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Local 2023 Fairs 🎡

Get the 411 on the Douglas County Fair and the Miami County Fair!

By Brittany Marsh, Publisher of Macaroni KID Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola July 26, 2023

It's that time of the year again! Fair season is here and it's time to get your family and friends together to enjoy some fun and excitement. The Douglas County Fair, Miami County Fair and Johnson County Fair are all happening around this time of year, so make sure you don't miss out on the fun.

These fairs offer something for everyone, from livestock shows and auctions to flat rack races and demolition derbies. You can also enjoy carnival rides, food vendors and live music. There's always something to do and see at these fairs, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

The fairs are a great opportunity to experience the local culture and to explore the different exhibits and attractions. It's also a great way to support local businesses and farmers who put in a lot of effort to make these events possible. So, gather your family and friends, head over to your nearest fair and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun!

Douglas Co. Fair

July 24th-29th, 2023

2110 Harper Street, Lawrence, KS 66046




"See it all at the Douglas County Free Fair where everyone comes for good old-fashioned fun!It’s a chance to celebrate the local community and experience all that Douglas County has to offer. From live music and carnival rides to educational exhibits and competitive events, there’s something for everyone at the fair. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and organizations. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a summer day, the Douglas County Free Fair in Lawrence, Kansas is definitely worth checking out!"




Below is a snapshot of main events that are scheduled each day. To see a full lineup of activities and events, visit our events calendar or click on the hyperlinks below. 

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, July 25th

  • THE HUNTER HATHCOAT BAND 7 pm-10 pm | Stage Area | Free Admission
  • “TOUCH A TRUCK” 6 pm – 8 pm | Black Top Area
  • FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 8:00 pm | Free Admission in the Outdoor Arena

Wednesday, July 26

  • BIG RED SLED-GARDEN TRACTOR PULLING 7 pm | Outdoor Arena | Free Admission
  • KENNY GAMBLER AND THE WELLMAN 7 pm-10 pm | Stage Area | Free Admission
  • MOORE’S GREATER SHOWS CARNIVAL 6 pm -11 pm

Thursday, July 27

  • WAKARUSA RIVER BAND 7 pm -10 pm | Stage Area | Free Admission
  • MOORE’S GREATER SHOWS CARNIVAL 6 pm -11 pm
  • ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL 6 pm | Outdoor Arena | Free Admission

Friday, July 28

  • BALE THROWING CONTEST 6 pm | Blacktop Area
  • THE ROUNDERS 7 pm – 10 pm | Stage Area | Free Admission
  • MOORE’S GREATER SHOWS CARNIVAL 6 pm - Midnight
  • DEMOLITION DERBY 7:30 pm | Outdoor Arena | Tickets available on Eventbrite.com or at Fair Office

Saturday, July 29

  • MOORE’S GREATER SHOWS CARNIVAL 1 pm-5 pm
  • 4-H AWARDS CEREMONY 3:00 pm | Open Pavilion
  • 4-H/FFA LIVESTOCK AUCTION 5:30 pm | Open Pavilion
  • DEMOLITION DERBY 8:00 pm | Outdoor Arena | Tickets available on Eventbrite.com or at Fair Office
  • SIMILAR ANIMAL 8 pm – 11 pm | Stage Area | Free Admission

Miami County Fair

July 22nd-30th, 2023

Wallace Park, 401 Wallace Park Drive, Paola, KS 66071




"Plan to join us for the 2023 Miami County Fair. We hope that you can spend the week with us; looking through exhibits, watching a livestock show, enjoying the evening entertainment or spending some time at the carnival. See you at the fair!" - Miami County Fair Association

Below is a snapshot of main events that are scheduled each day. To see a full lineup of activities and events, visit our events calendar or click on the hyperlinks below. 

Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 16

  • Horse Show 9am | Rodeo Arena

Saturday, July 22

  • Mutton Bustin' 10am | Building #5
  • Barnyard Olympics 5pm | Building #5

Sunday, July 23

  • 4H Dog Show 10am | Building #5

Monday, July 24

  • Kiddie Tractor Pull 4pm | Building #5
  • Backing Contest Judging and Auction 6pm | Building #2

Tuesday, July 25

  • Beer Garden 3pm
  • Sheep Show 5pm

Wednesday, July 26

  • Carnival 6pm | Wallace Park
  • Fair Parade presented by the Paola Rotary Club. This year's theme is "Create Hope in the World" 7pm | Downtown Paola
  • Kid's Night 8pm | Building #5

Thursday, July 27

  • Carnival 6pm | Wallace Park
  • Crowning of Fair Queen, Princess & Sweetheart 7pm | Rodeo Arena
  • Mutton Bustin 7pm | Rodeo Arena

Friday, July 28

  • Carnival 6pm | Wallace Park
  • Livestock Auction 6pm | Building #5
  • Grand River Rodeo Co. 7:30pm | Rodeo Arena

Saturday, July 29

  • Carnival 6pm | Wallace Park
  • Grand River Rodeo Co. 7:30pm | Rodeo Arena

Planning on attending the 2023 Douglas County Fair or the 2023 Miami County Fair? If so, we'd love see your photos! Please tag us @mackidgardnerspringhillpaola on IG or @MacKIDPaolaKS on Facebook!