Fair fun begins Thursday

After 101 years, the Union County Fair is still ready to make exciting new memories and history. Running from July 17 to July 23, fans of the fair are invited to enjoy everything on offer, from 4-H and FFA projects to live music, a rodeo and even a demolition derby.

Union County Fair Board President Chad Rieck said the board is ready to start their favorite time of the year.

“We are excited to see all the kids and fairgoers at this year’s Union County Fair,” Rieck said. “The fair board and our committees have been busy planning, cleaning, and making improvements to the fair grounds and we look forward to continue building traditions at the Union County Fairgrounds.”

Thursday, July 17, starts the week off with an 8 a.m. presentation by BounceAg founder Heather Gieseke in the small animal barn. Later that afternoon, the VFW will conduct a flag-raising ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The Union County Fair Queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. in the ISSB Show Arena. Following this, country artist Jordan Beem will perform live music in the grand pavilion until 9 p.m.

With the queen crowned, the fair goes into full swing Friday, July 18, with painting, a dog show and a bake sale during the day. Randy Burk will play in the grand pavilion for Fridays After Five, with the county fair both sponsoring the event and acting as the non-profit. A rousing game of capture the flag will start at 7 p.m., while Tim Mitchum and the Part-Time Pirates will take over in the music department at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, is Kids’ Day at the Union County Fair. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Greater Regional Health will sponsor a variety of activities by the 4-H building, including cookie decorating, crafts, games and a baby contest. A sensory zone will also be available, sponsored by the Greater Regional Auxiliary. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s plenty for adults to do on Saturday too! A Fun Horse Show will be held in the horse arena at 9 a.m., while the Play for the Palace Mud Volleyball Tournament will begin at noon. Preregistration is required. Garrett and the Relics will play at 4:30 p.m. in the grand pavilion. The queen’s parade will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by the roundup. At 6:30 p.m., a demolition derby will be hosted in the grandstand. Tickets are required for entry.

Sunday, July 20, starts the morning off with cowboy church at 8:15 in the ISSB Show Arena. A bags tournament and hay bale throwing will begin at 1 p.m. near the grandstand. Dustin Baird will perform live music at 3 p.m. in the grand pavilion, followed by a foam party. A truck and tractor pull will be held at 5:30 p.m.

On Monday, July 21, attendees can enjoy learning about barn quilting and experience archery and dodgeball. Jake Schrodt will perform at 5 p.m. in the grand pavilion. Entertainment is abound at 5:30 p.m., with both mutton busting and the celebrity beef show taking place. A quilt show-and-tell will be held at 6 p.m. in the 4-H building. The IRCA Rodeo will end the night, beginning at 7 p.m. in the grandstand.

Senior Citizen and Veterans Day at the fair is Tuesday, July 22, with special programming held in the 4-H building. That evening, Tyler Folkerts will perform at 5 p.m. in the grand pavilion. Mutton busting will take place at 5:30 p.m. The night ends with the IRCA rodeo at 7 p.m. in the grandstands.

Fair week rounds out on Wednesday, July 23, with the buyer’s appreciation lunch at 11:30 a.m., immediately followed by the Parade of Champions and livestock sale in the ISSB Show Arena.