July is here that can mean just one thing – it is time for the Barton County Fair. When I started my Extension career in Barton County our fair was held in late July/early August. When we switched to a Fair that welcomed both 4-H and open exhibits, the schedule shifted to an earlier start date. It was an adjustment the first few years, but I would venture to say that now it would be hard to revert to a fair in late summer. 

Last week Michelle shared a bit about pre-fair events that have already been completed. Today, my goal is to encourage your participation in the Fair by exhibiting an item or two. I know many of you who are reading this enjoy hobbies of photography, woodworking, baking, fiber arts or others. It is a simple process to enter something in the Fair. Of course, today many things are accomplished on-line. If that is not your thing, you can bring your items to the Expo area west of Great Bend on 10th Street and someone will help you with the process. 

Check-in of open class exhibits except perishables like food and horticulture is set for Wednesday, July 6th, from 8 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7th, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., food, horticulture and crop exhibits will come in. 

Some special events you won’t want to miss include the Business Appreciation Breakfast and Chamber Coffee set to begin at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 7th, in Expo II. The Dick Dougherty family serves up a full breakfast including pancakes and sausage and 4-H clubs donate some great door prizes. 

An event I am helping organize is the Family Fun Bike ride set for Saturday, July 9th, from 8 to 9 a.m.. This is our second time to offer this fun and educational event to encourage families to bike together and focus on safety. I have over 40 helmets for riders of all ages to give away on a first come first served basis. The bike ride will be held on the runway just west of the Great Bend Armory.

Don’t miss out on any of the fun events I have mentioned. A full schedule of all of the livestock shows, concerts and can be found on the bartoncountyfair.com website.

I’m looking forward seeing you at the Fair!

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.