Van Wert County Fair now officially open

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The 155th edition of the Van Wert County Fair got underway Wednesday with a ribboncutting — albeit without a ribbon — with fair and local officials on hand at 5 p.m. for the traditional opening of the fair (see photo above). The fair opening activities also included a flag-raising ceremony in front of the grandstand. Also Wednesday, the 4-H Style Revue and Modeling Awards event took place in the Entertainment Tent, while the ever-popular High School Band Show was also moved to Wednesday because of the shortening of this year’s fair from seven to five days.

A nice crowd watched as a number of area high school marching bands strutted their stuff on the track in front of the grandstand.

Also Wednesday, a new event, the “Who Has the Best Tattoo in Northwest Ohio” contest was held in the Entertainment Tent, starting at 7 p.m.

Musical entertainment was also featured in the Entertainment Tent from 9:30-11:30 Wednesday night.

The rides and food vendors were also open following the official opening of the fair, while a baked goods auction was held in the Administration Building.

Today is Senior Citizens Day and that means area residents who are at least 60 years old get into the fair free today. Seniors will also be treated to free entertainment by the groups Crossroads and “Happy Days” Band, as well as other performers, in the Entertainment Tent, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Harness racing and pari-mutuel betting will also begin today, starting at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstand.

On the Junior Fair side, the new Junior Fair king and queen will be crowned during a ceremony that begins at 6 p.m. in the Entertainment Tent. Following the coronation ceremony, the annual 4-H Special Awards program will be held in the Entertainment Tent at 7 p.m.

Also at 7 this evening, 40 Minus 1 will entertain in the Gospel Pavilion next to the Administration Building, and a rock band will perform in the Entertainment Tent from 9:30-11:30 p.m.