m. -- Bill Riley Talent Show (East Side of Auditorium)
7 p.m. -- Rodeo (Outdoor Arena)
7 p.m. -- Pompeyo Dog Show (Behind the east side of the auditorium)
7:30 p.m. -- Lew-E's Comedy Circus (Kids Zone)
8 p.m. -- Punching Pandas Concert (Free Stage)