The Baxter County Fair Parade will take place Saturday morning in Mountain Home, signaling the official start of the 2026 Baxter County Fair. Events will commence at 10 a.m., with the parade beginning at Long Chiropractic, located at 506 Hospital Drive, and concluding at Ninth Street.
This year’s fair theme, "Ribbons, Rides & America Unites," sets the tone for the celebration. Leading the parade will be the Baxter County Fair Queen. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, as no registration is required. Judging begins at 9:45 a.m., and all entries should be lined up by that time.
While candy may be thrown during the parade, participants are advised to prioritize safety and use discretion. Entries will follow designated entry and lineup points based on their category:
- **Political cars and floats:** Enter from Bucher Drive near the Methodist Church, then line up at Burnett and Beard. - **General floats:** Enter from Bucher Drive and assemble at the church before moving to Barnett and Buttercup for lineup. - **Horses, bicycles, and similar entries:** Enter from Highway 178 at Buttercup near Cardiovascular Associates, then line up at Burnett and Beard. - **Fire trucks:** Enter from Hospital Drive and line up at the Medical Plaza. - **2025 Baby Contest and Baxter County Fair winners:** Enter from the Methodist Church and line up along Hospital Drive in front of Kirby & Family. - **Marching bands and color guards:** Enter from Highway 5 North and gather in the First Security Bank parking lot.
Parents dropping off children participating in bands, dance groups, Scouts, or similar entries should plan drop-offs in advance. Drop-off points are at Highway 178 and Buttercup Road near Cardiovascular Associates. Groups are asked to gather at this location and proceed to their designated lineup areas as a unit.
Floats will be judged in two categories: General and Religious. First-place winners in each category will receive $100, while second-place winners will receive $50. Political floats will be displayed for exhibition only. Horses, bicycles, and children’s dress-up entries will not be judged.
To help maintain open access for medical needs, organizers request that participants enter the staging area from Highway 178 whenever possible to keep Hospital Drive clear for emergencies.
The 2026 Baxter County Fair officially begins Tuesday at the county fairgrounds, with carnival rides kicking off at 5 p.m. More information on the fair is available on the official website: www.baxtercountyfair.org.