Where Community Comes Together: The Rockingham County Fair

Every summer, more than 80,000 people gather in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley for one of Virginia’s most cherished traditions: the Rockingham County Fair. Held over six days at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, this event is more than just a fair, it’s a celebration of community, agriculture, and the shared spirit of a region proud of its roots.

Since its founding 75 years ago, the Rockingham County Fair has become the largest agricultural fair in the Commonwealth. “My little slogan is that we’re where the community comes together,” says Rebecca Holloway, Executive Director of the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. “It’s a place where everyone belongs; whether you’re a kid showing your first animal, a parent cheering from the stands, or someone just here to enjoy the food and fun.”

At its core, the fair is about connection: between generations, between rural and urban lifestyles, and between the past and future of Virginia agriculture. The fair’s weeklong schedule includes livestock competitions, breeding showcases, crop exhibitions, and the ever-popular 4-H and FFA youth show and sale. Last year alone, over 600 market animals were shown and sold, with total earnings surpassing $1 million in funds that support scholarships and future agricultural projects for local youth.

But the fair isn’t just for farmers. With giant pumpkins, award-winning watermelons, live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and craft contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a time when Rockingham’s vibrant agricultural heritage meets its equally strong tradition of hospitality and volunteerism. The numbers say it all: more than 700 volunteers contributing over 15,000 hours to make the fair a success.

A unique and vital partnership between the Fair Association and Rockingham County works behind the scenes to ensure this cherished legacy not only endures, but continues to flourish for generations to come. “It’s amazing what we can accomplish with the kind of support we get here,” Rebecca says. “This fair exists because the people of Rockingham County believe in it.”

That belief has carried the fair through generations and will continue to do so for many more to come. With deep agricultural roots, strong community ties, and an eye toward the future, the Rockingham County Fair is a shining example of what it means to live, work, and gather in Rockingham County.