Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
It's not officially open yet, but the 1999 Kosciusko County Fair has already begun for 4-H kids and their animals.
The east end of the fairgrounds was buzzing with activity Saturday as pickups and trailers unloaded animals, and 4-H kids and parents started their annual chore of keeping their animals happy, orderly, healthy and clean.
Horse and pony competition began Saturday, as did the 4-H shows for dog obedience and showmanship.
The llama tent and the sheep and swine barns were empty over the weekend, but with their shows scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will begin filling up today.
Some food booths were open over the weekend, mostly to feed the hungry 4-H kids and parents.
Saturday at Lakeview Middle School auditorium, Angela Bailey and Jeff Wise were crowned 4-H queen and king. Janice Bokhart was crowned princess, with Matt Roberts as prince.
Awards also were given Saturday night for fashion and consumer clothing accomplishments (see pictures on page 9A).
Sunday was the cat show, along with the dog costume show and the goat royalty contest.
Today, the rabbit, beef and goat shows are scheduled, and the first-year 4-H member fun night will start at 5:30 p.m. The livestock judging contest is set for 7:30 p.m. in the show arena, and the horse and pony costume class will take place at the horse arena at 8 p.m.
At the west end of the fairgrounds tonight, in the Activity Tent, will be the Junior Miss Kosciusko County Fair contest, for 8- to 11-year-olds, at 6:30 p.m. Girls age 12 to 15 will compete for Miss Teenage Kosciusko County Fair beginning at 8 p.m.
The Home and Family Arts Building is the site for the ongoing exhibits of such open class projects as photography, canning, various plants and vegetables, needlework and sewing.
Tuesday is 4-H leaders' appreciation day, along with the swine and llama shows; pigeon, poultry and waterfowl judging; and the dairy judging and showmanship contests.
Tuesday is also the official start of the fair, with rides opening from 4 to 11 p.m. on the Midway, and the opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the fair office area.
The Cutie King and Queen contest begins in the Activity Tent Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and the Junior Talent Contest, for kids age 12 and under, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday.
In the Grandstand, T. Graham Brown, Highway 101 and Exile will perform, beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
