After 13 inches of rain in June, the weather has cleared, and the biggest event in Page County is coming. The Page County Fair is July 24 to 27, and the theme is "Ignite the Flame."

Three different businesses showed their civic pride by sponsoring a day of the Page County Fair. I want to say a special thank you to the Page County Farm Bureau, Showcase Sponsor for July 24; United Agri Products, Showcase Sponsor for July 25; and Tri-Tractor Inc., Showcase Sponsor for July 26.

The Kick-Off Barbeque will be July 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Wibholm Hall. Enjoy a pork sandwich with all the trimmings. Farm Bureau and Fair Board members will be serving, and the proceeds go to grounds improvement.
Registration for the Children's Pedal Pull starts at 6 p.m. at the City Park. Age groups are from 4 to 11.

 

Other features for Thursday evening include the coronation of the Fair Queen, 4-H Hall of Fame awards, 4-H Endowment Fund recognition, and the cherry pie auction. The presentations will be at the Show Arena.

The Page County Fair is featuring new events this year. On July 25, the Bucket-Bottle Calf Show will also include lambs. The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Show Arena. At the Horse Arena, the Ranch Rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m., and Mutton Busting starts at 8:30 p.m. The Horse Pull will be on the east side of the fairgrounds and begins at 8:00 p.m. For all the chefs, the Page County Farm Bureau will sponsor a Cookout Contest on July 26 in the courtyard area east of Wibholm Hall. The contest begins at 7:30 a.m., and the Page County Farm Bureau will sponsor the winner(s) at the Iowa State. Fair.

Family entertainment will be provided by Ray Thompson - Hypnotist on July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Show Arena. Silly Sally will be performing at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. throughout the fair at the Ron Sanson Pavilion. Silly Sally has been clowning around for years and is also a musician and singer.

For those who like horse power, the antique tractor pull will be on July 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held on the east side of the fairgrounds, and Naturally Iowa will be serving ice cream.

Throughout the day, enjoy good food at reasonable prices at the 4-H Food Stand. The 4-H Food Stand will be open Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Also, pick up a refreshing drink at the 4-H Pop Stand. Profits from the Food and Pop Stand support the 4-H Scholarship fund.

During the evening, bring the children to a fun and safe place at the 4-H and FFA Carnival. The Page County Fair is one of the few that has food and game booths run by 4-H clubs, leaders, and parents. After expenses, 4-H clubs and FFA chapters use the profits for group activities and community service projects.

 

The carnival runs from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy tacos and funnel cakes, win prizes, and support the youth.

The fair would not be complete without 4-H events. Working exhibits will be shared with fair goers on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cow Palace. Topics are chosen so that audience members can interact with the 4-Hers. At 6 p.m., parents, relatives, and friends are invited to attend the Fashion Fair at the Ron Sanson Pavilion. Participants will model their clothing entries from Fashion Review and Clothing Selection.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, check out Wibholm Hall and the hundreds of projects. You will see everything: photography, textiles and clothing, food and nutrition, wood working, horticulture, and science and engineering. You will be impressed with the creativity and hard work of the 4-H members. In 2007, there were 166 static exhibitors and 810 projects!

The livestock exhibits include beef, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. The livestock shows start on July 24 with horses and sheep. The horse and swine shows will take place on July 25, followed by beef cattle, rabbit, poultry, dog, and pet shows on July 26. In 2007, there were 132 livestock exhibitors and 500 animals. Because of biosecurity, NO PETS are allowed on the fairgrounds.

Hour for hour, you cannot beat the Page County Fair for entertainment and a tremendous learning opportunity. Mark your calendar now for July 24 to 27, and hope to will see you at the Fair!