Harness racing is a popular event at the Putnam County Fair, with races set for 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
OTTAWA – Garry and Rose Kleman have been advisors of the Miller City New Cleveland Green Promise 4-H club for the last 15 years.
Garry Kleman, who is the longest serving fair board member and is the current Putnam County Fair Board Director, said, “This is going to be a great fair this year. We have a lot of fair board people who have worked hard to get this fair going.”
On Saturday, June 18, the fair will kick off with a parade starting at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, June 19 the Junior Fair animals arrive and will be weighed in.
On Monday, June 20, highlights include Junior Fair small animal judging (goats, sheep, and rabbits) from 8 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m., a baked goods sale starting at 5 p.m. and the marching band spectacular, featuring area high school marching bands from Putnam County beginning at 7:15 p.m.
Kids Day will be Tuesday, June 21. Rose Kleman manages the registration and trophies for the Kiddie Tractor Pull. There are four classes, for kids under age 12, based on the weight of the children, which starts at 34 pounds up to 110 pounds. The kids peddle a small tractor and pull a sled with weights going roughly up to matching their own weight. Last year 118 children participated, she said. Junior Fair judging of large animals (dairy and beef cows) will take place from 8 a.m. to around 7 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22 is Industrial Day, and will feature harness racing starting at 5 p.m. The Junior Fair will include swine and poultry judging from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. followed by horse performance and contests from 9 a.m. to about 7 p.m.
Senior Day is Thursday, June 23 and individuals over the age of 62 will be admitted free to the fair for the day. This year the Klemans are also heading the senior citizens’ entertainment. The events include singers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the entertainment tent, a talk, a free box lunch, and roughly nine senior organization booths, which include the Putnam County Council on Aging, the Senior Center, and Trilogy. The animal Bred & Fed events will include beef, lamb, goats, swine, and honey.
Friday, June 24 will be Ag Day. At 7 p.m., fair-goers can choose between the truck and tractor pull in the grandstand, W.A.R. Wrestling at the Action in the Arches, or the adult horse show in the horse arena. The evening will close with the T-102 Country Star Playoffs competition which will run from 7:30 p.m. to about 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 25, the last day of the fair, is Family Day. At 4 p.m. there will be another round of W.A.R. Wrestling. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. will be a beer tasting, and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. the Demolition Derby takes place in the grandstands.
Sponsors for this year’s fair include Krendel Machine Co., PRO-TECH Coating, Buckeye Wireless Internet, Verhoff Machine & Welding, CCR Realtor, The Union Bank, Unverferth Manufacturing Co. Inc., Cooper Farms and County Electric.
Tickets to attend the Putnam County Fair cost $7 per person per day for ages 10 and older. Children 9 and younger are free. Muti-day passes can also be purchased for $30.
