Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights The 2026 Boyd County Fair

Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights

The 2026 Boyd County Fair

Grace Phillips

The Ashland Beacon

Longer days and warm sunshine signal that summer events are about to begin. The 2026 Boyd County Fair will kick off the summer festival season in our area this year. The fair is taking a significant leap forward by moving from its typical August dates to June 23–27.

Fair president Ellen Keaton explained that the reason for the move was to secure a larger carnival for the fair. “Since COVID, many of the smaller carnival companies did not reopen. It is increasingly difficult for us to find a carnival for our fair. We had the opportunity to have a new carnival this year, but it meant moving the date. I think everyone will be pleased.”

In addition to announcing a new date, Keaton reported a significant update to the motorsports area. “We never had enough seating for everyone on demolition derby night. Through a grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we have been able to purchase eight additional sets of bleachers. We also wanted to make it a little easier for our guests who use wheelchairs to view the action. This year, there will be a designated section exclusively for guests who use wheelchairs and walkers. Additionally, handicap parking will be provided at the derby area and will require a valid handicap permit.” Keaton went on to say they hope these improvements will make for a more enjoyable evening for those needing extra assistance.

The Boyd County Fair will participate in the America 250 Celebration this year. With that in mind, the theme for the year is “Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights.” Fairgoers will notice patriotic touches throughout the fairgrounds and in many of the events. Jill McGlone added, “There will be several backdrops for photo opportunities. We hope everyone will take advantage of these and share their photos with #2026BCFair.”

There are two days of pre-fair activities planned for June 19 and 20, featuring a Quarter Auction, Open Livestock Show, Boyd County Fair Open Horse Show, and motocross.

Family Carload Night, sponsored by Pathways, will take place on Wednesday, June 24. Admission is just $25 for up to seven people per car, and everyone receives a ride band. That same evening, don’t miss the fair’s first-ever roller derby event featuring the Chemical Valley Roller Derby team and their friends in an exhibition match titled Carnies vs. Clowns.

Keaton said, “We are in the final planning stages for the events at this time. There will, of course, be crowd favorites: the demolition derby, autocross, motocross, and the rodeo. We have booked Michael Combs for gospel on Thursday night, along with Rob McNurlin and Mike Doolin on Friday night. Also making a return to the fair this year will be Queen City Stunt Circus. They are bringing their exciting, high-flying acts to the fair on June 26 and June 27 for multiple shows each day.”

Preparations for the 4-H Livestock and Horse Show are nearly complete, with many of the show bills already posted on the fair’s website at boydcountyfair.net. The Miss Boyd County Pageants are scheduled for June 13, with entry forms and additional details also available on the website.

The Boyd County Fair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is 100% volunteer based. Brenda Phelps says one of the biggest hurdles the fair faces each year is a lack of volunteers. “To put on a fair of this size, it takes so many people. We struggle each year to have enough volunteers in place to make the fair run smoothly.” If anyone is interested in volunteering for a day or the entire week, they are encouraged to message the fair through its Facebook page or website at boydcountyfair.net.

You can follow all events and details at boydcountyfair.net or on Facebook. For specific questions or information, call Ellen Keaton at 606.922.6622.