Top 10 Things Not to Miss at the Cortland County Jr. Fair 2025

Barns, cows, carnival rides, and deep-fried delights—it's officially fair season in Cortland County! The Cortland County Jr. Fair returns this July 8–12, and it’s packed with agricultural pride, family-friendly fun, and small-town summer charm.

Dates: July 8–12, 2025
Location: Cortland County Fairgrounds, Cortland, NY
Website: www.cortlandfair.com

Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor looking for the perfect summer day trip, here are the top 10 things you won’t want to miss at this year’s fair:

Each day of the fair is filled with 4-H and youth-led animal shows—from dairy cattle and swine to rabbits and market turkeys.
Don’t miss:

• Dairy Cattle Fitting Contest (Tuesday at 8 PM)

• Animal Costume Contest (Wednesday at 6 PM)

• Rabbit & Poultry Judging, Swine Shows, and More happening daily across the barns

Want to witness something truly special? Stop by the Dairy Cow Birthing Center on Friday or Saturday to learn about calf births!

Things get wonderfully weird (and wildly fun) on Wednesday with the Veggie Car Races at 11 AM followed by the Barnyard Olympics at 7:15 PM. Expect carrots, cucumbers, and zucchini speeding by, followed by farm-themed obstacle courses that are as funny as they are competitive.

Saturday, July 12 is Dairy Day, and it’s packed with fun:

• Dairy Cattle Judging (starting at 9 AM)

• Jr. Iron-Chef Competition

• Educational booths, calf demonstrations, and plenty of free dairy samples in the Ag Tent

It’s a cream-of-the-crop day for dairy fans of all ages.

From old-school skills to big machines in action, the fair is packed with hands-on heritage. Check out the Flower Show and Clothing Review, then head outside for tractor pulls, Touch-a-Truck, and the roar of the Woodsman Show.

• Thursday: Catch the Flower Show, Pie Social, and Clothing Review

• Saturday: Enjoy Touch-a-Truck, the Woodsman Show, Antique Tractor Pulls, and even a Harness Racing Clinic

Perfect for curious kids and nostalgic grown-ups.

• Friday (8 PM): Live music with Dan Frost

• Saturday (7 PM): A family-friendly DJ Dance Party
  Plus, keep your eyes open for Achoo the Camel, Crossroads the Clown, and vintage draft horse teams strolling the grounds.

The midway lights up the fairgrounds with classic carnival magic Wednesday through Friday from 5–10 PM, and Saturday with two sessions: 1–5 PM and 6 PM to close. From dizzying rides to nostalgic games of chance, there’s something for thrill-seekers of all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands are just $25 per 4-hour session, making it easy to spend an evening (or the whole day!) spinning, soaring, and squealing with laughter. Whether it’s your little one’s first tilt-a-whirl or your own long-awaited return to the Ferris wheel, the midway is a must for anyone chasing summer joy under the fairground lights.

From crispy funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar to baked potatoes piled high with all the fixings, the Cortland County Jr. Fair is a paradise for food lovers. The savory scents alone are enough to lure you in—but trust us, you’ll want to arrive hungry. Fair calories don’t count, right?

Don’t miss:

• Juicy chicken BBQ hot off the grill

• Classic hot dogs and sausage sandwiches

• Fresh-cut fries and buttery corn on the cob

• And of course, a visit to the Dairy Tent for cool, creamy treats during Friday and Saturday’s dairy celebrations

Whether you’re after sweet, salty, or a bit of both, the fair’s midway concessions have you deliciously covered.

Kids can test their knowledge of trees, wildlife, and farm tools, while grown-ups might just learn something new, too. Whether it’s identifying leaves, guessing antique equipment, or answering trivia about poultry breeds, these booths turn education into a game. It’s the perfect blend of farm smarts and family fun—and a great way to connect with the people, practices, and natural world that define life in Cortland County. Kids (and curious adults) can test their knowledge with:

• Tree ID

• Wildlife Identification

• Tool Guessing Games

• Poultry Knowledge Contests

It wouldn’t be the Jr. Fair without the annual bicycle giveaway on Saturday at 5:30 PM followed by a fireworks spectacular at 10 PM. Bring a blanket, grab a fried dough, and watch the sky light up over the fairgrounds.

The fair kicks off with a crown! Join the crowd on Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30 PM to cheer on the contestants vying for the title of Cortland County Jr. Fair Queen—a beloved local tradition that starts the week with sparkle and pride.