Dozens of children from all over showed up to participate in the Kiddie Tractor Pull last year at the Putnam County Fair.
File photo | The Lima News
OTTAWA —The Putnam County Fair returns next week, bringing several new and exciting events that cannot be found elsewhere.
Among the things that fair secretary Kevin Wilson is looking forward to when the fair runs from Monday, June 19 to Sunday, June 25 are the various musical performances coming to the entertainment tent, 4H projects, a tractor pull and a demolition derby.
“I think the biggest thing that we’re excited about is the concert that so many people have suggested we have,” he said. “We were able to find some good talents for the Thursday night concerts, and I think that’s something they should get really excited about and come out seeing. They’re going to hear some great singing and have a good time.”
The live concert at the grandstand will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22, but there will be music throughout the fair at various locations at the fairgrounds in Ottawa and everything necessary for people to have a nice, relaxing time.
“It’s just kind of a relaxed, fun time,” Wilson added. “I think your blood pressure goes down as you walk around and you smell all the food and take in the rides. It’s just a good time out and a good relaxing evening.”
Each day starting with Monday, June 29 will see a different theme.
Monday will welcome veterans and spouses for free. Tuesday welcomes children 16 and under for free until 4 p.m. Wednesday will be Industrial Day. Thursday will be Senior Citizens Day and will welcome all seniors 62 and older for free. Friday will be Ag Day.
Several animal events will take place following the weigh-ins taking place all day Sunday, June 18, including goat, horse/pony, chicken, pig, rabbit, sheep and cattle judging, as well as harness races.
One events Wilson thinks people should be really excited about is Wolves of the World, which showcases wolves and their habitats, from Tuesday through Saturday.
“I hope people understand the wolves exhibit is going to be something that’s going to be very interesting and educational for people to see,” he said. “And it’s a very rare entertainment situation where people travel with these wolves and have shows throughout the day, and I think it’d be great for people to come and spend some time just sitting and learning about the wolves.”
Wilson said that the work on the fair has been going on since November and really has not stopped.
“There’s so much work that people don’t understand being put into this fair,” he said. “We start with our sponsorships and the committees all getting together to find the talent. It’s hours and hours of work starting in November, and then when the month of June gets here, it’s getting the fairgrounds ready and to make sure we have all the pieces in place and that the fair is ready to go.”
Seeing people enjoying the fruits of that labor for yet another year will be significant.
“I think the fair board works very hard to put on an event where people can come out, relax and have a good time,” Wilson said. “I think it’s very rewarding to see people having fun and saying, ‘Hey, this was great.’ That’s what the fair board is all about.”
The king and queen of the fair will be crowned at 7 p.m. Monday, followed by a marching band spectacular at 7:15 p.m..
The fair parade will kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17.
For more information on fair events and updates, visit putnamcountyfair.com and visit the fair’s Facebook page.
PUTNAM COUNTY FAIR GRANDSTAND EVENTS
Monday: Veterans tribune, 6:30 p.m.; king and queen coronation, 7 p.m.; marching band spectacular, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday: Kiddie tractor pull, 1:30 p.m.; bicycle give away, 3 p.m.; harness racing, 5 p.m.
Wednesday: Harness racing, 5 p.m.
Thursday: Live concert, 7 p.m.
Friday: Truck and tractor pulls, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Demolition derby, 7 p.m.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
