All's fair in Boone County

The Boone County Fair is here, and it’s time to pig out. You can spend your time scarfing down the ham breakfast or squealing in excitement at the pig races, but the way you take to the phrase is up to you. Whether you fancy the food or the fun, this year’s fair is combining old and new events to entertain.

“There is something for everyone,” said George Harris, manager of the fair. “It’s a fun, educational, family affair.”

Harris has been managing the fair for 15 years and said it’s finally finding its niche within the community.

“It moved out here in ’92 from downtown,” he said. “It was farther out and a different atmosphere, but it’s grown out here and people have accepted it. Our attendance is going up each and every year.”

Attendance is expected to reach 100,000 people, after bringing in approximately 90,000 last year, he said.

Harris said he is excited about this year’s fair and is already in the process of planning next year’s festivities.

“My favorite part of the fair is seeing everyone enjoy themselves,” he said. “I want everyone to come and enjoy it. It’s their fair.”

Pre-fair activities begin today at 5212 N. Oakland Gravel Road and continue through Sunday, with the fair officially opening on Monday at 4 p.m. A full schedule of events can be found at boonecountyfairgrounds.com/events.htm.

Fresh Festivities

• Sue Kennedy, a Nashville recording artist, will perform Saturday at 7 p.m.
• A draft horse pull at both the amateur and professional levels will take place at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday.
• Hedrick’s Educational Petting Zoo will give kids a chance to experience exotic animals such as kangaroos, camels and Indu cattle. The petting zoo is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Pig races will be held throughout the week. The races will be Wednesday and Thursday at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Some Oldies but Goodies

• The carnival begins at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. All rides Monday evening are $1, and wristbands are available for the rest of the week.
• Various 4-H and FFA shows begin today with the Youth and Home Arts displays and will continue with the showing of sheep, horses, goats and more through the fair’s close.
• The truck and tractor pull will be Saturday at 7 p.m.
• The Society Horse Show will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• The demolition derby will help bring the fair to a close Sunday at 7 p.m.

Kid-Centered Clowning

• The parade will take place downtown Saturday, July 21. It starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Broadway and Dorsey Street.
• A “Just for Fun” horse show will be held Saturday at 1 p.m.
• The Children’s Barnyard will be open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The pedal pull is at 6 p.m. Tuesday.