Saddle up, because the Calhoun County Fair gates open up on Saturday, Aug. 10.
While it’s a big week for everyone who has been baking, making and growing throughout the year, the county fair is still a celebration for everyone. Try your luck in the bingo tent. Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel. Meet some baby animals. Throw an ax.
Here we answer some of the most important fair questions:
WHAT IS THE MOST COUNTY-FAIR-ISH THING I CAN DO?
Obviously, the most fair-ish thing you can do is raise a cow from birth and show it off for judging.
But if you don’t have a farm, it’s fun to go through all of the buildings to see animals. The 4-H kids are always busy taking care of their livestock and you can ask questions.
WHAT FAIR FOOD SHOULD I EAT?
By an informal poll, the Friskie fries came out on top. Definitely try them with vinegar.
Sweet things are also a must-have. The elephant ears are the most popular fried treat, but there’s also caramel apples and cotton candy.
Another hot tip is to seek out the pretzel wagon for a salty-sweet treat.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST NIGHT IN THE GRANDSTAND?
The demolition derby is by far the most popular event. That must be why they save it until last – it’ll be Saturday, Aug. 17. The derby is followed by a drone show with 175 drones.
But there’s something going on every day at the grandstand, such as live music, truck pulls and a rodeo. Check the schedule for all your choices.
HOW LONG DOES THE CARNIVAL GO?
The TJ Schmidt carnival will be open Aug. 12-17. There will be rides for everyone, from the thrill-seeker to those who prefer to stay more grounded.
The Mega Pass is only available through Aug. 11, so if you want to ride every day go to the website now.
WHEN IS THE BEST DAY TO BRING KIDS?
Kids Day is Tuesday, Aug. 13. There will be activities going on all day, such as a princess meet-and-greet, a frog-jumping contest and photos with superheroes.
Make sure to enter your name for the prize drawing at 1 p.m. The big prize is a bike!
WHAT ARE THE CUTEST ANIMALS?
The mini whinnies are the cutest animals at the fair. They’re goat-sized horses with fluffy manes and salty attitudes. You can find them by the horse barn.
To be honest, most of the animals have their cute side: the cows have big, beautiful eyes; the rabbits with their floppy ears; the little lambs and kids (we mean goat-kids, not human-kids).
Wild World Adventure Petting Zoo will let you pet the animals and give them treats. Kids (human kids) can go for a pony ride. The petting zoo will open at noon starting Aug. 12.
