Clayton County Fair under way
By Shelia Tomkins
Clayton County's annual salute to its agricultural heritage is under way this week at the National fairgrounds north of Garnavillo with a full line-up of family entertainment, exhibits, and "fair food."
Activities began Tuesday when 4-H and FFA members opened a week-long schedule of judging and shows.
A flag-raising ceremony and the fair royalty pageant will be a Wednesday evening highlight. Other Wednesday activities include a horse show, 4-H style show, and an evening barbecue from 5-7:30 p.m.
Thursday features a full day of exhibits and competitions, including the rabbit show, dog show and a cook-out contest.
Friday activities include a sheep show, dairy show, goat shows, and market beef show. Saturday animal shows include poultry, swine, bucket bottle calves, and beef.
Al Prier Moto-Cross exhibition racing will take place at the southeast corner of the fairgrounds from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
All carnival rides are free for kids and adults with the price of admission (games and concessions require a fee).
Other family fun will include a kiddie tractor pull, demolition derby, and a stick horse rodeo on Saturday. Sunday fairgoers can enjoy a truck and tractor pull, youth Olympics, barrel racing, and a little piglet show.
Grandstand entertainment will include Exile at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, and JoDee Messina at 8 p.m. on Friday. Saturday evening will feature a Bull Bash starting at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, listen to Mike McAbee at 5:30 p.m.
The fair concludes Monday with the traditional livestock auction.