July is here that can mean just one thing – it is time for the Barton County Fair. When I started my Extension career in Barton County our fair was held in late July/early August. When we switched to a Fair that welcomed both 4-H and open exhibits, the schedule shifted to an earlier start date. It was an adjustment the first few years, but I would venture to say that now it would be hard to revert to a fair in late summer.
Last week Michelle shared a bit about pre-fair events that have already been completed. Today, my goal is to encourage your participation in the Fair by exhibiting an item or two. I know many of you who are reading this enjoy hobbies of photography, woodworking, baking, fiber arts or others. It is a simple process to enter something in the Fair. Of course, today many things are accomplished on-line. If that is not your thing, you can bring your items to the Expo area west of Great Bend on 10th Street and someone will help you with the process.
Check-in of open class exhibits except perishables like food and horticulture is set for Wednesday, July 6th, from 8 AM to noon and 6 – 7 PM. Thursday, July 7th, from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, food, horticulture and crop exhibits will come in.
Some special events you won’t want to miss include the Business Appreciation Breakfast and Chamber Coffee set to begin at 7:30 AM on Thursday, July 7th, in Expo II. The Dick Dougherty family serves up a full breakfast including pancakes and sausage and 4-H clubs donate some great door prizes.
An event I am helping organize is the Family Fun Bike ride set for Saturday, July 9th, from 8-9 AM. This is our second time to offer this fun and educational event to encourage families to bike together and focus on safety. I have over 40 helmets for riders of all ages to give away on a first come first served basis. The bike ride will be held on the runway just west of the Great Bend Armory.
Don’t miss out on any of the fun events I have mentioned. A full schedule of all of the livestock shows, concerts and can be found on the bartoncountyfair.com website.
I’m looking forward seeing you at the Fair!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research & Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or [email protected] K-State Research & Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.