Candy, Community and Fair Traditions Fill Troy Streets During 2026 Lincoln County Fair Parade

TROY, Mo. — Candy filled the air, sirens echoed through town and families lined the streets Sunday evening as the 2026 Lincoln County Fair Parade brought more than an hour of first responders, local businesses, public officials, political candidates, youth organizations, horses, tractors and decorated floats through Troy.

This year’s theme, Sweet Summertime, carried throughout the evening as children gathered along the route collecting candy, popsicles and bottled water while familiar faces from across Lincoln County greeted spectators.

The parade began at 5 p.m. near the Troy middle and elementary school campus before traveling east along College Street, south along Main Street, west along Boone Street and north along Perkins Street before concluding near the school grounds.

Warm but comfortable summer conditions helped draw a steady crowd along both sides of the route. Shaded areas offered relief from the evening sun as entries continued through town, with the final participants passing shortly after 6 p.m.

Lincoln CountyWatch covered the parade near the intersection of Boone and Perkins streets, photographing the procession and recording the complete parade as entries traveled through the final portion of the route.

Public safety agencies maintained a strong presence throughout the parade, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, fire departments, fire protection districts and the Lincoln County Ambulance District represented along the route.

For one evening, residents had the opportunity to see many of the county’s familiar first responders outside emergency scenes and official duties. Deputies, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel greeted families from parade vehicles while handing out candy, popsicles and bottled water.

Lincoln County Sheriff Rick Harrell was among the local officials participating in the parade.

Current elected officials and political candidates also joined the procession, giving residents an opportunity to see many of the people serving in—or seeking—local office outside government meetings and campaign events.

Lincoln County Collector of Revenue Jessica Zumwalt was among the county officials seen along the route.

Presiding Commissioner Joe Kaimann, who is seeking re-election, also participated alongside Lisa Seely and Roy Crane Jr., his challengers in the Republican primary for Lincoln County presiding commissioner.

Terry Bell, a candidate for Lincoln County clerk, and Troy Alderman Conor Martin were also among those participating. Candidates seeking offices ranging from county government to the Missouri General Assembly joined the procession ahead of the Aug. 4 primary election.

The parade also highlighted many of the organizations and traditions closely connected to the Lincoln County Fair. Local 4-H members, FFA members, youth groups and community organizations joined horses, agricultural equipment, tractors and decorated floats as the county prepared for a full week of livestock shows, exhibits and fair activities.

Among the familiar crowd favorites were the Shriners, whose small vehicles and traditional maneuvers again drew attention from spectators. Drivers performed turns and tricks along the route, with several balancing their vehicles on two wheels as they passed families gathered along the streets.

Local businesses also maintained a strong presence throughout the parade, including Carter Family Chiropractic, A ONE Automotive & Trailer Repair, Scooter’s Coffee and many others from across Lincoln County.

One of the evening’s more noticeable business appearances came from Culver’s.

Plans for a Culver’s restaurant in Troy were previously announced and later approved by the Troy Board of Aldermen. Since that approval, residents have seen relatively few visible public updates regarding the anticipated restaurant.

Sunday’s parade appearance did not include a new announcement, construction schedule or opening date. However, Culver’s representatives walked the route alongside the company’s frozen custard mascot while a pickup carried a large branded display reading Delicious Is Coming.

After several quieter months, the parade entry provided residents with a visible reminder that Culver’s continues to promote its planned arrival in Troy.

Official results from the 2026 Lincoln County Fair Parade have now been provided to Lincoln CountyWatch. Entries were judged by members of the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, with awards presented across youth and adult divisions.

The Eager Beavers earned Grand Champion honors in the youth division, while Spring Creek 4-H was named Youth Reserve Champion.

Youth blue ribbon winners included Kountry Kids and Moscow Mills Willing Workers. Red ribbons were awarded to Old Monroe Road Blackhawks, Fireflies and Hawk Point 4-H. Spring Branch 4-H received a white ribbon.

In the adult division, Floyd First Baptist Church earned Grand Champion honors, while Pesky Critters was named Reserve Champion.

Adult red ribbon winners included Fuel 636 and Animal Medical Center of Troy. White ribbons were awarded to Freedom Outpost Ministries, Mercy Hospital Lincoln and Matthew Deger. No blue ribbons were awarded in the adult division.

Parade organizers also reported a particularly strong turnout among judged entries, with more judged floats participating than in recent memory. An estimated 400 to 500 participants, volunteers and family members gathered in the staging area before the parade.

Missed the parade, want to watch it again or trying to find someone you saw along the route?

Lincoln CountyWatch recorded the complete 2026 Lincoln County Fair Parade from near the intersection of Boone and Perkins streets. The full parade video is embedded below and is also available on the Lincoln CountyWatch YouTube channel.

Lincoln CountyWatch also captured hundreds of photographs throughout the evening. Highlights are included throughout this article, while the complete parade gallery is available on the Lincoln CountyWatch website for residents looking for additional entries, organizations and familiar faces from across the community.

Although Sunday’s parade helped begin the community celebration, the main dates of the 2026 Lincoln County Fair are July 14–18.

Pre-fair activities continue Monday, July 13, beginning with the Junior Poultry Show at 8 a.m. Entry for 4-H and FFA exhibits and the Open Wool Fleece Contest is scheduled from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday marks Kids Night at the fair, with children younger than 12 admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. Opening ceremonies and the presentation of colors are scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by the opening of the exhibit hall from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Junior Market Swine Show begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Open Youth Horse Show at 6:30 p.m. Evening entertainment is also scheduled in the beer garden.

Activities continue throughout the week with livestock shows, carnival rides, youth events, live entertainment, pulling events, monster trucks and the demolition derby before the fair concludes Saturday, July 18.

From first responders and local businesses to youth organizations, public officials, political candidates, horses, tractors and decorated floats, Sunday’s parade offered a broad look at the people, organizations and traditions that make up Lincoln County.

The parade marked the beginning of a full week of livestock shows, exhibits, entertainment and community activities at the 2026 Lincoln County Fair.

About Lincoln CountyWatch

Lincoln CountyWatch is part of the County Watch Network (CWN), an independent local news organization providing fact-based coverage of Lincoln County and the surrounding region. Our reporting includes breaking news, public safety, local government, courts, business, community events, weather and investigative journalism.

Our newsroom is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS agency, government entity, court system, political organization or elected official. Editorial decisions are made independently and are based on available facts, public records, court records, official documents, interviews, photographs, video evidence, on-the-record statements and other verified sources available at the time of publication. Articles may be updated or corrected as additional verified information becomes available.

For corrections, clarifications, news tips, event submissions or story ideas, contact tips@lincolncountywatch.com.

Primary Sources

Lincoln CountyWatch on-scene coverage

Lincoln CountyWatch photographs and video

2026 Lincoln County Fair schedule

Lincoln County Fair parade information

2026 Lincoln County Fair Parade judging results,

Troy Area Chamber of Commerce parade representative