As summer approaches, preparations are well underway for the 2026 Wyoming State Fair, and we’re excited to welcome exhibitors back to Douglas this August.

Whether you’re a longtime exhibitor or planning your very first Wyoming State Fair, we’re glad you’re here. Inside this newsletter, you’ll find helpful reminders, updates, and information to help you prepare for fairtime.

Livestock Show Changes & Reminders

Health forms are required for all animals being shown at WSF. These forms must be signed by a vet within 14 days of the animal arriving on WSF grounds. (Change from last year’s 30 day window). Health forms can be downloaded from the premium book. Poultry and rabbits are exempt as they do on-site health checks. All other animals being shown during the fair must have a health form.

Youth Breeding Sheep will continue to have fitted and slick shorn classes, however, there will only be one champion for each breed (fitted and slick shorn breed champions will compete against each other).

The Youth Breeding Sheep show no longer requires registration papers. Youth planning on entering their sheep into the Open Show should have papers ready for that show.

Breeding Meat Goat Junior Does (born September 1, 2026 to present) will weigh in on Tuesday and be split into classes by weight, not by age. Senior does and all bucks will continue to class by age.

All Breeding Swine will do weight cards and be classed by weight within their breed, not by age.

The Performance Lamb contest will not be held this year.

For the Beef Fitting Contest, only TEAMS should be entered—do not enter individuals into this class. See the premium book for regulations on how many teams and who can fill a team. If a team is being built from both 4-H and FFA members, please assign one educator or advisor to do the entry.

2026 HEALTH FORM

Drug Testing

To continue to encourage good animal husbandry and fair competition, WSF will once again be drug testing market animals. All top five overall placing animals in goat, swine, sheep, and cattle market shows will be tested. Random testing will be done at the discretion of WSF.

For more information on why we drug test and what to expect, visit the link below.

Every market animal will need a drug declaration form. Print it by clicking the link below and keep it handy as you care for your animal between now and fair. These forms will need to be turned in by 5 PM, August 11th to the Exhibitor Office.

DRUG TESTING

DRUG DECLARATION

America 250 - Red, White and Exhibits

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Wyoming State Fair has added patriotic-themed classes throughout the Static Exhibits Department. Help us celebrate America and fill the exhibit halls with displays of red, white, and blue.

Check out classes like “She’s a Grand Old Flag: A Celebration of Old Glory in Craft & Art” to showcase your best flag-inspired creations. Arrange a floral display featuring freedom colors and iconic Americana elements, let your favorite National Park inspire a Natural Fiber Arts entry, or show off your hard work with red, white, and blue quilts in Needlework.

NEW* Culinary Department Revamp

The Culinary Department has received a refresh for 2026, helping ensure classes remain relevant, competitive, and a great showcase of exhibitors’ talents. From classics to new Spotlight Classes featuring unique flavor combinations, there’s a place for every delicious creation in this year’s competition. Be sure to explore the Culinary section of the Premium Book to find the best fit for your entry. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table this summer.

FIRST TIME EXHIBITOR

Bringing exhibits and projects to the State Fair for the first time is an exciting milestone, but we also know it can come with plenty of questions along the way.

From entries and schedules to lodging, meals, and navigating the fairgrounds, there’s a lot to prepare for before fairtime arrives. To help first-time youth exhibitors and families feel more prepared, we’ve created a helpful Roadmap and checklist that walks through the basics of getting ready for the 2026 Wyoming State Fair.

The Wyoming State Fair team, along with your local 4-H Educators and FFA Advisors, are happy to help answer questions and guide you through the process. We hope your first State Fair experience is one filled with memories, learning opportunities, and plenty of fun along the way.

2026 ROADMAP