Fair to open with Charlie Daniels Band

Van Wert County Fair information

It’s nearly that time again!  In 2015, the 159th Van Wert County Fair kicks off with a soft opening (no gate admission) on Tuesday night, September 1, with a concert featuring the Charlie Daniels Band and opening act local favorite Nashville Crush. Throughout August, watch for announcements and details on all the exciting and entertaining things happening at this year’s Van Wert County Fair.

Fair season tickets are on sale at multiple locations. Those unsure of where to go to get tickets (membership or season) can call the fair office 419.238.9270. Discounted ride wristbands are also still available at the fair office for another week or two.

A Lamb, Pig, and Calf Scramble will kick off the official opening night of the Van Wert County Fair this year. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, in front of the Grandstand.  Sponsors for the scramble include Murphy’s Trash Service, Rural King, Farmer’s Grain of Willshire and Van Wert County Hospital.

This is the second year for the scramble, where kids compete against each other by seeing who can catch a pig, lamb or calf the quickest. It’s somewhat a revival of the greased pig contests that were very common several years ago. As a “warm-up” exhibition, the event will start with an activity for those kids under 7 that are in attendance. Last year there was a chicken catch for these kids, but with the poultry disease troubles this year, the Fair Board is working on a substitute event for the youngest participants. Pre-registration is not necessary for the under 7 event.

The serious competition begins with the pig scramble for kids 7-10 years old. Around 12 kids per heat will try to catch four pigs that will be let loose in the pen. To add some difficulty, the kids’ arms will be greased. The kid that catches the pig in the shortest time will be the winner.

Kids 11-14 will then try to catch a lamb. First one to place a halter on the lamb and lead it to the center of the ring will be the winner.

The main event for the older youths is the calf scramble. There will be up to three heats for youths 15-18. As with the lamb, the object is to get the halter placed on the calf properly and then lead it to the center of the ring. Also, a college age (19-22) and a new adult division (age 23 and up) will be included. The College and Adult division will have just one class of 12 participants each.

Entries are limited to the first 36 entries for each of the youth scramble events and 12 for the adults. Entries can be made at the Fair Board office or online (www.vanwertcountyfair.com) and mailed in or dropped off.

Participants in the pig, lamb, and calf scramble will be provided a helmet for head protection.  All entries require a waiver signed by the parent of minor children or the participant for those of legal age.