(Atlantic, IA) — The Cass County Fair gets underway today with a full schedule of livestock check-ins and opening-day activities. Swine weigh-in runs from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., while meat, dairy, goat and sheep projects will also be weighed in. Sheep and horse exhibits will check in throughout the day.
Cass County Fair Board Vice-President Drew Williams says every event at this year’s fair is free for the public to enjoy thanks to the support of local sponsors and donors.
Fairgoers will also find something new on the grounds this year with the addition of a new food trailer.
Another new attraction this year is Fisherman Dan, who will entertain fairgoers with multiple performances through Saturday, according to Fair Board member Paul Hocamp.
Tonight’s featured event is the crowning of the 2026 Cass County Fair King and Queen. High school 4-H and FFA members will compete for the titles of king, queen, prince and princess. The newly crowned queen will go on to represent Cass County in the 2026 Iowa State Fair Queen competition.
Contestants will be judged on leadership, citizenship, communication skills, poise, personality, attitude, appearance and their ability to discuss current youth issues. They will also select Miss Congeniality and Mister Congeniality through a vote of their fellow candidates.
This year’s candidates are Karly Byers, Lauren Comes, Aly Dreager, Dylen Dreager, Jacquie Freund, Walker Gary, Ada Hansen, Ryanna Harrison, Michael Hocamp, Clara Kennedy, Leah Ohms, Olivia Olson, Callie Rudy, Colin Rudy, Addalyn Sonntag and Kole Sorensen.
Last year’s royalty included Queen Lily Johnson, Princess Josie Millikan, King Nollan Smith and Prince Conner Johnson.
The Little Miss and Mister Contest begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by the King and Queen Contest at 7:30 p.m. The evening also includes Senior Recognition before wrapping up with the Teen Dance at 9:00 p.m.
