By SALINA POST
The Ottawa County Fair, themed "Fair Fever," will occur from July 13 to August 3, offering various events and activities. The fair kicks off on July 13 with the Cardboard Boat Races and continues with pre-fair events, including shooting sports and judging contests. Fair events are scheduled July 13-Aug. 3.
On Tuesday, July 16 The Ottawa County Fairgrounds, K 106 Hwy, Minneapolis, Kans. will host open class entries, 4-H and FFA livestock entries, and competitions in various categories such as woodworking, photography, and welding. The fair's first evening features a parade, which will begin at 6 p.m., and a performance by the Prochaska Family from Ada, Kans.
Wednesday, July 17 event highlights include the 4-H/FFA Swine Show, Beef Show, and the Baby Show.
July 18 is set to be a busy day with the Rabbit and Poultry Show, a fashion revue, and the Kids' Pedal Tractor Pull.
On July 19, visitors can enjoy the Draft Horse Show, where horses and their riders will demonstrate how to mow and bale straw. Also on Friday is the Ag Olympics, and the 4-H Premium Auction. Sally and the Hurts will preform on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Their performance is sponsored by the Ottawa County Arts Council.
The fair wraps up on July 20 with a Fun Run/Relay Walk and the Draft Horse Obstacle Course.
"It takes a lot of people who do their part," said Ottawa County Fair Board Member Brian Kindall. "Whether it's mowing, painting, filling out paperwork tonight everybody will come in and clean up the barns and facilities that got dust on them, and then Monday night, we put our tent up and for shade and pull picnic tables under and be ready to sweat on Monday."
Additional events include Polly's Baking Contest, the Pig Scramble, and carnival rides. The Ottawa County Fair will also include food vendors from the VFW Post and Auxilary, Minneapolis Noon Lions, the Minneapolis Evening Lions, United Methodist Church and Little B's SnoCones.
"We are very fortunate to have carnival rides, not just blow-ups and games," Kindall said. "And the best thing about that is a ticket for games is 50 cents and it takes two tickets to ride one of the carnival rides."
According to the Ottawa County Fair Board, the fair is an excellent place for families to celebrate the county's agricultural heritage, community spirit, and family fun.
For more details and a complete schedule, visit the Ottawa County Fair website.