For the first time in decades, Jefferson County’s annual summer fair will be without its carnival. The 2026 Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo, scheduled for July 22–25 at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras, will not include the rides and games that generations of county families have associated with the event.
Bart Platt, the Jefferson County Event Complex manager, announced this week that the fair’s longtime carnival vendor was forced to withdraw.
“Unfortunately, our carnival provider informed us that they are unable to attend this year’s fair due to a shortage of workers,” Platt said.
With less than a month until the fair opens, organizers were unable to find a replacement vendor. Platt said the fair board explored all available options before accepting that the carnival would not be part of the 2026 event.
The Fair Goes On
Fair Board Chair Dan Comingore addressed the news directly on the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo’s Facebook page, acknowledging disappointment while urging residents not to write off the event.
“Over the years we have obstacles and challenges that we have to overcome. Some we can overcome fairly easily, some take some work. And some we can’t overcome.”
Comingore emphasized that the fair is far more than its carnival midway. “The Jefferson County Fair is still alive and well,” he said. “Yes, it may look a little different because we don’t have a carnival, but our fair is not defined by a carnival.”
What’s Still Happening
This year’s event will still feature a packed slate of entertainment and community programming, including:
- 11 live bands performing across the fair’s four days
- The “Scales & Tails” interactive animal show
- A Jefferson County’s Got Talent showcase
- 4-H and FFA livestock and project exhibits
- Rodeo competition
The county’s fair website had previously described the 2026 edition as “shaping up to be our largest event yet.” Organizers say that spirit remains intact despite the carnival’s absence.
Ticket Refunds Available
Anyone who pre-purchased carnival tickets may receive a full refund at the fairgrounds main office, which is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo has been an annual tradition since the 1930s and is one of the largest community gatherings in Jefferson County each summer. This year’s fair runs July 22–25 at the Jefferson County Event Complex.