The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Fair officially opened — with ice water?

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The 158th edition of the Van Wert County Fair opened like most of the fairs in recent memory: with a ribboncutting by members of the Fair Board and local business and government leaders. This year’s opening then cooled off considerably, as those involved in the opening ceremony then underwent another ceremony: the ALS Ice Water Challenge (see photo at top of page).

Fair Board Director Sarah Smith, who was doused by ice water on Tuesday evening while on the Fairgrounds for the Tug A Truck event, had called out her Fair Board colleagues and others participating the Official Grand Opening to also take the Ice Water Challenge.

Van Wert County Foundation Executive Secretary Seth Baker (left) hands out Black Inc. 4-H awards in the Gospel Pavilion on Wednesday. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)
Van Wert County Foundation Executive Secretary Seth Baker (left) hands out Black Inc. 4-H awards in the Gospel Pavilion on Wednesday. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)

After the dousing of the opening ceremony participants, things got back to normal quickly. Midway rides had opened earlier Wednesday afternoon, while harness racing events began a couple of hours later that evening. The annual 4-H Special Awards ceremony was also held Wednesday evening in the Gospel Pavilion, with 4-H members receiving trophies, certificates and checks provided by various donors, including The Van Wert County Foundation.

A dog show was also held in the Farm Focus Arena on Wednesday evening.

Today is Kids’ Day, which includes a $3 admission for everyone, while kids age 8 and under get into the Fair for free.

The Junior Fair Turkey Show will be held in the Turkey Barn at 9 a.m., while FFA Crop (Agriculture Building) and Shop (Junior Fair Building) judging will begin at noon.

Kids Dream Day will be held from 2-5 p.m., and includes a chance for youngsters to drive a tractor around the grandstand racetrack.

Ronald McDonald will perform “A Friendly Adventure” in the Entertainment Tent at 5 p.m., while Rolling video games will occur near the old Treasurer’s Office in the northeast corner of the fairgrounds.

The Freedom Quartet will perform at 7 p.m. in the Gospel Pavilion, while harness racing will be held from 7-10 p.m. in front of the grandstand.

Also from 7-10 p.m., Country music group Polly Mae will perform in the Entertainment Tent.

POSTED: 08/28/14 at 5:27 am. FILED UNDER: News