The 2026 Miss Fairfax contestants, from left to right, are: Avery Fast, daughter of Amy and David Fast; Carley Graham, daughter of Michelle and Phil Graham; and Brenna Kingery, daughter of Jill and Ryan Kingery.

The 2026 Junior Miss Fairfax contestants, from left to right, are: Aspyn Fast, daughter of Amy and David Fast; Ryann Salmond, daughter of Jenea’ Salmond and Andrew Salmond; and Wendy Hurst, daughter of Shelby and Brett Hurst.

The 60th annual Fairfax Fair will be held Friday through Sunday, August 21-23, 2026, in the Fairfax City Park. The annual event is sponsored by the Fairfax Optimist Club. This year’s theme is “Celebrate America.”

Booths will be open in the park Friday evening and all day Saturday with games, food, merchandise and homemade wares, giveaways and raffles.

The welcome and opening ceremonies will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, near the park stage with the raising of the flag and singing of the national anthem. The baby/youth show will be held at 6:30 p.m. The Fairfax National Honor Society and its sponsor, Mrs. Shelley Eaton, are hosting the show. Registration forms can be picked up at Keeling’s Dairy Diner and KG Buds Designs By Jay and then turned in at the fair. Registration for the show will begin at 5:30 p.m. Children and parents will begin lining up no later than 6:15 p.m. All participants must have an adult with them during the show and on the stage. Any child from birth to six years old is welcome to participate in the baby/youth show. All Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax contestants must be five or six years old and must live in the Fairfax R-3 School District. The show will start with the introduction of the Little Mr. and Miss Fairfax contestants and then will move into the baby/youth show. The show will end with the coronation of Miss Fairfax. A dance on the slab will follow.

The Harry Combs Memorial Tractor show will be held Saturday, August 22, at the football field around 10:30 a.m. Enter your tractor in the show and then drive it in the parade. Parade line-up will begin at the ag building at 9:30 a.m. The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. and will travel down Main Street. Booths will open after the parade.

Events on the park stage begin at 6:00 p.m. Saturday evening. The Southeast Nebraska Community Band, directed by Ann Belva, will play. The East Atchison cheerleaders performances, Meet the East Atchison Wolves, performance by comedian Cliff McNair, and a performance by singer Chris Jones. Giveaways will also be announced. Another dance on the slab will end the festivities that night, with music provided by the Curtis Wayne Stroud Band.

The Fairfax Ministerial Alliance will host Worship-In-The-Park Sunday, August 23, at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to take part. Bring your lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the worship service will be held at the Fairfax Methodist Church at 305 N. Broadway.

The Fairfax After Prom Dinner will be held Sunday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Community Room inside the fire station. Carry-outs will be available. Proceeds from the free-will donation meals will go towards Fairfax After Prom. Stop by and enjoy a tasty meal of pork loin, cheesy potatoes, green beans, rolls, and desserts.

Miss Fairfax and Junior Miss Fairfax contestants

The Junior Miss and Miss Fairfax service scholarship contest will take place Friday, August 21, 2026, during the Fairfax Fair. The show portion of the contest will take place shortly after the baby show and Little Mr. and Miss Contest at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The 2026 Miss Fairfax contestants are Carley Carol-Anne Graham, Avery Fast, and Brenna Kingery. The Junior Miss contestants are Ryann Jane Salmond, Wendy Hurst, and Aspyn Fast.

This year, Miss Fairfax will receive a $500.00 service scholarship, awarded to the young lady who most represents Fairfax’s proud history and symbolizes our bright future. She should set an example for other young people in the community through service, scholastics, and character.

During her year of service, Miss Fairfax will complete 25 hours of community service, attend organization meetings, and serve at community events. After fulfilling her duties as Miss Fairfax for one calendar year, she will be eligible to receive the check at her graduation ceremony. These funds can be used toward educational expenses at a college or trade school or used to advance her professionally toward business expenses or professional development. The Junior Miss will be crowned prior to the Miss Fairfax winner and will receive a cash prize.

Sponsors are Keeling’s Dairy Diner, Miles Smith Farms, Volker Farms, LLC, Fast Trucking, Hurst Farms, Daybreak Cafe, Papa Workshop, Umbarger Farms, Ryan and Jill Kingery, Roger and Ann Martin, Kay Rosenbohm, Fairfax Agency Inc. – Bob and Marilyn Alldredge, and the Fairfax Optimist Club.