While the fair will include attractions for everyone, including Opening Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. today followed by the Queen Contest at 10:30 a.m., here are three other things that can’t be missed this weekend at the 2019 Clark County Fair:
4-H and FFA
Clark County Fair 2019: Clark County Fair 'has something for everyone'
4-H competitions remain a must see attraction for fairgoers and students. Students will compete in showings for everything from cattle, swine, horses, goats and turkeys.
Josie Jennings, age 12, will be participating in the Junior Market Dairy Steer Showmanshop competition on Sunday night.
“I’ll be spending the weekend getting ready for that,” Jennings said. “I’ve been practicing my walking, making sure I get it just right, and we’ll take the steer to walk every morning.”
Jennings said while she loves the fair, her favorite part of being involved in 4-H is the relationships she’s made and the lessons she’s learned.
“I’ve made a lot of friends through 4-H,” Jennings said. “It’s also taught me a lot of persistence and hard work. I love it.”
Food
Clark County Fair 2019: Highlands Cafeteria legacy lives on through new shelter house
Guests can smell the fair from a mile away and no trip to this annual event would be complete without food.
Fun Funnel Cake, Hot Dog on a Stick, Otterbacher’s Greek Gyros, sugar waffels, bourbon chicken, cotton candy, funeral cake and all other guest favorites will be returning to the fair.
However, with temperatures in the Springfield region expected to be in the mid-90s with a heat watch in effect through Saturday at 8 p.m., guests should be sure to stay hydrated.
Free water is available at the Clark County chapter of the American Red Cross house, located just off the Midway next to the CTC Shelter House.
Entertainment
Clark County Fair 2019: Local groups, tribute acts take center stage for entertainment
The fair will welcome some must-see new acts this year as well as some returning acts.
New to the fair this year is the DinosaurXperience, which features a roaming dinosaur attraction, and a mechanical bull.
The BenGal cheerleaders, Erick Kand’s Comedy Hypnosis Show and Grand Illusions Magic show will be returning this weekend.
“Last year we brought in some really special attractions. We normally don’t do the same thing two years in row, but some of them were so good, we’re bringing them back,” Blair said.
While Blair said it’s not typical to have the same artist back for consecutive years, country performer Chris Higbee isn’t typical- he’ll continue his streak by playing at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
“Chris keeps packing the tent, the audience just feels good watching him and they keep asking for him to come back and we’re happy to do it,” Blair said.d
Another returnee that received a good reception in 2018 was the First Christian Church music program which will bring its choir and other guests during the 6 p.m. Sunday show.
Today Fair
Veteran’s Day
General admission is $6, and includes free parking and admission into all concerts. Admission is free for children five and younger.
Ride tickets and wristbands require separate purchase.
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Midway opens at noon and closes at 11 p.m.
Famous Amos Mechanical Bull Ride is from noon -11 p.m.
8-10 a.m. FFA Exhibit Drop Off- Youth Building
8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies-Champion Center
9 a.m. Junior Fair Cavy Showmanship-Rabbit Barn, followed by Junior Fair Cavy Show, followed by Junior Fair Rabbit Show
9:15 a.m. English Horse Show-Outdoor Horse Arena
10 a.m. Dog Lower Level Obedience Show -Dog Barn/Tent
10:30 a.m. Queen Contest-Champions Center
12 noon Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
Sonies School of Dance -Big Tent
Indoor Tractor Pull Champion Center Arena
1 p.m. 4-H Art Contest-Youth Building
Smoke & Mirrors- Hub Stage
2 p.m. A Grizzly Experience-Midway
3 p.m. DinosaurXperience - Strolling Midway
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
3-5 p.m. RazzAMatazz CTC Shelter House
3-6 p.m. BenGals Cheerleading Clinic-Midway
4 p.m. Junior Dairy Breeding Showmanship- Cattle Show Arena with Jr. Dairy Breeding Show to follow. After Jr. Fair Dairy Show: Open Holstein and Jersey Show-Cattle Show Arena Order: Holstein, Kiddie Showmanship
4:30 p.m. A Grizzly Experience-Midway
5 p.m. Grand Illusions - Hub Stage
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
4-7 p.m. Sales Office open
5:30 p.m. Jr. County Born & Raised Market Lamb Show-Sheep Arena
6 p.m. 4-H Horse Awards-Outdoor Horse Arena
6:30 p.m. DinosaurXperience - Strolling Midway
Eric Kand Hypnosis Show -Hub Stage
7 p.m. NTPA Tractor Pull-Grandstand
8 p.m. A Grizzly Experience-Midway
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers - Arts & Crafts
Grand Illusions - Hub Stage
Chris Higbee-Entertainment Tent
9 p.m. Eric Kand Hypnosis Show -Hub Stage
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