Putnam County to debut new event center at fair
Jun. 21—OTTAWA — The Putnam County Fair will open Monday, June 24 with a dedication ceremony for the fairground's new event center.
This year's fair is packed with events, including horse races and a marching band spectacular, as it runs through Saturday, June 29.
One-day admission, which does not include the cost of rides, is $8 for adults and children 10 and older. Children 9 and younger are admitted free. A season pass is $30 and does not include the cost of rides.
"There is a lot of excitement with the new event center this year as it replaces old merchant and junior fair buildings," fair secretary Kevin Wilson said. "We have a lot more vendors, merchants and people coming out to set up tents to show off their displays."
Wilson said he is looking forward to animal events that junior farmers are set to participate in throughout the week.
"I don't get out to the fair much so it's nice to see the kids get rewarded for all the hard work that they've put in all year long," he said. "They get ribbons and have all these great things said about their projects where their animals are judged and they succeed and learn throughout it. That's something that's really nice."
The fair kicks off with the parade down Ottawa's Main Street at 7 p.m. Saturday. The fair itself opens to the public at 7 a.m. Monday with Veterans Day at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, 1490 E. Second St., Ottawa.
Tuesday, June 25 will be Kids Day; Wednesday will be Industrial Day; Thursday will be Senior Citizens Day; Friday will be Ag Day and Saturday will be Family Day.
King and queen of the fair will be crowned Monday at the grandstand prior to the Marching Band Spectacular with Little Mister and Miss Putnam County Fair to be crowned Tuesday at the entertainment tent.
Food events will include the Tasty Turkey Challenge on Saturday, the Perfectly Prepared Pork Challenge on Friday, the Heavenly Honey Challenge on Thursday, the Best of Beef Challenge on Wednesday and the Delicious Desserts Challenge on Tuesday, all at 7 p.m. in the event center.
Harness racing will take place Tuesday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the racetrack.
There will be music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the entertainment tent Thursday, followed by the 60s Survivors Band at 7:30 p.m.
Classic rock band Exit 39 will close out the fair with a show at 8 p.m. Saturday.
"As a secretary, I get to see all the hard work that the fair board members put in planning and preparing to make things go as smoothly as they do," Wilson said. "It's just amazing to see all the work these guys put in to bring this fair to the people of Putnam County and surrounding areas. They'll have a nice relaxing evening with entertainment they'll enjoy."
For more information about the fair, visit putnamcountyfair.com.
Monday:
—Opening Ceremony at noon
—Baked Goods Auction at 5 p.m.
—Veterans Tribute at 6:30 p.m.
—King and Queen Coronation at 7 p.m.
Tuesday:
—Cloverbud Recognition at 11 a.m.
—Kiddie Tractor Pull at 1:30 p.m.
—Bicycle Giveaway at 3 p.m.
—Harness Racing at 5 p.m.
—Little Mister and Miss Putnam County Fair at 6 p.m.
—Delicious Desserts Challenge at 7 p.m.
Wednesday:
—Harness Racing at 5 p.m
—Best of Beef Challenge at 7 p.m.
Thursday:
—Bred and Fed Shows at 8 a.m.
—Open Class Flower Show Judging at 10 a.m.
—Kid's Dream Day at 4 p.m.
—Open Class Swine Show at 6:30 p.m.
—Heavenly Honey Challenge at 7 p.m.
—The 60's Survivors Band
Friday:
—Perfectly Prepared Pork Challenge at 7 p.m.
—Truck and Tractor Pulls at 7 p.m.
—Open Class Goat Show at 7:30 p.m.
—T-102 Country Star Playoffs at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday:
—Tasty Turkey Challenge at 7 p.m.
—Demolition Derby at 7 p.m.
—Exit 39 at 8 p.m.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
