KINGMAN — The 2026 Andy Devine Days weekend delivered its usual whirlwind of activity, drawing thousands to the Mohave County Fairgrounds, downtown Kingman, and Golden Valley for a full slate of events celebrating local heritage, family fun, and community pride.
A Busy Start at the Mohave County Fair
The 79th Annual Mohave County Fair opened with its familiar mix of carnival rides, food booths, and family exhibits. While some visitors rushed to be first in line for the rides, others—myself included—opted for milder attractions. And what’s milder than fair food? Corn dogs were in abundant supply, and I didn’t hesitate to enjoy one.
Inside the exhibit halls, children of all ages proudly displayed their projects. Pre‑schooler Dakota beamed beside her colorful seashell necklace, already imagining a future as an oceanographer. In the livestock barns, nervous young exhibitors showed animals of every kind while parents watched anxiously from the sidelines. Blue ribbons were plentiful, and pride was everywhere.
No fair would be complete without a balloon artist twisting creations for eager kids, and vendors filled the walkways with booths offering goods, information, and community outreach.
Parade Brings Out Crowds Early
Spectators lined Beale Street early Saturday morning for the 56th Annual Andy Devine Days Parade. This year’s procession featured 18 floats, nearly 60 horses, close to 100 vehicles, and numerous walking units.
Among the highlights:
* Kingman Police Chief Rusty Cooper riding in a restored 1954 police cruiser
* Grand Marshal Sam Elters, former Mohave County Manager, State Engineer, longtime Kingman resident, and current member of the Arizona State Transportation Board
* The Kingman High School Band
* The Lee Williams High School Band
The parade once again showcased Kingman’s blend of civic pride, Western heritage, and youth involvement.
Golden Valley Fire District Hosts Safety Event and Car Show
In Golden Valley, the Fire District held its fifth annual Community Risk Reduction Program Education and Car Show. Program Manager Anthony DeAngelo said the event brings together public health representatives, fire departments, ambulance services, and other safety organizations to provide free training and resources.
“We host a Community Risk Reduction event by bringing members of public health, other members from fire departments, ambulance services, and other services that emphasize safety,” DeAngelo said. “Those programs include teaching CPR, Stop the Bleed, and fire extinguisher training… The money that is raised goes to the Golden Valley Fire’s Community Risk Reduction Program.”
Kingsmen Rodeo Continues a Century‑Old Tradition
Back at the fairgrounds, the Kingsmen Club once again delivered a rodeo steeped in Western heritage. The opening featured a rodeo queen’s ride‑by, while young cowboys focused intently on their events.
Kingman’s rodeo history stretches back to Labor Day 1919, when working cowboys began staging competitions to showcase their skills. The Kingsmen have carried that tradition forward for decades, producing rodeos that raise funds for local families, support youth events, and keep ranching culture alive.
The Kingsmen Rodeo remains one of Kingman’s signature attractions, tightly woven into Andy Devine Days and now a major draw during the Mohave County Fair weekend. From calf‑roping to steer wrestling, it takes plenty of muscle—and the Kingsmen have never lacked for it. As always, they’re starting the next generation young.
A Weekend of Community Pride
With the fair, parade, car show, and rodeo all packed into one weekend, Mohave County residents once again showed what community spirit looks like. Andy Devine Days 2026 may have come and gone, but the pride on display will carry well into the year.
Watch our video report below:
