Rodeo, demo derby VW fair highlights

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert County Fair has had great weather for its first three days, but could face some Isaac-related rain over the weekend that could dampen attendance rates that have been up a bit this year over recent years.

Today’s events include the ever-popular Cheerleading Invitational, which begins at 10 this morning in the Lincolnview High School gymnasium, because of  threatening rainclouds. A number of area cheerleading squads will show off their tumbling and cheering skills during the multi-division contest (click here for a copy of the 2012 fair book and schedules).

Also on today’s schedule are several Senior Fair shows, including the American Dairy Goat Show, the Rabbit Show, the Open Class Ponies Show and the Open to the World Feeder Calf Show. On the Junior Fair side will be the Feeder Calf Show and Beef Show, both to be held in the Farm Focus Arena.

The singles horseshoe competition will run today, with the doubles competition on Sunday.

The Kiddie Tractor Pull will also be held today, while the Bear Hollow Wood Carver Show will be back for several performances.

This evening will feature the Bulls & Barrels Rodeo presented by Hat Creek Arena. That show will begin at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstand.

Sunday’s events include the 4-H Talent Show, starting at 1 p.m., and the 4-H Style Review from 2-4 p.m. The Senior Fair will include the Open to the World Market Lamb Show, while there will also be several Junior Fair events, highlighted by the interesting and popular Showman of Showmen competition, which will begin at 6 p.m. in the Farm Focus Arena, and the Rabbit Show (click here for Junior Fair results).

Sunday night’s agenda will feature another popular and traditional fair event: the annual Auto Demolition Show, which will begin at 7 that evening in front of the grandstand.

Friday was Senior Citizen and Veterans Day at the fair, and drew a number of seniors and vets to enjoy free fair admission and special programs, including a Veterans Parade that began on Balyeat Avenue and marched onto the fairgrounds from there. Vets also were served bean soup and cornbread in the Entertainment Tent.

Horse racing was also a big part of Friday’s fair schedule, beginning at 7 p.m., and will culminate on Labor Day with a thoroughbred and quarter horse race card in front of the grandstand.

As usual, there was plenty of food and entertainment to be had, while youngsters — and the young at heart — had a plethora of rides to go on and games to play (click here for more fair photos).