MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Reno County Fair returns July 22-27 with a full week of livestock competitions, 4-H and open class exhibits, educational activities, family entertainment and several new attractions at the Reno County Fairgrounds.
Organizers say the fair's mission is to provide educational opportunities for youth and their families to showcase projects and skills while encouraging fun and community involvement.
The fair officially gets underway Wednesday, July 22, with camper check-in, the Challenge of Champions, early check-in for static exhibits and livestock barn setup.
Thursday, July 23, features conference judging for 4-H static exhibits, the Open Class Market Wheat Show, fashion reviews, demonstrations, public speaking contests and the annual Butter Sculpting Contest. Livestock check-in and weigh-ins for swine, goats, sheep and beef will take place throughout the evening, concluding with a mandatory livestock meeting in the Beef Barn Arena.
Livestock competition begins Friday, July 24, with rabbit, goat and sheep shows, along with poultry judging, bucket calf judging and family activities including bounce houses, Water Wars and Barnyard Olympics at Gotschalk Park. Organizers noted the previously scheduled Ranch Rodeo has been canceled this year.
Saturday's schedule includes the beef show, an antique tractor show and a full day of educational workshops in the Oz Building. New this year, local businesses and professionals will offer hands-on classes covering topics such as smoothie making, raised-bed gardening and acrylic painting. All workshops require pre-registration and a fee.
The fair will also host its first Reno County Fair Benefit Dinner and Live Auction Saturday evening in the 1861 Building. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The day concludes with a kids dance and movie in the Oz Building.
Sunday's events include the swine show, livestock judging contest, carcass scanning and another series of interactive workshops featuring candle making, photography and photo editing, and do-it-yourself home cleaning products. The annual Livestock Round Robin begins at 6 p.m., after which exhibitors may begin releasing livestock.
The fair wraps up Monday, July 27, with the Poultry Meat Judging Contest, the Awards Luncheon and Champion of Foods Auction, followed by the release of exhibits and the annual livestock sale at 6 p.m.
Throughout the week, fairgoers can also enjoy 4-H and open class exhibits, educational displays and youth competitions that highlight the work of Reno County families.
The Reno County Fair Association is led by President Bailey Born, Vice President Kate Combs, Treasurer Jill Jones and Secretary Nichole Gouldie, along with board members Clint Lanning, Shala Metzger, Tami Minnis, Ashton Schlickau, Bryce Farmer, Chelcee Combs, Echo Blubaugh, Lauren Fredrick and Shelly Defrain.
Additional information, event updates and registration details are available at www.renocountyfair.com and on the Reno County Fair Facebook page.