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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T080000
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SUMMARY:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island
DESCRIPTION:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island\, from Wednesday\, August 12\, through Sunday\, August 16\, bringing five days of country music\, midway rides\, livestock shows\, horse and ox pulls\, motorsports\, agricultural exhibits\, fair food\, family contests\, 4-H activities\, and more than 130 food and craft vendors to the Washington County Fairgrounds. \nThis isn’t simply a carnival with some farm animals tucked into a corner. \nAgriculture remains at the heart of the Washington County Fair nearly 60 years after the first fair was held in 1967. Walk away from the midway and you’ll find cattle being judged in the show barn\, young 4-H members showing animals they’ve spent months raising\, draft horses pulling thousands of pounds\, vegetables and flowers competing for ribbons\, and exhibits celebrating the farming traditions the fair was originally created to preserve. \nThen\, when evening arrives\, the Main Stage comes alive with nationally known country artists. \nFor anyone looking for the full county-fair experience\, this is one of Rhode Island’s biggest summer traditions. \nFive Days at the Fair\nFair gates open at 8:00 a.m.\, although most activities and vendors begin around 10:00 a.m. \nThe midway opens daily at noon. \nThe fair remains open until: \n\nWednesday through Saturday: 11:00 p.m.\nSunday: 8:00 p.m.\n\nWith livestock shows beginning early and concerts continuing well into the evening\, it’s entirely possible to spend most of a day here. \nCountry Music Takes Over the Main Stage\nMusic is included with fair admission\, and the 2026 Main Stage lineup features nationally known country performers alongside rising artists. \nWednesday\, August 12\nPresley & Taylor — 9:00 p.m. \nSister duo Presley & Taylor bring their contemporary country sound and close harmonies to opening night. \nThursday\, August 13\nJoss Ross — 9:00 p.m. \nCountry singer-songwriter Joss Ross headlines Thursday night. \nFriday\, August 14\nMark Wills — 9:00 p.m. \nFriday belongs to one of the weekend’s biggest names. \nGrand Ole Opry member Mark Wills scored a string of country hits during the late 1990s and early 2000s\, including 19 Somethin’\, Wish You Were Here\, Don’t Laugh at Me\, Places I’ve Never Been\, and I Do (Cherish You). \nSaturday\, August 15\nJamie O’Neal & Ty Herndon — 9:00 p.m. \nSaturday brings two established country stars to the same Main Stage. \nJamie O’Neal broke through with back-to-back No. 1 hits There Is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels. \nTy Herndon became one of country’s recognizable voices of the 1990s with songs including What Mattered Most\, Living in a Moment\, and It Must Be Love. \nSunday\, August 16\nZach John King — 6:00 p.m. \nRising country singer-songwriter Zach John King closes the Main Stage schedule Sunday evening. \nEarlier performances are also scheduled during the week\, including Raquel Hawkins at 4 p.m. Friday and Madhatter at 4 p.m. Saturday. \nThis Is Still a Real Agricultural Fair\nIt’s easy to get distracted by the Ferris wheel and concerts\, but some of the most interesting parts of the Washington County Fair are inside the barns and show rings. \nThe fair includes competitions and exhibits involving: \n\nDairy cattle\nBeef cattle\nWorking steer\nSheep\nSwine\nGoats\nRabbits\nPoultry\n4-H animals\nAgricultural exhibits\nVegetables and produce\nFlowers and dahlias\nGrange exhibits\nScarecrows\nArts and crafts\nPhotography\nNeedlework and quilts\nBaking and canned goods\n\nSaturday morning features the Premier Animal Contest at 10 a.m.\, bringing together Grand Champion animals from the fair’s different livestock divisions. \nSunday at 11 a.m.\, the Premier Showmanship Contest puts the emphasis on the young exhibitors themselves as first-place showmanship winners demonstrate their skills handling animals from multiple livestock divisions. \nFor children who have never spent much time around agriculture\, don’t rush through this part of the fair. \nStop at the barns. \nWatch a judging competition. \nAsk questions. \nSome of the young exhibitors have spent much of the year preparing an animal for the few minutes you’ll see inside the show ring. \nHorse\, Ox and Pony Pulls\nAnimal pulling competitions remain another connection to the fair’s agricultural roots. \nDifferent nights feature different classes of working animals competing to pull increasingly heavy loads. \nThe schedule includes: \nWednesday: Pony Pull\nThursday: Ox Pull\nFriday: Horse Pull \nFriday night’s Horse Pull features teams divided into under and over 3\,225-pound classes\, competing in traditional 12-foot pulls. \nThese aren’t staged demonstrations. They’re competitions governed by established pulling-association rules\, with prize money awarded to the top teams. \nMotorsports and Pulling Events\nThe fair’s show rings aren’t reserved entirely for livestock. \nTruck and tractor pulling events bring horsepower of a very different kind to the grounds\, adding engine noise\, dirt\, and competition to the traditional agricultural schedule. \nFor families with children fascinated by tractors\, trucks\, and heavy machinery\, this side of the fair can be every bit as exciting as the midway. \nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive\, because individual pulling and motorsports events are held at specific times throughout the fair. \nThe Midway\nRockwell Amusements returns with the Washington County Fair midway\, continuing a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. \nThe midway opens at 12:00 p.m. each day with rides for children\, families\, and thrill seekers. \nExpect everything from traditional fair rides to attractions including the Ferris wheel\, Zipper\, and what Rockwell bills as the largest traveling roller coaster in New England. \nIndividual rides require between three and six tickets. \nRide Ticket Prices\nSingle ticket: $1.50\n25 tickets: $25\n40 tickets: $40 \nUnlimited Ride Wristbands\nUnlimited ride wristbands are available on select days. \nWednesday\, Thursday & Friday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon to 6:00 p.m. \nSunday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon until closing. \nThe bungee jump is not included with tickets or unlimited ride wristbands and requires separate cash payment. \nChildren must be at least 36 inches tall to ride kiddie rides\, and individual attractions may have additional height requirements. \nKids Can Do More Than Ride the Rides\nSome of my favorite things on the schedule are the activities that could only happen at a county fair. \nWe’re talking about mooing. \nPie eating. \nMilking. \nEgg tossing. \nThis weekend’s children’s activities include: \nFriday\n12:00 p.m. — Mooing Contest \nYes. A mooing contest. \nIf your child has spent years perfecting an inexplicably convincing cow impression\, their moment has arrived. \n1:00 p.m. — Obstacle Race \n3:00 p.m. — Potato Sack Race \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \nChildren ages 7–12 who have never milked an animal before compete to see who can collect the most milk. \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSaturday\n10:00 a.m. — Pedal Tractor Pull \n1:00 p.m. — Water Balloon Toss \n3:00 p.m. — Junior Pie Eating Contest \nThis one is for ages 13–17. Hands stay behind the back while competitors attempt to finish half of a full-size pie using nothing but their mouths. \nIt’s going to get messy. \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSunday\n1:00 p.m. — Corn Shucking Contest \n2:00 p.m. — Senior Pie Eating Contest \n3:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n4:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSome contests require advance registration\, generally one hour before the event\, and participation may be limited. \nStage ’67\nNeed a break from the midway? \nStage ’67 is dedicated to family entertainment throughout the fair. \nFarmer K: Stories From the Barnyard brings farm-themed storytelling to the stage on multiple days. \nThe Rhode Island Circus Space also performs throughout the five-day fair with circus arts and family entertainment. \nWeekend circus performances include: \nFriday: 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSaturday: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSunday: 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. \nCome Hungry\nYou shouldn’t have much trouble finding something to eat. \nMore than 130 food and craft vendors participate in the Washington County Fair\, creating an enormous marketplace throughout the grounds. \nFair food ranges from Rhode Island and New England favorites to the classics you probably started thinking about the moment somebody mentioned going to the fair. \nExpect choices including: \n\nBurgers\nBarbecue\nSeafood\nSteak sandwiches\nStrawberry shortcake\nFresh-squeezed lemonade\nTraditional carnival food\nDesserts and sweet treats\n\nOne interesting detail: many of the food vendors are operated by nonprofit organizations\, so that plate of fair food may also be supporting a local group. \nMany food vendors accept cash only\, although ATMs are available on the fairgrounds. \nCoolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. \nDon’t Skip the Exhibit Buildings\nThe exhibit buildings are easy to overlook when there’s a midway glowing outside. \nGo inside anyway. \nThis is where you’ll find the quieter side of county-fair competition: vegetables grown in someone’s backyard\, carefully arranged flowers\, photography\, quilts\, needlework\, ceramics\, crafts\, canned goods\, baking entries\, and other projects competing for ribbons. \nThere’s also a 4-H Exhibit Hall where young people display projects ranging from agriculture and animal care to gardening and other skills. \nThese exhibits may not have flashing lights. \nThey don’t need them. \nThey’re part of what separates a county fair from a summer carnival. \nNearly 60 Years of Washington County Fair History\nThe Washington County Fair began in 1967 on the grounds of the Perryville Grange in Wakefield. \nIt was created to emphasize the importance of agriculture in everyday life while reviving the traditional county fair experience. \nIt didn’t take long to outgrow its original home. \nAfter only two years\, organizers purchased land in Richmond. The property included a stand of pine trees on a sloping hill that organizers envisioned as a natural amphitheater. \nThere was just one problem. \nThey had to build practically everything. \nLand needed clearing. Boulders had to be removed. Booths had to be constructed. A stage had to be built. \nGrange members and other volunteers did much of the work themselves. \nThat volunteer tradition continues today. The Washington County Fair is owned and operated by the Washington County Pomona Grange\, and organizers begin preparing for the next fair almost as soon as the previous one ends. \nOver the decades\, the grounds have expanded to include additional pulling rings\, livestock facilities\, exhibit spaces\, and an agricultural museum filled with equipment and artifacts from Rhode Island’s farming past. \nThe midway has gotten bigger. \nThe concerts have gotten bigger. \nBut the goal hasn’t changed much since 1967: create an authentic county fair where families can experience a piece of Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage. \nAdmission\nAdults and ages 11+: $14 at the gate \nChildren 10 and under: FREE \nGate admission includes: \n\nMain Stage concerts\nSpecial entertainment\nAgricultural events\nLivestock shows\nExhibits and displays\nContests\nTractor pulls\nHorse and livestock pulls\nFarm museum admission\n\nMidway rides require separate tickets or wristbands. \nGate purchases are cash only. \nSame-day re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp. \nThe Washington County Fair is held rain or shine. \nParking\nParking is free. \nDesignated parking is available at the fairgrounds\, with additional off-site lots used during busy periods. \nThe Beaver River off-site lot operates: \nThursday & Friday: 4:00 p.m. to close\nSaturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to close \nShuttle service is available from the Beaver River lot. \nThe final shuttle from the fairgrounds generally leaves approximately 30 minutes after the Main Stage concert. \nAccessible parking is available near the fair entrance for vehicles displaying the appropriate placard. \nVisitors should follow fair staff and parking attendants rather than parking on surrounding private property or in undesignated areas. \nWhat to Know Before You Go\nA few things can make the day easier: \n\nBring cash. Gate admission and many food vendors are cash only.\nWear comfortable shoes. The fairgrounds are large and you’ll do plenty of walking.\nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive. Livestock shows\, pulls\, contests\, concerts\, and children’s activities happen throughout the day.\nIf the kids want to enter a contest\, check registration requirements early. Several competitions require registration before the scheduled start.\nMidway rides don’t open until noon\, but the fairgrounds open much earlier.\nDon’t bring a cooler or alcoholic beverages.\nGive yourself more time than you think you’ll need.\n\nMost importantly\, don’t spend the entire day on the midway. \nRide the Ferris wheel. Absolutely. \nEat something fried that you probably wouldn’t eat anywhere else. \nBut then walk through a livestock barn. Watch a horse pull. Look at the vegetables somebody grew well enough to earn a blue ribbon. Let the kids try their best cow impression in the mooing contest. \nThat’s the Washington County Fair experience. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Washington County Fair 2026 \nDates: Wednesday\, August 12 – Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nLocation: Washington County Fairgrounds \nAddress: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road\, Route 112\, Richmond\, RI 02812 \nFairgrounds Open: 8:00 a.m. daily \nMost Activities & Vendors: Beginning around 10:00 a.m. \nMidway Opens: 12:00 p.m. daily \nClosing: 11:00 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday; 8:00 p.m. Sunday \nAdmission: $14 ages 11+; children 10 and under free \nParking: Free \nMidway: Additional charge \nWeather: Rain or shine \nMore Information\nMore information\, including the complete daily schedule and any last-minute changes\, is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/washington-county-fair-2026-in-richmond-rhode-island/2026-08-14/
LOCATION:Washington County Fairgrounds\, 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd\, Richmond\, RI\, 02812\, United States
CATEGORIES:Washington County Fairgrounds
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Washington-County-Fair-2026-in-Richmond-Rhode-Island.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T230000
DTSTAMP:20260813T233907Z
CREATED:20260813T233907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T233907Z
UID:10007196-1786780800-1786834800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island
DESCRIPTION:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island\, from Wednesday\, August 12\, through Sunday\, August 16\, bringing five days of country music\, midway rides\, livestock shows\, horse and ox pulls\, motorsports\, agricultural exhibits\, fair food\, family contests\, 4-H activities\, and more than 130 food and craft vendors to the Washington County Fairgrounds. \nThis isn’t simply a carnival with some farm animals tucked into a corner. \nAgriculture remains at the heart of the Washington County Fair nearly 60 years after the first fair was held in 1967. Walk away from the midway and you’ll find cattle being judged in the show barn\, young 4-H members showing animals they’ve spent months raising\, draft horses pulling thousands of pounds\, vegetables and flowers competing for ribbons\, and exhibits celebrating the farming traditions the fair was originally created to preserve. \nThen\, when evening arrives\, the Main Stage comes alive with nationally known country artists. \nFor anyone looking for the full county-fair experience\, this is one of Rhode Island’s biggest summer traditions. \nFive Days at the Fair\nFair gates open at 8:00 a.m.\, although most activities and vendors begin around 10:00 a.m. \nThe midway opens daily at noon. \nThe fair remains open until: \n\nWednesday through Saturday: 11:00 p.m.\nSunday: 8:00 p.m.\n\nWith livestock shows beginning early and concerts continuing well into the evening\, it’s entirely possible to spend most of a day here. \nCountry Music Takes Over the Main Stage\nMusic is included with fair admission\, and the 2026 Main Stage lineup features nationally known country performers alongside rising artists. \nWednesday\, August 12\nPresley & Taylor — 9:00 p.m. \nSister duo Presley & Taylor bring their contemporary country sound and close harmonies to opening night. \nThursday\, August 13\nJoss Ross — 9:00 p.m. \nCountry singer-songwriter Joss Ross headlines Thursday night. \nFriday\, August 14\nMark Wills — 9:00 p.m. \nFriday belongs to one of the weekend’s biggest names. \nGrand Ole Opry member Mark Wills scored a string of country hits during the late 1990s and early 2000s\, including 19 Somethin’\, Wish You Were Here\, Don’t Laugh at Me\, Places I’ve Never Been\, and I Do (Cherish You). \nSaturday\, August 15\nJamie O’Neal & Ty Herndon — 9:00 p.m. \nSaturday brings two established country stars to the same Main Stage. \nJamie O’Neal broke through with back-to-back No. 1 hits There Is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels. \nTy Herndon became one of country’s recognizable voices of the 1990s with songs including What Mattered Most\, Living in a Moment\, and It Must Be Love. \nSunday\, August 16\nZach John King — 6:00 p.m. \nRising country singer-songwriter Zach John King closes the Main Stage schedule Sunday evening. \nEarlier performances are also scheduled during the week\, including Raquel Hawkins at 4 p.m. Friday and Madhatter at 4 p.m. Saturday. \nThis Is Still a Real Agricultural Fair\nIt’s easy to get distracted by the Ferris wheel and concerts\, but some of the most interesting parts of the Washington County Fair are inside the barns and show rings. \nThe fair includes competitions and exhibits involving: \n\nDairy cattle\nBeef cattle\nWorking steer\nSheep\nSwine\nGoats\nRabbits\nPoultry\n4-H animals\nAgricultural exhibits\nVegetables and produce\nFlowers and dahlias\nGrange exhibits\nScarecrows\nArts and crafts\nPhotography\nNeedlework and quilts\nBaking and canned goods\n\nSaturday morning features the Premier Animal Contest at 10 a.m.\, bringing together Grand Champion animals from the fair’s different livestock divisions. \nSunday at 11 a.m.\, the Premier Showmanship Contest puts the emphasis on the young exhibitors themselves as first-place showmanship winners demonstrate their skills handling animals from multiple livestock divisions. \nFor children who have never spent much time around agriculture\, don’t rush through this part of the fair. \nStop at the barns. \nWatch a judging competition. \nAsk questions. \nSome of the young exhibitors have spent much of the year preparing an animal for the few minutes you’ll see inside the show ring. \nHorse\, Ox and Pony Pulls\nAnimal pulling competitions remain another connection to the fair’s agricultural roots. \nDifferent nights feature different classes of working animals competing to pull increasingly heavy loads. \nThe schedule includes: \nWednesday: Pony Pull\nThursday: Ox Pull\nFriday: Horse Pull \nFriday night’s Horse Pull features teams divided into under and over 3\,225-pound classes\, competing in traditional 12-foot pulls. \nThese aren’t staged demonstrations. They’re competitions governed by established pulling-association rules\, with prize money awarded to the top teams. \nMotorsports and Pulling Events\nThe fair’s show rings aren’t reserved entirely for livestock. \nTruck and tractor pulling events bring horsepower of a very different kind to the grounds\, adding engine noise\, dirt\, and competition to the traditional agricultural schedule. \nFor families with children fascinated by tractors\, trucks\, and heavy machinery\, this side of the fair can be every bit as exciting as the midway. \nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive\, because individual pulling and motorsports events are held at specific times throughout the fair. \nThe Midway\nRockwell Amusements returns with the Washington County Fair midway\, continuing a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. \nThe midway opens at 12:00 p.m. each day with rides for children\, families\, and thrill seekers. \nExpect everything from traditional fair rides to attractions including the Ferris wheel\, Zipper\, and what Rockwell bills as the largest traveling roller coaster in New England. \nIndividual rides require between three and six tickets. \nRide Ticket Prices\nSingle ticket: $1.50\n25 tickets: $25\n40 tickets: $40 \nUnlimited Ride Wristbands\nUnlimited ride wristbands are available on select days. \nWednesday\, Thursday & Friday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon to 6:00 p.m. \nSunday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon until closing. \nThe bungee jump is not included with tickets or unlimited ride wristbands and requires separate cash payment. \nChildren must be at least 36 inches tall to ride kiddie rides\, and individual attractions may have additional height requirements. \nKids Can Do More Than Ride the Rides\nSome of my favorite things on the schedule are the activities that could only happen at a county fair. \nWe’re talking about mooing. \nPie eating. \nMilking. \nEgg tossing. \nThis weekend’s children’s activities include: \nFriday\n12:00 p.m. — Mooing Contest \nYes. A mooing contest. \nIf your child has spent years perfecting an inexplicably convincing cow impression\, their moment has arrived. \n1:00 p.m. — Obstacle Race \n3:00 p.m. — Potato Sack Race \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \nChildren ages 7–12 who have never milked an animal before compete to see who can collect the most milk. \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSaturday\n10:00 a.m. — Pedal Tractor Pull \n1:00 p.m. — Water Balloon Toss \n3:00 p.m. — Junior Pie Eating Contest \nThis one is for ages 13–17. Hands stay behind the back while competitors attempt to finish half of a full-size pie using nothing but their mouths. \nIt’s going to get messy. \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSunday\n1:00 p.m. — Corn Shucking Contest \n2:00 p.m. — Senior Pie Eating Contest \n3:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n4:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSome contests require advance registration\, generally one hour before the event\, and participation may be limited. \nStage ’67\nNeed a break from the midway? \nStage ’67 is dedicated to family entertainment throughout the fair. \nFarmer K: Stories From the Barnyard brings farm-themed storytelling to the stage on multiple days. \nThe Rhode Island Circus Space also performs throughout the five-day fair with circus arts and family entertainment. \nWeekend circus performances include: \nFriday: 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSaturday: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSunday: 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. \nCome Hungry\nYou shouldn’t have much trouble finding something to eat. \nMore than 130 food and craft vendors participate in the Washington County Fair\, creating an enormous marketplace throughout the grounds. \nFair food ranges from Rhode Island and New England favorites to the classics you probably started thinking about the moment somebody mentioned going to the fair. \nExpect choices including: \n\nBurgers\nBarbecue\nSeafood\nSteak sandwiches\nStrawberry shortcake\nFresh-squeezed lemonade\nTraditional carnival food\nDesserts and sweet treats\n\nOne interesting detail: many of the food vendors are operated by nonprofit organizations\, so that plate of fair food may also be supporting a local group. \nMany food vendors accept cash only\, although ATMs are available on the fairgrounds. \nCoolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. \nDon’t Skip the Exhibit Buildings\nThe exhibit buildings are easy to overlook when there’s a midway glowing outside. \nGo inside anyway. \nThis is where you’ll find the quieter side of county-fair competition: vegetables grown in someone’s backyard\, carefully arranged flowers\, photography\, quilts\, needlework\, ceramics\, crafts\, canned goods\, baking entries\, and other projects competing for ribbons. \nThere’s also a 4-H Exhibit Hall where young people display projects ranging from agriculture and animal care to gardening and other skills. \nThese exhibits may not have flashing lights. \nThey don’t need them. \nThey’re part of what separates a county fair from a summer carnival. \nNearly 60 Years of Washington County Fair History\nThe Washington County Fair began in 1967 on the grounds of the Perryville Grange in Wakefield. \nIt was created to emphasize the importance of agriculture in everyday life while reviving the traditional county fair experience. \nIt didn’t take long to outgrow its original home. \nAfter only two years\, organizers purchased land in Richmond. The property included a stand of pine trees on a sloping hill that organizers envisioned as a natural amphitheater. \nThere was just one problem. \nThey had to build practically everything. \nLand needed clearing. Boulders had to be removed. Booths had to be constructed. A stage had to be built. \nGrange members and other volunteers did much of the work themselves. \nThat volunteer tradition continues today. The Washington County Fair is owned and operated by the Washington County Pomona Grange\, and organizers begin preparing for the next fair almost as soon as the previous one ends. \nOver the decades\, the grounds have expanded to include additional pulling rings\, livestock facilities\, exhibit spaces\, and an agricultural museum filled with equipment and artifacts from Rhode Island’s farming past. \nThe midway has gotten bigger. \nThe concerts have gotten bigger. \nBut the goal hasn’t changed much since 1967: create an authentic county fair where families can experience a piece of Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage. \nAdmission\nAdults and ages 11+: $14 at the gate \nChildren 10 and under: FREE \nGate admission includes: \n\nMain Stage concerts\nSpecial entertainment\nAgricultural events\nLivestock shows\nExhibits and displays\nContests\nTractor pulls\nHorse and livestock pulls\nFarm museum admission\n\nMidway rides require separate tickets or wristbands. \nGate purchases are cash only. \nSame-day re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp. \nThe Washington County Fair is held rain or shine. \nParking\nParking is free. \nDesignated parking is available at the fairgrounds\, with additional off-site lots used during busy periods. \nThe Beaver River off-site lot operates: \nThursday & Friday: 4:00 p.m. to close\nSaturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to close \nShuttle service is available from the Beaver River lot. \nThe final shuttle from the fairgrounds generally leaves approximately 30 minutes after the Main Stage concert. \nAccessible parking is available near the fair entrance for vehicles displaying the appropriate placard. \nVisitors should follow fair staff and parking attendants rather than parking on surrounding private property or in undesignated areas. \nWhat to Know Before You Go\nA few things can make the day easier: \n\nBring cash. Gate admission and many food vendors are cash only.\nWear comfortable shoes. The fairgrounds are large and you’ll do plenty of walking.\nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive. Livestock shows\, pulls\, contests\, concerts\, and children’s activities happen throughout the day.\nIf the kids want to enter a contest\, check registration requirements early. Several competitions require registration before the scheduled start.\nMidway rides don’t open until noon\, but the fairgrounds open much earlier.\nDon’t bring a cooler or alcoholic beverages.\nGive yourself more time than you think you’ll need.\n\nMost importantly\, don’t spend the entire day on the midway. \nRide the Ferris wheel. Absolutely. \nEat something fried that you probably wouldn’t eat anywhere else. \nBut then walk through a livestock barn. Watch a horse pull. Look at the vegetables somebody grew well enough to earn a blue ribbon. Let the kids try their best cow impression in the mooing contest. \nThat’s the Washington County Fair experience. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Washington County Fair 2026 \nDates: Wednesday\, August 12 – Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nLocation: Washington County Fairgrounds \nAddress: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road\, Route 112\, Richmond\, RI 02812 \nFairgrounds Open: 8:00 a.m. daily \nMost Activities & Vendors: Beginning around 10:00 a.m. \nMidway Opens: 12:00 p.m. daily \nClosing: 11:00 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday; 8:00 p.m. Sunday \nAdmission: $14 ages 11+; children 10 and under free \nParking: Free \nMidway: Additional charge \nWeather: Rain or shine \nMore Information\nMore information\, including the complete daily schedule and any last-minute changes\, is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/washington-county-fair-2026-in-richmond-rhode-island/2026-08-15/
LOCATION:Washington County Fairgrounds\, 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd\, Richmond\, RI\, 02812\, United States
CATEGORIES:Washington County Fairgrounds
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Washington-County-Fair-2026-in-Richmond-Rhode-Island.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T200000
DTSTAMP:20260813T233907Z
CREATED:20260813T233907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T233907Z
UID:10007197-1786867200-1786910400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island
DESCRIPTION:Washington County Fair 2026 in Richmond\, Rhode Island\, from Wednesday\, August 12\, through Sunday\, August 16\, bringing five days of country music\, midway rides\, livestock shows\, horse and ox pulls\, motorsports\, agricultural exhibits\, fair food\, family contests\, 4-H activities\, and more than 130 food and craft vendors to the Washington County Fairgrounds. \nThis isn’t simply a carnival with some farm animals tucked into a corner. \nAgriculture remains at the heart of the Washington County Fair nearly 60 years after the first fair was held in 1967. Walk away from the midway and you’ll find cattle being judged in the show barn\, young 4-H members showing animals they’ve spent months raising\, draft horses pulling thousands of pounds\, vegetables and flowers competing for ribbons\, and exhibits celebrating the farming traditions the fair was originally created to preserve. \nThen\, when evening arrives\, the Main Stage comes alive with nationally known country artists. \nFor anyone looking for the full county-fair experience\, this is one of Rhode Island’s biggest summer traditions. \nFive Days at the Fair\nFair gates open at 8:00 a.m.\, although most activities and vendors begin around 10:00 a.m. \nThe midway opens daily at noon. \nThe fair remains open until: \n\nWednesday through Saturday: 11:00 p.m.\nSunday: 8:00 p.m.\n\nWith livestock shows beginning early and concerts continuing well into the evening\, it’s entirely possible to spend most of a day here. \nCountry Music Takes Over the Main Stage\nMusic is included with fair admission\, and the 2026 Main Stage lineup features nationally known country performers alongside rising artists. \nWednesday\, August 12\nPresley & Taylor — 9:00 p.m. \nSister duo Presley & Taylor bring their contemporary country sound and close harmonies to opening night. \nThursday\, August 13\nJoss Ross — 9:00 p.m. \nCountry singer-songwriter Joss Ross headlines Thursday night. \nFriday\, August 14\nMark Wills — 9:00 p.m. \nFriday belongs to one of the weekend’s biggest names. \nGrand Ole Opry member Mark Wills scored a string of country hits during the late 1990s and early 2000s\, including 19 Somethin’\, Wish You Were Here\, Don’t Laugh at Me\, Places I’ve Never Been\, and I Do (Cherish You). \nSaturday\, August 15\nJamie O’Neal & Ty Herndon — 9:00 p.m. \nSaturday brings two established country stars to the same Main Stage. \nJamie O’Neal broke through with back-to-back No. 1 hits There Is No Arizona and When I Think About Angels. \nTy Herndon became one of country’s recognizable voices of the 1990s with songs including What Mattered Most\, Living in a Moment\, and It Must Be Love. \nSunday\, August 16\nZach John King — 6:00 p.m. \nRising country singer-songwriter Zach John King closes the Main Stage schedule Sunday evening. \nEarlier performances are also scheduled during the week\, including Raquel Hawkins at 4 p.m. Friday and Madhatter at 4 p.m. Saturday. \nThis Is Still a Real Agricultural Fair\nIt’s easy to get distracted by the Ferris wheel and concerts\, but some of the most interesting parts of the Washington County Fair are inside the barns and show rings. \nThe fair includes competitions and exhibits involving: \n\nDairy cattle\nBeef cattle\nWorking steer\nSheep\nSwine\nGoats\nRabbits\nPoultry\n4-H animals\nAgricultural exhibits\nVegetables and produce\nFlowers and dahlias\nGrange exhibits\nScarecrows\nArts and crafts\nPhotography\nNeedlework and quilts\nBaking and canned goods\n\nSaturday morning features the Premier Animal Contest at 10 a.m.\, bringing together Grand Champion animals from the fair’s different livestock divisions. \nSunday at 11 a.m.\, the Premier Showmanship Contest puts the emphasis on the young exhibitors themselves as first-place showmanship winners demonstrate their skills handling animals from multiple livestock divisions. \nFor children who have never spent much time around agriculture\, don’t rush through this part of the fair. \nStop at the barns. \nWatch a judging competition. \nAsk questions. \nSome of the young exhibitors have spent much of the year preparing an animal for the few minutes you’ll see inside the show ring. \nHorse\, Ox and Pony Pulls\nAnimal pulling competitions remain another connection to the fair’s agricultural roots. \nDifferent nights feature different classes of working animals competing to pull increasingly heavy loads. \nThe schedule includes: \nWednesday: Pony Pull\nThursday: Ox Pull\nFriday: Horse Pull \nFriday night’s Horse Pull features teams divided into under and over 3\,225-pound classes\, competing in traditional 12-foot pulls. \nThese aren’t staged demonstrations. They’re competitions governed by established pulling-association rules\, with prize money awarded to the top teams. \nMotorsports and Pulling Events\nThe fair’s show rings aren’t reserved entirely for livestock. \nTruck and tractor pulling events bring horsepower of a very different kind to the grounds\, adding engine noise\, dirt\, and competition to the traditional agricultural schedule. \nFor families with children fascinated by tractors\, trucks\, and heavy machinery\, this side of the fair can be every bit as exciting as the midway. \nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive\, because individual pulling and motorsports events are held at specific times throughout the fair. \nThe Midway\nRockwell Amusements returns with the Washington County Fair midway\, continuing a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. \nThe midway opens at 12:00 p.m. each day with rides for children\, families\, and thrill seekers. \nExpect everything from traditional fair rides to attractions including the Ferris wheel\, Zipper\, and what Rockwell bills as the largest traveling roller coaster in New England. \nIndividual rides require between three and six tickets. \nRide Ticket Prices\nSingle ticket: $1.50\n25 tickets: $25\n40 tickets: $40 \nUnlimited Ride Wristbands\nUnlimited ride wristbands are available on select days. \nWednesday\, Thursday & Friday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon to 6:00 p.m. \nSunday:\n$40 for unlimited rides from noon until closing. \nThe bungee jump is not included with tickets or unlimited ride wristbands and requires separate cash payment. \nChildren must be at least 36 inches tall to ride kiddie rides\, and individual attractions may have additional height requirements. \nKids Can Do More Than Ride the Rides\nSome of my favorite things on the schedule are the activities that could only happen at a county fair. \nWe’re talking about mooing. \nPie eating. \nMilking. \nEgg tossing. \nThis weekend’s children’s activities include: \nFriday\n12:00 p.m. — Mooing Contest \nYes. A mooing contest. \nIf your child has spent years perfecting an inexplicably convincing cow impression\, their moment has arrived. \n1:00 p.m. — Obstacle Race \n3:00 p.m. — Potato Sack Race \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \nChildren ages 7–12 who have never milked an animal before compete to see who can collect the most milk. \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSaturday\n10:00 a.m. — Pedal Tractor Pull \n1:00 p.m. — Water Balloon Toss \n3:00 p.m. — Junior Pie Eating Contest \nThis one is for ages 13–17. Hands stay behind the back while competitors attempt to finish half of a full-size pie using nothing but their mouths. \nIt’s going to get messy. \n4:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n5:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSunday\n1:00 p.m. — Corn Shucking Contest \n2:00 p.m. — Senior Pie Eating Contest \n3:00 p.m. — Milking Contest \n4:00 p.m. — Egg Toss \nSome contests require advance registration\, generally one hour before the event\, and participation may be limited. \nStage ’67\nNeed a break from the midway? \nStage ’67 is dedicated to family entertainment throughout the fair. \nFarmer K: Stories From the Barnyard brings farm-themed storytelling to the stage on multiple days. \nThe Rhode Island Circus Space also performs throughout the five-day fair with circus arts and family entertainment. \nWeekend circus performances include: \nFriday: 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSaturday: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.\nSunday: 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. \nCome Hungry\nYou shouldn’t have much trouble finding something to eat. \nMore than 130 food and craft vendors participate in the Washington County Fair\, creating an enormous marketplace throughout the grounds. \nFair food ranges from Rhode Island and New England favorites to the classics you probably started thinking about the moment somebody mentioned going to the fair. \nExpect choices including: \n\nBurgers\nBarbecue\nSeafood\nSteak sandwiches\nStrawberry shortcake\nFresh-squeezed lemonade\nTraditional carnival food\nDesserts and sweet treats\n\nOne interesting detail: many of the food vendors are operated by nonprofit organizations\, so that plate of fair food may also be supporting a local group. \nMany food vendors accept cash only\, although ATMs are available on the fairgrounds. \nCoolers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. \nDon’t Skip the Exhibit Buildings\nThe exhibit buildings are easy to overlook when there’s a midway glowing outside. \nGo inside anyway. \nThis is where you’ll find the quieter side of county-fair competition: vegetables grown in someone’s backyard\, carefully arranged flowers\, photography\, quilts\, needlework\, ceramics\, crafts\, canned goods\, baking entries\, and other projects competing for ribbons. \nThere’s also a 4-H Exhibit Hall where young people display projects ranging from agriculture and animal care to gardening and other skills. \nThese exhibits may not have flashing lights. \nThey don’t need them. \nThey’re part of what separates a county fair from a summer carnival. \nNearly 60 Years of Washington County Fair History\nThe Washington County Fair began in 1967 on the grounds of the Perryville Grange in Wakefield. \nIt was created to emphasize the importance of agriculture in everyday life while reviving the traditional county fair experience. \nIt didn’t take long to outgrow its original home. \nAfter only two years\, organizers purchased land in Richmond. The property included a stand of pine trees on a sloping hill that organizers envisioned as a natural amphitheater. \nThere was just one problem. \nThey had to build practically everything. \nLand needed clearing. Boulders had to be removed. Booths had to be constructed. A stage had to be built. \nGrange members and other volunteers did much of the work themselves. \nThat volunteer tradition continues today. The Washington County Fair is owned and operated by the Washington County Pomona Grange\, and organizers begin preparing for the next fair almost as soon as the previous one ends. \nOver the decades\, the grounds have expanded to include additional pulling rings\, livestock facilities\, exhibit spaces\, and an agricultural museum filled with equipment and artifacts from Rhode Island’s farming past. \nThe midway has gotten bigger. \nThe concerts have gotten bigger. \nBut the goal hasn’t changed much since 1967: create an authentic county fair where families can experience a piece of Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage. \nAdmission\nAdults and ages 11+: $14 at the gate \nChildren 10 and under: FREE \nGate admission includes: \n\nMain Stage concerts\nSpecial entertainment\nAgricultural events\nLivestock shows\nExhibits and displays\nContests\nTractor pulls\nHorse and livestock pulls\nFarm museum admission\n\nMidway rides require separate tickets or wristbands. \nGate purchases are cash only. \nSame-day re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp. \nThe Washington County Fair is held rain or shine. \nParking\nParking is free. \nDesignated parking is available at the fairgrounds\, with additional off-site lots used during busy periods. \nThe Beaver River off-site lot operates: \nThursday & Friday: 4:00 p.m. to close\nSaturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to close \nShuttle service is available from the Beaver River lot. \nThe final shuttle from the fairgrounds generally leaves approximately 30 minutes after the Main Stage concert. \nAccessible parking is available near the fair entrance for vehicles displaying the appropriate placard. \nVisitors should follow fair staff and parking attendants rather than parking on surrounding private property or in undesignated areas. \nWhat to Know Before You Go\nA few things can make the day easier: \n\nBring cash. Gate admission and many food vendors are cash only.\nWear comfortable shoes. The fairgrounds are large and you’ll do plenty of walking.\nCheck the day’s schedule when you arrive. Livestock shows\, pulls\, contests\, concerts\, and children’s activities happen throughout the day.\nIf the kids want to enter a contest\, check registration requirements early. Several competitions require registration before the scheduled start.\nMidway rides don’t open until noon\, but the fairgrounds open much earlier.\nDon’t bring a cooler or alcoholic beverages.\nGive yourself more time than you think you’ll need.\n\nMost importantly\, don’t spend the entire day on the midway. \nRide the Ferris wheel. Absolutely. \nEat something fried that you probably wouldn’t eat anywhere else. \nBut then walk through a livestock barn. Watch a horse pull. Look at the vegetables somebody grew well enough to earn a blue ribbon. Let the kids try their best cow impression in the mooing contest. \nThat’s the Washington County Fair experience. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Washington County Fair 2026 \nDates: Wednesday\, August 12 – Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nLocation: Washington County Fairgrounds \nAddress: 78 Richmond Townhouse Road\, Route 112\, Richmond\, RI 02812 \nFairgrounds Open: 8:00 a.m. daily \nMost Activities & Vendors: Beginning around 10:00 a.m. \nMidway Opens: 12:00 p.m. daily \nClosing: 11:00 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday; 8:00 p.m. Sunday \nAdmission: $14 ages 11+; children 10 and under free \nParking: Free \nMidway: Additional charge \nWeather: Rain or shine \nMore Information\nMore information\, including the complete daily schedule and any last-minute changes\, is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/washington-county-fair-2026-in-richmond-rhode-island/2026-08-16/
LOCATION:Washington County Fairgrounds\, 78 Richmond Townhouse Rd\, Richmond\, RI\, 02812\, United States
CATEGORIES:Washington County Fairgrounds
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