County Fair to feature 4-H contest

The recent cool weather may entice some to leave their homes and attend this year's Monroe County Fair, which kicked off Saturday and is open to all county residents. Monroe County Fair Secretary Bobbi Partenheimer said she expects the unseasonably cool weather to aid in attendance figures for the event.\n"We hope to have a lot of people because the weather is quite cool and it helps the crowds," Partenheimer said.\nThe annual fair is located at the west end of town off of Airport Road. \nThe fair will feature programs from 4-H events to carnival rides. Crafts and flowers will also be available for show at the fair. Special pricing is offered throughout the week.\nMonday, Wednesday and Thursday are slotted as "arm band nights." The arm bands, which cost $7, allow total access to all festivities at the fair and include the cost of parking. The other nights charge $2 for parking and have tickets available for purchase to see events.\n"We have a lot of things offered," Partenheimer said.\nRides and 4-H events won't be the only attraction at the show as a demolition derby will be held Friday as well as the Extension Homemakers Style Show. The winner of the Monroe County Fair queen contest will go on to compete in the state competition.\nSaturday, parents will have the chance to enter their kids into a baby contest. Children will be judged and given prizes.\nLive entertainment for the fair will include musical guests such as Ronnie McDowell, Mike Snider, Sheila Stephen and Lloyd Wood.\nSetup for the fair began July 8. Livestock owners competing in the contests began preparation for the event Saturday morning. As more barn space opens up because of concluding 4-H contests, more livestock will move in to contend, Berg said. \n"Many people think the 4-H is just rural, but it's not," Treasurer Pat Haley said.\nOther 4-H events include contests for categories such as computers, photography, art, sewing, baking and woodworking. Haley said he expects large numbers of participants for the event.\n"We have one of the largest 4-H memberships in the state of Indiana," Haley said. \nRabbits, poultry, goats, cows, pigs and other animals will be judged throughout the week. \nAmong the 4-H contests are commercial businesses that will set up booths. Outside vendors will also be around the fair grounds. \n"Nearly 500 exhibitors (are set up) in the building which means we have about 3,000 exhibits," said Sue Berg, extension educator of consumer and family sciences for Purdue University. \nThe fair is scheduled to end Saturday at 8 p.m.\n-- Contact City & State Editor Andrea Opperman at acopperm@indiana.edu.