Although the East Perry Community Fair in Altenburg has called the “Best Little Fair in the Land” for nearly eighty years, it can hardly be termed little anymore. With an attendance estimated at from 25,000 to 30,000 for the two-day event, it has grown from its small beginnings to one of the largest annual events in the area. Despite its size, it continues to pride itself on continuing as a traditional small-town country fair.
The event will start with a parade on Friday at 1:30 p.m. including several high school bands, floats, and other entries, followed by opening ceremonies which feature the parade’s Grand Marshal. Singer-Songwriter Ern Valenzuela of Perryville will open the musical entertainment on stage at 4:00 p.m. Rock and roll and country music band Double Down will provide the evening’s music beginning at 7:00 p.m. The 4X4 Truck Pull will have plenty of power and noise for the spectators at 6:00 p.m. on the track.
The River Hills Run from the Wittenberg riverfront to the fairgrounds will get things started early on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the stage at 7:30 a.m. for transportation to the starting point. It will be followed by a fun run for kids at 9:00 a.m. The Pedal Tractor Pull managed by the River Hills Antique Tractor Pull will be held at 10:00 a.m. A full afternoon of music will be on tap starting with Austin Bachmann at Noon, followed by Avery Helmers, Triller and Krauss, Him and Her, and Clint Sattler. At 6:00 p.m. the traditional awarding of attendance prizes will take place. Blue Collar Roots will wrap up the Saturday musical entertainment at 7:00 p.m.
The entertaining Mule Jumping Competition will take place in the arena at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. This year the event will be sanctioned by the North American Mule Jumping Association, which crowns points champions in various classes. They participate in events at the Missouri State Fair, the Midwest Mule Fest, and the Pea Ridge, Arkansas Mule Jump. It will be followed at 6:00 p.m. by the Hot Rod Tractor Pull which features the “big smokers” from the Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers.
As always, the fair will feature the judging of entries in home economics, photography, horticulture, field and forage, 4-H, and FFA departments. Those exhibits will be available for viewing after the completion of judging on Friday. Most of the livestock judging and shows will take place throughout the day on Saturday ending with the 4-H and FFA sale of all types of livestock at 5:00 p.m.
Goldstar Amusements, which is a family owned and operated business with over six generations of history, will return with its carnival rides as they return to the south after spending the summer in Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas.
And, how can you have a fair without “Fair Food”? Traditional favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches, catfish sandwiches, corn dogs, and funnel cakes are joined by some more recent offerings like fried bologna sandwiches, mac and cheese topped with pulled pork, turkey legs, and dirty soda pop. With over twenty food and soft drink stands there should be something to please everyone’s taste buds.
The “Best Little Fair in the Land” is pleased to be able to continue free parking, free admission, and free entertainment, but reminds everyone that having a large crowd in a small town requires patience in dealing with traffic and parking issues. Arrive early to take in as much of the fair as possible before enjoying your favorite entertainment or event.
Schedule of Events 2026
Friday, September 25:
8:00 AM Judging of Poultry and Small Animals
9:30 AM 4-H & FFA Market Lamb/Goat Show
10:00 AM Judging of Hall Exhibits
1:30 PM Parade
2:30 PM Opening Ceremonies
4:00 PM 4H & FFA Barrow Weigh-In
4:00 PM Music by Ern Valenzuela
5:00 PM 4H & FFA Steer Weigh-In
5:00 PM Rooster Crowing Contest
5:30 PM Small Animal Dress-Up Contest
6:00 PM 4X4 Truck Pull
7:00 PM Music by Double Down
Saturday, September 26:
8:00 AM 4-H & FFA Steer Show
8:00 AM River Hills Run & 9:00 AM – Kids Run
8:30 AM Judging of Sheep, Goats, & Swine
9:00 AM Judging of Beef Cattle
10:00 AM Judging of Draft Horses & Mules
10:00 AM Pedal Tractor Pull
10:30 AM Dairy Cattle Show
12:00 PM Music by: 12:00 PM Austin Bachmann;
1:00 PM Avery Helmers; 2:00 PM Triller and Krauss;
3:00 PM Him and Her; 4:00 PM Clint Sattler
3:00 PM Jumping Mules Competition
5:00 PM 4-H & FFA Sale
6:00 PM Attendance Prizes
6:00 PM Hot Rod Tractor Pull
featuring Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers
7:00 PM Music by Blue Collar Roots
Rides on Both Days by GoldStar Amusements
“The Best Little Fair in the Land”
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Free Parking, Free Admission, Free Entertainment