Herkimer County Fair Offers Something for Everyone With Pageants, Horse Shows, Youth Events and Exhibits

The Herkimer County Fair is gearing up for another week filled with competition, entertainment, family activities and opportunities for local residents to showcase their talents. From pageants and horse shows to youth events, livestock competitions, antiques and arts and crafts, the fair's 2026 schedule offers activities for participants of all ages.

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Queen, Princess and Prince Pageant Set for August 18

One of the fair's featured youth events is the Queen, Princess & Prince Pageant, sponsored by Gillette Shows, on Tuesday, August 18, following the Little Mr. and Miss Pageant.

Contestants must sign in at the pavilion beginning at 5 p.m., with the pageant scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Participants will be judged on appearance, poise and personality, with interviews conducted on stage.

The Queen division is open to contestants ages 13 through 17. The Princess division is for girls ages 10 through 12, while boys ages 7 through 14 are eligible for the Prince division.

Queen contestants will compete for $125 and a trophy, with additional awards of $75 and a trophy for first runner-up, $50 and a trophy for second runner-up, and a trophy for third runner-up.

The Princess and Prince winners will each receive $80 and a trophy. First runner-up will receive $60 and a trophy, while second runner-up will receive $40 and a trophy. Third runner-up will receive a trophy.

Applications are available through the Fair Administration Office, and entries are due by August 17. Completed entries may be mailed to the Herkimer County Fair Association at P.O. Box 47, Frankfort, NY 13340, or dropped off at the Herkimer Fair Office at 135 Cemetery Street.

The fair emphasizes that pageant winners play an important role throughout the fair season. Queens and other titleholders may be called upon to award trophies and ribbons, conduct interviews, participate in parades and represent the Herkimer County Fair at events during the year.

QUEEN COURT

PRINCESS COURT

PRINCE COURT

Horse Show Returns Saturday

Equine enthusiasts will have plenty to see during the Youth & Open Horse Show on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 9 a.m.

The show features both youth and open divisions, with High Point and Reserve High Point rosettes awarded in Beginners, Junior and Open divisions. An Overall Horsemanship award will also include a $100 gift certificate furnished by Clinton Tractor.

Open classes have a $5 entry fee per class, with premiums of $12 for first place, $8 for second, $5 for third and $3 for fourth. Youth classes are free for riders age 18 and younger and offer premiums of $5, $3, $2 and $1 for the top four placements.

Saturday's extensive lineup includes halter, showmanship, English and Western equitation, hunter under saddle, working hunter, horsemanship, pleasure, ranch riding, command classes and trail.

Safety and animal health are key requirements. Valid rabies vaccination and Coggins testing are required with no exceptions. Riders under 18 must wear helmets in all classes, while helmets and proper footwear are specifically required for game classes.

Kids Power Wheel Derby to Bring Family Fun

Young drivers will take over the show area Sunday, August 23, at 6 p.m. for the Kids Power Wheel Derby, sponsored by the Petkovsek Family and Stewart's Shops.

Children ages 3 through 10 can participate, with separate age groups for ages 3–5 and 6–10.

Participants must use regular electric Power Wheels vehicles equipped with doors. Helmets, long sleeves, long pants and boots or sneakers are required. Vehicles must also meet specific safety requirements, including secured doors and tailgates, covered tires and properly secured batteries.

Decorative modifications are permitted, but vehicles cannot be reinforced.

Every participant will receive a prize, and a special award will be presented in each age division for the best-decorated Power Wheel. Spectators are encouraged to cheer from behind the designated barriers once the derby begins.

Scholarships Support Local Students

The Herkimer County Fair Association also supports local students through its scholarship program.

High school seniors who have exhibited or participated in any department at the Herkimer County Fair, or who have been contributing participants at the fair, are eligible to apply. The association awards four $250 scholarships and two $500 scholarships.

Applications are due May 1 each year and can be mailed or dropped off at the fair office.

Students may also be eligible for scholarships offered through the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Association of County Fairs. Applicants for those programs are automatically considered for the Herkimer County Fair scholarship.

Competitions Showcase Local Talent and Agriculture

The fair's departments provide opportunities for exhibitors to showcase everything from antiques and handmade crafts to livestock and agricultural products.

The Antiques Department welcomes exhibitors of all ages from Herkimer County and surrounding counties. Entries must generally be at least 20 years old and may include mechanical objects, tools, kitchen gadgets, books, records, jewelry, glassware, pottery, toys, quilts and larger antique items such as gas engines, farm implements and garden tractors.

The Arts and Crafts Department gives exhibitors an opportunity to display original work, including woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, photography, painting, illustration, leatherwork, baskets, modeling clay and other handicrafts.

Agricultural competitions remain another major part of the fair. The Beef Department will hold its Youth and Open Show Saturday, August 22, at 10 a.m. Open exhibitors can compete for premiums ranging from $25 for first place to $10 for fourth, while youth premiums range from $20 to $5. Supreme Champions will receive a $100 gift certificate from Clinton Tractor.

The Beef Show also features showmanship divisions ranging from Novice and Pee Wee to Juniors, Intermediate, Seniors and the Over the Hill division for competitors age 20 and older.

A Week of Community, Competition and Tradition

With pageants recognizing local youth, horse and livestock competitions highlighting agricultural traditions, creative exhibits celebrating local talent and family activities providing entertainment for younger fairgoers, the Herkimer County Fair continues to offer a broad range of ways for the community to participate.

Those interested in competing, exhibiting or attending can find schedules, departments, entry information and other fair details through the Herkimer County Fair website.

https://www.herkimercountyfair.org/