Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Steve Trump has returned to a familiar place as president of Kosciusko County Fair Board. This week he's been involved with the micro and macro aspects of the community fair along with his board of directors and other volunteers.
On Thursday, trucks were rolling in with tents to pitch, food stand supplies and vendors' displays.
Competitive Super Semis preparing to pull for NTPA points tonight also began converging on the Smith Street fairgrounds in Warsaw.
Trump was called to settle a tent size discrepancy and help a woman whose refrigerated van was running but not cooling the perishable items inside.
There are a million and one other things to do before the community fair officially opens Monday at 6 p.m.
The six-term fair board president didn't seem too worried about things falling into place. There are plenty of helping hands.
"I never turn down good help," he said from his shaded campsite north of the Activity Tent. Trump served the fair board for five years, holding the president's office from 1995 to 2000.
"They made a past president's position then," he said, "an advisory position. I was asked back when someone left."
Tim Plummer resigned the president's post and from the board last fall.
Board members and department heads carry two-way radios and zip across the fairground in Gators. Since they can hear each other's communication, assistance and/or advice is never far away.
Trump's favorite events are the NTPA truck pull and show this weekend, sponsored by Metzger Motorsports, and the Demolition Derby Friday night, sponsored by Ferguson Farms.
"Bob Ferguson warned me the Wabash County Fair outside events were rained out this year," Trump said. "He's had calls from those competitors calling to enter our derby. We could have more than 100 cars this year."
Sunday's events, which begin with Vespers provided by the Walnut Creek Church in the grandstand area at 7 a.m., are free. Seating for the 4 p.m. annual parade, which begins in Winona Lake, is available in the grandstands. The Battle of the Barns will follow the parade, also in the grandstands area.
A gospel sing is at 6 p.m. in the Activity Tent featuring the Hall Family, Aaron's Rod, Harvest and Bible Way Praiz.
Beginning Monday, admission is $15 for adult weekly passes, $5 for children 10 to 15 years old, free for children age 10 and younger. Daily admission is $3 for adult weekly passes, $1 for children 10 to 15 years old. Senior citizens 65 and older will be charged $1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, and weekly admission for 4-H parents is $7.
Fair board directors include officers Dan Hampton, vice president; Randy Shepherd, vice president-elect; Brent Hoffman, secretary-treasurer; and general members Roy Bradbury, Dawn Harris, Jerry Secrist, Elliott Enders, Mike Loher, Raymond Truex, Trish Marshall and Joe Secrist.
