(Spencer)--The Clay County Fair, powered by SMU, has released attendance figures for the 2026 Fair. Cool temperatures, wet conditions, and several rainy days challenged fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, and fair staff throughout the nine-day event.
The 2026 Clay County Fair welcomed 284,405 fairgoers over nine days. That compares to last year’s figure of about 316,000 and just under 298,000 in 2024. Tuesday, September 15th, did set a new all-time Tuesday attendance record, with 35,345 fairgoers passing through the gates.
Grandstand events drew 15,188 attendees during the 2026 Fair. The Grandstand attendance total does not include the originally scheduled Blue Ribbon Showdown Races on Friday, September 18, which were canceled due to unfit track conditions. The top three Grandstand shows by attendance were Martina McBride, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and All-Star Monster Trucks.
794 4-H and FFA exhibitors from 48 counties in Iowa and Minnesota showcased their livestock and human sciences events at the 2026 Fair. 460 vendors and concessionaires participated in the 2026 Clay County Fair, representing businesses and organizations from 35 states. Also, 1,368 open-class exhibitors entered competitions throughout the Fair, up from 2025.
