Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
"Proud To Be In America" is the theme for this year's 4-H and Community Fair, July 7-12.
The fair officially begins at 6 p.m. Monday with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This year, instead of holding the ceremony at the Memorial Wall, the ribbon-cutting will take place at the fair office.
The National Guard will have a flag-raising, antique tractors will parade, local dignitaries and politicians will attend, and a representative of Rep. Tim Roemer's office will present the fair board with a flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol.
Other changes at the fair include an improved electrical system for the grounds; a commercial area, featuring food and T-shirt vendors, to the east of the Shrine Building; increased entertainment in the Activity Tent, which will be near the commercial area; rides moved further south, toward the Grandstand fence; and, where the Activity Tent used to be, the mountain climber booth, the walk-through smokehouse for kids, and Robinson's Racing Pigs.
Prefair events will happen Friday night, with the Toyota Hollywood Auto Stunt Show at 8 p.m. in the Grandstand, just before the fireworks.
4-H competitions begin Saturday and run daily, with the highlight, the 4-H livestock auction, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. July 11. Check at the 4-H office on the fairgrounds for schedules of daily events.
For kids, special activities include the Cutie King and Queen Contest and the Little Miss and Mister Contest, both on Tuesday; Kiddies' Day on Wednesday, featuring the junior and senior talent show and a bicycle giveaway; and the kids' toy giveaway on July 11.
Seniors will have a day of their own - Thursday - with reduced admission, bingo, euchre and food demonstrations.
Entertainment at the fair centers around the Grandstand, with a compact derby and powder puff derby Tuesday; demolition derby Thursday; jet truck meltdown July 11; and semi truck show and shine, plus semi truck pull July 12.
On the stage of the Activity Tent, fair patrons may see "Holy Fire," a contemporary gospel group; LeRoy Van Dyke, "the world's most famous singing auctioneer"; Dueling Elvises; Spike and the Bulldogs; and Christopher Green, who conducts a deaf musical ministry using American Sign Language.
Questions about the fair schedule or activities may be addressed to the fair office at 269-1823.
