The monster trucks are coming, the bingo caller will shout, a blacksmith's forge will ring and new thrills on the midway are expected for the 2004 Kosciusko County 4-H and Community Fair Saturday through July 24.

Dan Hampton, this year's fair board of directors president, said other changes are planned, too.

"Wednesday is community day, and not-for-profit organizations can introduce themselves to the community with free booth or food stand space for the day.

"It will be a mini-fair of local organizations and hopefully will go on for future years," said the four-year board member. "For a lot of citizens, these organizations work behind the scenes and few of us know about all of them. Since this year's theme is Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we kind of thought community day fit in perfectly."

This year, the merchant's tent is 340 feet long and has room for 88 spaces, which are almost sold out.

As usual, there are external improvements, like a new set of seats in the grandstands, a project that will have to be completed in stages.

"The cost of installing seats throughout the grandstands is a five-digit figure," Hampton said.

The log cabin in the pioneer village, operated by the Back to the Days of Kosciuszko group, will be open to the public this year along with a functioning blacksmith's shop operated by Matt Ellis.

The bingo tent, a new attraction, will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Internally, the board has reorganized.

"I revised the organizational structure," Hampton said, his right as board president. "We used to have 13 board members running 26 to 30 different committees. Who can organize 30 committees? We pared it down to five departments, and each department has a head.

"Jerry Secrist is the building and grounds head; entertainment, Trish Marshall; financial, Brent Hoffman; sponsorship and advertising Sue Goshert; safety and security, Don Wiesehan; the 4-H department is headed by Randy Shepherd."

They report to director of operations Steven Trump.

"Director of operations is a new position for this year. I don't know if Steve, or the next president, will keep it or not,' Hampton said.

In the opening ceremonies, dignitaries will parade from the main gate to the memorial wall on the 4-H side this year beginning at 6 p.m. A bag piper will lead the procession.

Admission will be collected differently after 4 p.m. The main gate will take money and other two, one on the east end and one to the west, will be for passes only. Daily admission is $3 for adults; $1 for children ages 6 to 15. Weekly passes are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 15. Children age 5 and younger are free.

Grandstand events include: Monday - Bear Foot Monster Truck Show: $12 adults, $7 children 4 to 12; children 3 and younger free. Advance tickets, available through Sunday, are $2 less. Tuesday - free admission to concerts by Augustine's Garden at 6 p.m. and Sanctus Real at 7 p.m.; Wednesday - demolition derby, $6 adults, $4 children 6 to 12, children 5 and younger free; Thursday - free admission to the antique tractor games; Friday - NTPA Super Semi Nationals at 7 p.m., $10 adults, $6 children 6 to 12, children 5 and younger free. Advance tickets for the two NTPA days are available at Metzger and Sons Trucking, Silver Lake, and at the fair office for $15 adults and $8 for children until Friday.

"We're looking forward to having a really good time and hopefully the weather will cooperate.

"We'll be saying a daily prayer for good weather and for the safety of everyone.

"I hope everyone has a good time," Hampton said.

Randy Shepherd is the board's vice president; Brent Hoffman is secretary/treasurer; Donald Wiesehan is vice president-elect. Other members are Roy Bradbury, Mike Loher, Jerry Secrist, Elliott Enders, Trish Marshall, Joe Secrist, Dawn Harris and Frank Rhoades. [[In-content Ad]]