(KAIR)--Jefferson County Fair week is underway in Valley Falls and, as the 2026 theme says, it’s a “Party on the Prairie,” with parade night Wednesday and a public dance Thursday.

The 2026 4-H prince, princess, king and queen were all crowned the evening of July 24 at Delaware Township Hall in Valley Falls.

This year’s prince is 15-year-old Eli Heston, son of Cody and Hannah Heston, and a member of the Fairview 4-H Club. The princess is 13-year-old Sadie Kresie, daughter of Scott and Taylor Kresie, of the Clover Power 4-H Club. The king is 16-year-old Caliber Beecham, son of Levi and Sadie Beecham of Meriden and a member of Prosperity 4-H. The 2026 queen is 17-year-old Mae McIntear, daughter of Jeff and Devin Mulpas, who represents the Billtown Go-Getters.

Winners received belt buckles, cash awards, and other prizes donated by local sponsors. The contest included interviews and speeches, with judging held earlier this month at the Valley Falls school district.

The annual fair parade will take place Wednesday evening, July 29, starting at 6:30. Parade lineup begins that evening at 5:45, with floats and motor vehicles on Maple Street and horses at Riverside Park, and float judging at 6:00.

Once the parade concludes, more events follow, including the Foundation Pie Auction in the show arena, parade winners announced in the show arena, a bucket calf parade, and a pedal tractor pull.. Free watermelon from the Valley Falls Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club Bingo are also on the Wednesday evening lineup.

93.7 FM will also be on the fairgrounds, following the parade, as we continue Mowing Down Cancer for the summer and qualifying you to win while doing so.

Thursday, July 30 wraps up with dance night at the main fair building north, from 8:30 to 11:00 Thursday night. Admission is $3 per person or $5 per couple.