Friday evening the Lyle Dreher Roughriders Arena in Riverside Park will be the focus of the 123rd annual Allen County Fair.
Mutton busting, featuring kids trying desperately to hang on to a sheep and one of the most delightful of fair events to watch, will kick things off, followed by the big boys and girls in rodeo events.
Saturday Rotary Day in the Park, with barbecue cook-off and car show, gives continuity to the festival, and from then on through Thursday evening’s livestock auction Riverside will be the place to be. If that isn’t enough, a Mud Run at Wide Open Speed Park a couple of miles or so south of town will be the topper Saturday evening.
For those who rail about no place to go and nothing do, they need to get their noses out of the pitiful fare on TV, lay aside electronic gadgets that burn up time that could be better spent and go to the fair.
Fair board members work diligently throughout the year to put on the week of activities, and a multitude of others of all ages prep and plan with just as much fervor.
With not so many farm folks these days and so many things begging attention, 4-H membership isn’t what it once was. But don’t be fooled, the kids who bake and sew and create all sorts of projects, as well as nurture and work with animals, will have many entries that will amaze and delight.
When the livestock auction rolls around, it behooves folks to participate, and tell our youngsters that we appreciate all the work they’ve expended by financially recognizing their accomplishments. For many kids, premiums paid for their animals go to college funds and will make a huge difference in their lives in years to come.
Do your part to make this year’s fair a rousing success.
— Bob Johnson
