August brings one of northeastern Arizona’s most anticipated community celebrations to the historic town of St. Johns, where the 83rd Annual Apache County Fair continues a tradition that has defined summer in the White Mountains region since 1942. This four-day agricultural showcase represents far more than a typical county fair—it serves as the cultural heartbeat of Apache County, bringing together families from across the vast high desert landscape for a celebration of rural Arizona’s enduring values and tight-knit community spirit. Set against the backdrop of St. Johns’ picturesque landscape, where rolling hills meet expansive skies, this annual gathering attracts over 15,000 visitors who come to experience authentic small-town hospitality and witness the agricultural heritage that has sustained this region for generations.
What distinguishes the Apache County Fair from other regional events is its genuine commitment to showcasing the talents and achievements of local residents, particularly through extensive 4-H and FFA programming that highlights the next generation of agricultural leaders. The fairgrounds transform into a vibrant educational center where traditional farming practices meet modern agricultural innovation, creating opportunities for visitors to learn about everything from livestock husbandry to sustainable farming techniques. The fair’s reputation for quality agricultural exhibits and competitive events has grown steadily over its eight-decade history, now attracting participants and spectators from throughout the Southwest who recognize it as one of Arizona’s premier county fair experiences.
The 83rd Annual Apache County Fair offers an impressive diversity of attractions designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests. Agricultural enthusiasts will find exceptional livestock exhibitions featuring beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry, all showcased by dedicated young exhibitors who represent the future of Arizona agriculture. The event features comprehensive competitions in traditional fair categories, including arts and crafts, floral arrangements, horticultural displays, and culinary contests that celebrate local creativity and skill. Families particularly enjoy the carnival rides and games provided by professional carnival operators, while food vendors offer both traditional fair favorites and regional specialties that reflect the area’s cultural diversity.
Entertainment programming throughout the four-day event includes live musical performances featuring local and regional artists, talent shows that highlight community performers, and special cultural presentations. The fair’s commitment to celebrating Apache County’s Hispanic heritage is evident in dedicated programming that includes traditional music, dance performances, and the popular Green Chili Cook-off that has become a signature event. Children’s activities extend beyond typical fair games to include educational workshops, petting zoos, and hands-on demonstrations that teach young visitors about agriculture and rural life.
📅 Event Details:
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Dates: August 20-23, 2025
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Hours:
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Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Thursday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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📍 Location: Apache County Fairgrounds, 825 West 4th North, St. Johns, AZ 85936
🎫 Admission: FREE – No gate admission required
📞 Contact Information:
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Phone: (928) 245-6803
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Email: apachecountyfair@gmail.com
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Website: www.apachecountyfair.org
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Facebook: @apachefair
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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1047, St. Johns, AZ 85936
🏨 Accommodations:
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RV camping available on fairgrounds – Reserve at (928) 245-1400
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Local lodging options in St. Johns area
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Early reservations recommended during fair week
🅿️ Parking & Facilities:
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Free parking available at fairgrounds
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Handicapped accessible facilities throughout
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Designated areas for families with children
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Food and beverage service areas
🎪 Featured Attractions:
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Comprehensive 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitions
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Frasier Shows carnival rides and games
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Agricultural and horticultural exhibits
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Arts and crafts competitions and displays
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Live musical entertainment and talent shows
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Hispanic Heritage programming and Green Chili Cook-off
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Children’s activities and educational programs
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Commercial vendors and local business showcases
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Ranch rodeo and barrel racing events
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Traditional fair food and regional specialties
The fair’s organizational structure reflects the collaborative spirit that defines rural Arizona communities, with the Apache County Fair Association working closely with local volunteers, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and area businesses to create a celebration that serves both educational and entertainment purposes. The event’s success depends heavily on the dedication of community volunteers who contribute countless hours to ensure that each year’s fair meets the high standards established over more than eight decades of operation. This grassroots approach to event planning ensures that the fair remains responsive to community needs and interests while maintaining its focus on agricultural education and family entertainment.
Educational programming represents a cornerstone of the Apache County Fair experience, with workshops and demonstrations that teach visitors about sustainable agriculture, livestock care, and traditional crafts. The extensive 4-H and FFA participation provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, showcase their agricultural projects, and compete for scholarships and awards that support their educational goals. These youth programs have produced generations of agricultural leaders who have gone on to contribute significantly to Arizona’s farming and ranching industries.
The fair’s economic impact extends well beyond the four days of celebration, providing crucial support for local businesses and demonstrating the continued viability of rural communities in an increasingly urbanized state. Visitors often extend their stays to explore northeastern Arizona’s natural attractions, including the White Mountains, Petrified Forest National Park, and historic sites that tell the story of the American Southwest. The combination of cultural programming, agricultural education, and family entertainment makes this event appealing to a diverse audience that includes both long-time residents and first-time visitors to the region.
St. Johns’ location in the high desert provides a perfect setting for late-summer outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies that enhance the fair experience. The town’s historic character and scenic surroundings offer visitors additional reasons to explore the area, from historic buildings that date to the territorial period to outdoor recreation opportunities that showcase the natural beauty of northeastern Arizona.
The 83rd Annual Apache County Fair represents a rare opportunity to experience authentic rural Arizona culture in a setting that has remained true to its agricultural roots. This celebration continues to serve its dual mission of education and entertainment, providing families with meaningful experiences that connect them to the agricultural heritage that sustains rural communities throughout the Southwest. The fair’s longevity and continued popularity demonstrate the enduring appeal of community-centered events that prioritize shared values and genuine hospitality over commercial entertainment, making it one of Arizona’s most treasured annual traditions.
