Southwest Arkansas

District Livestock Show

The 2026 parade theme is...... America's 250th Birthday!!

Lets celebrate America's 250th Birthday with a patriotic fair parade honoring our nation's rich history, enduring spirit and the freedoms we cherish! We will commemorate this historic milestone with plenty of red, white and blue festive floats.

The Fair Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at the intersection of 6th and South Elm Streets. You MUST enter online, link below, before Monday September 28th at noon. Failure to pre-register means that participation in the parade will NOT be allowed. When registering, all entries must have correct contact information and float description. ALL floats are subject to approval of the parade director and SW Arkansas District Fair. Once the entry is submitted it can not be changed. You must contact us at swardls@yahoo.com for changes.

Emily Crane - Parade Director 870-703-6245

General Rules

1. Each float entering competition must be ready to line up by 5pm. Entry numbers on floats must be placed on the left hand (driver) side. Numbers can be picked up behind Bank OZK at the tent.
   
2. The 4 float categories are:
   
   • JUNIOR - represents FFA, FCCLA, 4H, Student Council or other school organizations. 
     
   • OPEN - represents businesses, factories, commercial and civic clubs. 
     
   • PAGEANT - represents Pageant contestants.​
     
   • OTHER - represent floats that do not fit into the first 3 categories. This category will NOT be judged.
     
3. NO three-wheelers or four-wheelers are allowed to participate in the parade unless they are driven by an adult and are being used to pull a float.
   
4. Parade judges will be at the intersection of 3rd and Elm Streets in front of Huntington Bank.
5. No loud or offensive music is allowed to be played by any float or vehicle.
   
6. No candy or other items are allowed to be thrown from any parade vehicle or float.
   
7. Results will be announced through Facebook and the Coliseum Office following judging and at the Fair Pageant at 7:30pm. 
8. ONLY Junior, Open and Pageant categories will have a 1st-$100.00, 2nd-$75.00 and 3rd-$50.00 place. Prize money may be picked up at the Fair Manager's Office after results are announced.
   

Line-up Order

1. All parade entries need to enter off West 16th on to South Elm.
   
2. All dignitaries line up at West 6th and South Elm Streets.
   
3. All floats line up on South Elm between 6th and 10th Streets.
   
4. All bands and marching units line up at West 6th and West 16th
   
5. Horses should line up at the parking lot behind Donuts Donuts. All horses must follow Arkansas Livestock and Poultry rules and regulations.
   
6. Little League football and cheerleaders line up at West 10th and Elm.
   
7. Antique cars, antique engines and new boats line up on South Elm and West 10th Streets.
   
8. New cars line up on South Elm at West 10th Street; new farm equipment line up behind new cars.