Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Opening with a flourish, the Kosciusko County 4-H & Community Fair officially got under way Monday with an expanded opening ceremony.
Moved to the fair office this year instead of the Memorial Wall in the 4-H end of the fairgrounds, the opening ceremony included city, county and state government officials as well as a formal flag ceremony by the 152nd Regiment, Army Reserves.
"Whit" Whitaker sang the national anthem, "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless the USA" in a moving presentation before Jamie Teel, the 1997 fair queen, cut the ribbon to officially begin the festivities.
Mild weather and clear skies brought out the crowds Monday night to a fairgrounds that underwent some changes this year.
At the entrance to the grounds, a circular ornamental display of asphalt that looks like brick was donated by contractor Phend and Brown.
This year, the Activity Tent and the Merchants' Tent were moved closer to the entrance. The Midway is near the Grandstand, and the food and merchandise vendors are grouped in a single row next to the Merchants' Tent.
Fair board vice president Kim Leake said the move was intentional to help people who may want to visit the fair without going on rides. This year's layout allows visitors to see everything but the rides without walking over the entire fairgrounds.
Today is wristband day from 1 to 11 p.m., where $12 will purchase a wristband that will allow the wearer to go on as many rides as he wants. Additional wristband days are Thursday, also from 1 to 11 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
The "Powder Puff and Compact Car Demolition Derby" is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Grandstand. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids ages 6 to 12.
The Cutie King & Queen contest will be tonight in the Activity Tent at 6 p.m., and the Little Miss & Mister contest is at 8 p.m.
Wednesday is Kiddies Day at the fair, and all rides between 1 and 11 p.m. are $1 each. The Junior and Senior Youth Talent Show is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Activity Tent, and Leroy VanDyke, the "world's most famous auctioneer" will entertain for free in the Grandstand at 7 and 9 p.m.
Thursday is senior citizens' and farmers' day, and the Demolition Derby is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
An error in the fair schedule lists "State of the Heart" singing artists for Thursday in the Activity Tent. "State of the Heart" will appear on Saturday, and "Dueling Elvises" are scheduled for Thursday.
On the 4-H end of the fairgrounds, today is a busy day, with pigeon, poultry, waterfowl, swine and llama shows, the horse and pony versatility show, and the dairy judging contest tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The 4-H horse and pony show is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. and the sheep show for 1 p.m. Dairy, open rabbit, horse and pony, and supreme showmanship will take place Thursday; and the 4-H livestock auction is set for Friday.
Cost of admission to the fair is $3 for adults, $1 for children between ages 10 and 15, and free for children under 10.
