Kids’ Day at the Fair
Q & A with Kristen Larey,
Director of AG Learning Center
at the Four States Fair & Rodeo
When did Kids’ Day at the Fair start?
Kids’ Day has been celebrated in various forms for over 30 years.
Who is it primarily for?
The event is primarily designed for children, including school groups, homeschoolers, and families, offering them educational and entertaining experiences focused on agriculture. We are also welcoming guardians who are home with their children during scheduled school breaks to join in as well.
What happens during this event?
On Kids Day at the fair, children can enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities. N.B. Finley’s Barnyard features interactive animal exhibits, allowing kids to explore and learn about different species. Live demonstrations by rodeo experts, Game & Fish employees, civil service groups and local agriculture experts and 4H agents provide exciting and educational entertainment. The Ag Learning Center offers hands-on agricultural simulations and visual displays to promote learning as well as free ice cream samples. While the carnival rides are not operating during this time, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, including bounce houses and classic fair games that
encouraging fun and teamwork.
Can others join?
Absolutely! I am always looking for local businesses and organizations willing to contribute to this event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get involved in children’s educational outreach while also gaining valuable exposure and advertising. This can be done by setting up a game or demonstration, handing out fun promotional items, or even just volunteering to help. If you’re interested in joining, we’d love to have you be a part of Kids’ Day at the fair! I would encourage you to email [email protected] to inquire about this further and to discuss details further!
How is it changing?
Kids’ Day is always evolving as we continually seek new partnerships with local companies and organizations that want to be a part of this special event. Our goal is to introduce fresh experiences each year, ensuring that children stay engaged with exciting new displays and games. By bringing in new partners and updating activities, we strive to make Kids’ Day more interactive, educational, and fun for everyone involved.
Why is Kids’ Day at the fair important?
Kids’ Day at the fair is a free opportunity for area schools, homeschool groups, educational organizations, and childcare centers to experience the fair. Not all families have the chance to attend traditionally, so this event ensures that more children get exposure to some of what the fair has to offer. Beyond the fun, it also provides valuable agricultural education. Our rodeo company presents a detailed demonstration, introducing many children to an
experience they may have never seen before. N.B. Finley’s Barnyard allows for up-close animal interactions, with educational signage to enhance learning—something that can be a first-time experience for many kids. Additionally, this day isn’t just beneficial for visitors; several high school students volunteer to help make the event a success, giving them the chance to learn the value of service and community involvement.
To participate in Kids’ Day, simply complete the registration form. You can fill it out ahead of time to make check-in quicker upon arrival or do so when you get here. The forms are available on our Facebook page or at our office if you’d prefer to complete them before the event.
