By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
The 2025 Tri-Rivers Fair has officially begun and event-goers are enjoying the weather, animals, food and its tropical theme "Fairadise," as the Fair President gives comments/thoughts about the weekend so far.
With the Tri-Rivers Fair taking its full course, Salina Post visited with Fair President, Eric Blomquist about how he thinks the weekend is going so far.
"The fair has been going great and the weather is just perfect for the animals and people," said Blomquist. "We had a good turnout at the parade and it's been a real good start to the weekend and we are looking to finish strong."
When asked about the tropical theme "Fairadise," he commented that it has been 'a little slow to catch on, but everyone is buying into it.' Blomquist wanted to push this theme very much specifically this year, as a 'community and family driven event.'
"We really pushed it this year and our focus as a fair board has really been community and family, which is what 4-H is all about," he said.
Agriculture is the main investment that is put into the fair each year. Blomquist described they want kids who attend to obtain the most when it comes to the educational aspect.
"People do not realize this is a year long investment for most of these kids and some of which have thousands of dollars invested," he said. "All of the kids love to talk about their projects. You can go into the 4-H building and you have vegetables, flowers, legos, bb-guns, crops, cooking and so much for 4-H that helps generate the young kids into young adults."
The FFA Ell-Saline petting zoo has been one of the favorites. Animals range from horses, calves, donkeys and chickens that can be petted. Blomquist stated that people can learn from these tamed animals on what it takes to raise them and how they live.
"Kids who are not used to the animals can talk to many people and they will be glad to help, because everyone wants to push agriculture and inform them about what they are doing," Blomquist commented.
With the change of the fair starting a week earlier at the end of July through the start of August, Blomquist stated the adjustment has been going 'smoothly.'
"This was done to bring more families closer together," he said. "With opening a week earlier, it has surely helped alot of families because we are not pushing it closer to school. We are learning, growing and we are glad to get input from others."
For more information and to see a full schedule of the 2025 Tri-Rivers Fair, go to: https://tririversfair.org/fair-schedule/