“Over the years the fair has expanded — it’s not just agricultural,” said James Langford, a member of the board or directors.

Langford said that the board believes the Newton County fair is the largest county fair in Southwest Missouri, aside from the one in Springfield. He said that a great thing about the event is that it’s free.

“They could come down and not spend a penny,” he said. “The fair is for the people, for the public.”

McDonald County

McDonald County High School will be hold McDonald County’s Youth Fair, scheduled for July 16 to 18.

The fair will feature exhibitions of goats, swine, sheep, beef, dairy as well as a horse show. There will also be open exhibitions for children of all ages to display their creations in woodworking, crafts, photography and sewing.

Dewey Pierce, chairman of the McDonald County Fair Association, has been helping out with the fair for 30 years. He said one of the main reasons he has been with the fair association for so long is because of the kids.

“I like to see the youths taking pride in their exhibits,” he said.