Veterans honored at Van Wert County Fair

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Friday was another of the Van Wert County Fair’s “theme” days, this one honoring veterans of the armed services. Military veterans not only were given free admittance into the fair, but there was also a parade, a special program and the traditional bean soup and cornbread served in the Entertainment Tent.

The only thing not in abundance were veterans this year, but that was probably because of the mid-90s temperatures that made the fairgrounds seem like a sauna.

Friday was also a day for Junior and Senior Fair livestock shows, while wood carvers from Bear Hollow Wood also showed off their craftsmanship on Friday and the Ultimate Air Dogs shows also got underway.

There was also plenty of free entertainment on Friday, including several Gospel groups and Fifties and Sixties rock music, and pari-mutuel harness racing in front of the grandstand.

Today’s activities include the extremely popular Michindoh Truck and Tractor Pull, held in front of the grandstand, starting at 6 this evening. There will also be a Kiddy Tractor Pull earlier in the day.

Starting at 10 this morning, fair-goers will be treated to the annual cheerleader competitions held in front of the grandstand.

The Van Wert Area Concert Band will play from 5-6 p.m. in the Entertainment Tent and there will also be a new event today, the Diaper Derby being held from 1-3 p.m. in the Entertainment Tent. Area parents will be proud to enter their cute little crawler in this family oriented event, and all grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles will want to come and cheer for their favorite little speed demon.

Those whose interests lie in quick moving defensive action, or who just want to see something different, won’t want to miss the martial arts demonstration at noon today.

Junior Fair livestock shows include the Dairy Feeder Calf Show in the Farm Focus Arena (9 a.m.), the Beef Show in the Farm Focus Arena (noon), the Junior Goat Show (3 p.m.), the Sheep Show (7 p.m.) — both shows in the Sheep & Goat Arena — and Horse Contesting.

Senior Fair shows include the American Dairy Goat Show (8 a.m.) in the Sheep & Goat Arena, the Senior Fair Rabbit Show in the Rabbit Barn (9 a.m.), the Open Class Ponies & Draft Horses competition at the Senior Fair Horse Arena (9 a.m.), the Open to the World Feeder Calf Show in the Farm Focus Arena (4:30 p.m.) and the Ohio State Chianina Show, also in the Farm Focus Arena (6 p.m.).

There will also be horseshoe contests and plenty of free music and other entertainment in the Entertainment Tent and Gospel Pavilion.