The Clarion County Fair bills itself as “the best part of summer.” If the list of events and attractions are any indication, attendees will have a lot to choose from to keep themselves entertained.
The fair kicks off today and will continue through Saturday.
The 4-H horse and pony show, along with the car and motorcycle shows get things started Sunday. The draft horse pulls and mini horse pulls also are scheduled that day.
The evening will wrap up with a hymn sign and devotional, along with a performance by Leatherwood Band.
Admission to the fairgrounds Sunday will be a per-car donation. All money raised from the donations will benefit Relay for Life.
“Many people have been affected by cancer, so we’re glad to be able to help Relay,” said Julie Evans, secretary-treasurer of the fair’s board of directors.
Monday at the fairgrounds is Military Appreciation Day. Current and past military members will be admitted free.
Monday night’s schedule will feature two headline shows – the antique tractor pull and mini modifieds at 6:30 and a performance by hypnotist Richard Barker at 7:30.
Back for the second year will be the FMX Championship Series Motorcycle Thrill Show. The stunt drivers are returning to the fair after rave reviews. The show will be held at the grandstands starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
“These guys do the high-flying flips and aerial stunts,” said Mark Wyant, president of the board.
The riders will be doing tricks off a ramp, and will be higher than the front of the grandstand, Wyant said.
Wednesday night’s show will bring truck and tractor pulls to the fairgrounds, as Power Pulling Productions will bring its shows to the grandstands.
Thursday will mark the return of demolition derby. This year, for the first time, the derby will be presented by Derby Dog Productions.
According to Wyant, the show won’t stop if a car catches fire. The plan is to stop only if the fire gets too close to the fuel tank.
“We have loosened the rules up a little this year,” he said.
Friday night will feature local truck and tractor pulls as well as the 4-H livestock sale.
The fair will wrap up with the return of the rodeo. David Martin’s Bullride Mania will headline Friday night. The rodeo is the first in more than 20 years at the fair.
Daily shows won’t be all the fair has to offer. There will be indoor and outdoor exhibits, traditional carnival games and, of course, the highly anticipated fair food.
In addition, the Rhinestone Roper will perform two shows daily. The shows will feature trick horses and rope acts.
Those planning to attend the fair should walk cautiously because dinosaurs will be roaming the grounds. The Wild About Dinosaurs attraction will be available for photos.
The fair also will offer laser tag to guests of all ages. Red Dragon laser tag will be available daily from 5 to 10 p.m.
Ventriloquist Jimmy Swogger will return for daily performances and Tropical Amusements will provide about 13 rides and games.
“There will be 31 outdoor exhibits. There will be a variety of things for guests to enjoy,” said Marlene Hartzell, chairperson of outdoor exhibits.
Wyant hopes the expected heat won’t stop anyone from attending.
“We’ll have fans, and places for people to get inside to be able to relax for a while if the weather is too warm,” Wyant said.
In addition, he said there will be places for people to sit in the shade.
The fair’s pay-one-price $8 admission (except Sunday when admission is a donation per car) includes entry onto the fairgrounds, as well as all rides, shows and exhibits.
The fair is being held at Redbank Valley Municipal Park, on Route 28. For more details, visit the fair’s website at www.clarioncountyfair.com or call (814) 365-5179.