Fair set to begin

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Whether visitors love animals, clothing, hot dogs and watermelon, rodeos, or cars smashing together, next week’s Marion County Fair will be just the ticket.

This year’s theme is “Hooves in the Air.” The fair will run from Sunday to July 23.

Events this weekend will include fair setup on Saturday and check-in of horses, a horse show, and the Ag Challenge of Champions on Sunday.

Monday and Tuesday will be judging of 4-H projects.

The fair will kick off in earnest July 20 with a 6 p.m. parade followed by a 6:30 p.m. hot dog meal.

A watermelon feed and kids’ power pedal pull will be at 7 p.m.

DJ Aaron Waddell will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

At 8 p.m., entertainment will move to the arena. A Kraft rodeo will include mutton bustin for children ages 6 and younger and a calf scramble for children ages 10 and younger.

On July 21, a bounce house and food trucks will be at the fair, and commercial exhibits will open at 5:30 p.m. A cornhole tournament will be at 7 p.m.

Kraft rodeo at 8 p.m. will include mutton bustin for children ages 6 and younger and a calf scramble for children ages 10 and younger.

July 22 will feature 4-H livestock and project auction at 6:30 p.m. and lawn mower races at 7 p.m.

Entertainment July 23 will include Wet ’N’ Wild from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a 12:30 p.m. barbecue competition. A people’s choice award will be given. A demolition derby will be at 7 p.m.