A Columbus County Tradition: The Fair Returns for 2026

COLUMBUS COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR

There are certain signs that fall has arrived in Columbus County: the evenings get cooler, the fields change with the season, and, somewhere in Whiteville, the first signs that the fair is coming to town.

For generations of Columbus County families, October and the Columbus County Agriculture Fair have gone hand in hand. It's the lights of the rides after dark, the smell of fair food, livestock in the barns, ribbons on exhibits, children pulling their parents toward one more ride, and friends you haven't seen in a while appearing in the crowd.

.

This year, the tradition returns October 13–18 with something extra to celebrate. The 46th Annual Columbus County Agriculture Fair will join communities across the country in recognizing America's 250th anniversary.

IT STARTS WITH A PARADE

On Monday, October 12, the 38th Annual Columbus County Agriculture Fair Parade will take to the streets of Whiteville, setting the stage for fair week. This year's parade commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, adding a patriotic note to one of Columbus County's favorite fall traditions. Find a spot along the route, bring the kids, and watch as the community comes together before another fair week begins.

AGRICULTURE IS STILL THE HEARTBEAT

The rides may draw plenty of attention, but agriculture has always been at the heart of the Columbus County Agriculture Fair. Our heritage is part of who we are, and the fair gives us a place to celebrate it and share it with another generation. From livestock shows and agricultural exhibits to contests and youth activities, those traditions remain front and center throughout the week.

Take time to wander through the exhibits and livestock barns, admire the ribbon-winning entries, and give the kids a chance to see the animals up close. It's part of what makes a county fair special and a reminder that agriculture isn't just part of Columbus County's history; it's who we are.

SOME THINGS FEEL LIKE THE FAIR

The rides return with something for just about every comfort level, from the familiar Merry-Go-Round to the more daring ones. And then there's fair food, the sweet, salty, fried, not-on-your-everyday-menu kind that somehow tastes better when you're eating it outside with the sounds of the fair around you.

Plenty is happening away from the rides, too. The 2026 fair schedule includes live entertainment, livestock shows, school showcases, contests, a children's tractor pull and the always-popular Demolition Derby on Friday and Saturday nights. A new Tiger Encounter educational show is also part of this year's fair entertainment.

Ride something that makes you laugh, treat yourself to a fair food favorite, cheer somebody on and take your time wandering through the exhibits. Then stick around as the sun goes down and the carnival lights come on. There's something about an October evening at the fair that feels familiar.

A FAIR FOR GENERATIONS

The fair has a way of becoming part of our memories. Maybe you remember going as a child, walking the fairgrounds with friends as a teenager, or taking your own children years later. Now, some of those children are bringing children of their own. The rides may change and the years certainly pass, but there's something familiar about coming back to the fair each fall.

That sense of tradition can be found throughout fair week. Special Friends Day, Kindergarten Day and Senior Citizens Day have each become familiar parts of the Columbus County Agriculture Fair, welcoming people at different stages of life through the gates. It's one of the reasons the fair has remained more than an annual event. Over the years, it has become part of the rhythm of life in Columbus County.

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone being commemorated in communities across the United States. America 250 is an opportunity to remember our country's history while also recognizing the people, places, and communities whose stories have helped shape it.

The Columbus County Agriculture Fair is marking the occasion in its own way. The anniversary is reflected in this year's parade and throughout the 2026 Fair Book, whose cover features a student's drawing of the Statue of Liberty. The Fair Board is also using the occasion to recognize service, veterans, and people who have contributed to our community.

A county fair seems like a fitting place to celebrate America's 250th. For generations, fairs like ours have brought together agriculture, family, community, and friendly competition. They tell a small piece of the American story, not somewhere far away, but right here at home.

MEET US AT THE FAIR

If you grew up in Columbus County, chances are the fair already holds memories. Maybe it's a ride you couldn't wait to get on, a favorite fair food, an animal you showed, or an October evening spent walking the fairgrounds with family and friends. If you've never been, we'd love for you to see why the fair has found a place in so many of those memories.

Start the week with us in Whiteville for the parade, then come out to the fairgrounds and enjoy the fair at your own pace. Wander through the exhibits and livestock barns, find the

fair food you look forward to all year, take in the entertainment, ride a few rides, and stay long enough to see the fairgrounds light up after dark. And if one evening isn't enough, come back another night. There's always something a little different happening.

The 38th Annual Columbus County Agriculture Fair Parade begins at 4 p.m. Monday, October 12, in Whiteville. The 46th Annual Columbus County Agriculture Fair runs Tuesday, October 13 through Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Columbus County Fairgrounds, 886 Prison Camp Road in Whiteville. Visit the official fair website at

https://columbuscountyfair.com/ for daily hours, admission information, ride details, and the latest schedule of events.

This October, we hope you'll join us as Columbus County gathers once again to celebrate agriculture, community, and traditions shared across generations. And in this special year, we'll also celebrate 250 years of America and the people and communities that have helped

shape its history.

It's one more fall tradition that feels right at home across 954 Square Miles of Amazing.