Galloping Through Tradition and Fun: The Loudoun County Fair 2025
by CeCe Cogar
Each summer, the Loudoun County Fair beckons families and fair-goers to Leesburg for five days of agricultural heritage, carnival thrills, and community spirit. In 2025, from July 22 to 26, this storied event returned to its longtime home, delighting attendees with everything from livestock competitions to late-night monster truck shows.
Petting Zoo
The Petting Zoo at the Loudoun County Fair offers a hands-on experience for children and families to interact with a variety of animals. From a camel to goats, the petting zoo is a favorite attraction for young fair-goers.
Meet Delilah!
Delilah is a dromedary camel. She was born on March 22nd, 2011 and was bottle raised by the Petting Zoo staff. She is very sweet and loves attention.
There are two different camels in the world. Dromedary camels have one hump and originated in the middle east. Camels with two humps are called Bactrian camels. They originated in Asia. The camelid family also includes llamas, alpacas, vicunias and guanacos which are all native to South America.
The Blue Ribbon Showcase is a highlight of the Loudoun County Fair. It is an amateur competition celebrating the creative, culinary, and horticultural talents of Loudoun County residents. Entries are judged, awarded ribbons, and then displayed for public viewing throughout Fair week, featuring the best of local agriculture and home arts. This showcase celebrates the hard work and talent of Loudoun County residents.
The showcase includes categories in a wide array of classes, including but not limited to:
Best in Show
Floral Arrangements
Culinary Creations
Photography
Handcrafted Items
The Blue Ribbon Showcase is a testament to the creativity and dedication of Loudoun County residents, providing a platform for them to share their skills and passions with the community.
A Rich Tradition: History of the Loudoun County Fair
Founded in 1936 as the Loudoun County 4-H Fair, the event began at Fireman’s Field in Purcellville to showcase local youth’s agricultural and home-economics projects EAD Library. After moves to Middleburg and Lincoln, generous land donations in 1956 secured the current 13-acre site west of Leesburg, where the fair has thrived since 1957.
The fair’s mission is to promote agriculture, education, and community spirit. It features livestock shows, home arts exhibits, carnival rides, and entertainment, all while celebrating Loudoun’s rich agricultural heritage. The fair has grown from a small 4-H event to a beloved annual tradition that draws thousands of visitors.
Carnival Thrills and Family Fun
Cole Shows Amusement Company powered the midway, bringing classic rides and games to life:
Ferris Wheel
Carousel
Funhouse
Mini Golf
Games of Skill
The carnival atmosphere was enhanced by the sounds of laughter, the smell of funnel cakes, and the sight of families enjoying rides together. The fair also featured live music, local vendors, and a variety of food options, from traditional fair fare to unique local specialties.
Fair Map
The Loudoun County Fair 2025 honored its 89-year legacy with a perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty. Whether you came for the farm animals, delighted in carnival lights, or savored local flavors, the fair affirmed its place as a highlight of the Virginia summer season. We can’t wait to “get LOCo” again next July!