VW County Fair heads into its final day

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

James Otto wowed fairgoers at this year's event. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent) — James Otto wowed fairgoers at this year’s event. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)

It was a great weekend at the Van Wert County Fair as James Otto sang, cheerleaders, um, cheered, and junk cars demolished each other.

It was a busy weekend, with plenty of activities for area residents of all ages. Two popular 4-H events — the Talent Show and Style Review — were also held over the weekend.

Otto performed his hits, such as “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” as well as cuts off his third and latest album, Shake What God Gave Ya, during his fair concert on Saturday night.

Earlier Saturday, cheerleaders from a number of area high schools boogied to the beat as they showed fairgoers how they keep fans cheering for the home team.

Sunday night featured the ever-popular Demolition Derby, with a junior demo derby also part of this year’s event.

Overall, it was a good weekend, with rain holding off on Sunday and temps down a bit from earlier in the week (click here for more fair photos).

Today, Labor Day, marks the final official day of the fair, with horse racing and high school band music front and center for the day.

After several days of harness racing, the fair brings thoroughbred and quarter horses to the forefront today for a series of running races in front of the grandstand. The main race event is the Van Wert County Fair 1 1/8 Mile Derby.

This evening will bring back the traditional High School Band Show, which features marching bands from area high schools performing in front of the grandstand in what is basically an extended football halftime show.

Lots of people watched as area drivers hurled their junk cars into each other during the fair's Demolition Derby held Sunday night. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent) — Lots of people watched as area drivers hurled their junk cars into each other during the fair’s Demolition Derby held Sunday night. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)

Junior Fair shows today include the Swine Show and Horse Contesting, while the Senior Fair shows include the Open Sheep Show and the Senior Fair Dairy Show in the Farm Focus Arena.

A tattoo contest will be held in the Entertainment Tent, starting at 6:30 p.m. today, while other free Entertainment Tent acts include dancers from Pam’s School of Dance and the band, Broken Lights.

There is also a lot going on at the Gospel Pavilion, where The Jubilees, Trinity and the Punches Family will perform, as well as the Ultimate Mystery Children Choosing Christ event.

It’s also the final day for the Bear Hollow Wood Carver Show, with demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2, 5, and 8 p.m. on the midway.

POSTED: 09/02/13 at 7:54 am. FILED UNDER: News