By Shelley Grieshop
sgrieshop@dailystandard.com WAPAKONETA -- "Every-thing looks terrific so far," Auglaize County Fair Board Secretary Fred Piehl said with a big smile as the fairgrounds bustled with activity Thursday morning.
Piehl and other organizers are prepping for the 152nd Auglaize County Fair which begins Monday in Wapakoneta. Monday is free admission day with a ribbon cutting ceremony slated for noon; rides will commence at 5 p.m.
Judging for 4-H competitions began this week and will continue throughout next week. On Thursday, young boys and girls sat nervously through livestock interviews in the Pavilion, while a "girls only" crowd fidgeted at the 4-H Home Economics judging in the junior fair and FFA buildings.
"The people organizing the 4-H activities have told me their numbers (individual entries) have increased in just about every category this year," Piehl said.
Camping sites were nearly all spoken for by midweek, even though the fairgrounds increased site availability from 75 to 250 during the last four years. "There is no room for any more inside exhibitors right now; we have a waiting list," Piehl said, adding that outside vending space is also "maxed out."
Piehl said he has received numerous calls about the Zerbini Circus which will be performing under the big top Tuesday through Friday with shows at 1 and 9 p.m., and Saturday at 1, 4 and 9 p.m.
"This is the first time I can ever remember having a circus at the fair," said Piehl who has been involved with the fair for more than 40 years.
General admission price this year is $6 per day, with children 9 and under free. The admission fee includes all entertainment and grandstand events. All-day wristband specials for mechanical rides is $13 with various special rates offered throughout the week.
A few of the highlights for the week include the Junior Fair King and Queen coronation at 7:30 p.m. Monday followed by fireworks, both taking place in front of the grandstand.
Harness racing will get underway Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and the demolition derby returns again this year for excitement on Thursday evening. Motocross racers will rev their engines at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night in front of the grandstand.
Various musical performances are scheduled for each day in front of the grandstand and in the gospel music tent.
Other Monday highlights include:
6 p.m.: Baked goods auction
7 p.m.: Them Bowmans, gospel music
7:30 p.m.: Cheerleading competition |
