Return to normalcy for Putnam fair
Jun. 19—OTTAWA — After a slimmed down version one year ago as the region struggled with a nationwide health pandemic, the Putnam County Agricultural Society will present a more traditional county fair beginning Monday.
The Putnam County Fair kicks off on Monday and runs through Saturday in the Putnam County seat and features what residents have come to expect from a county fair over the years.
Last year the event was limited primarily to livestock shows and a tractor pull, with no midway rides and few food vendors.
"This year it's going to be a full fair. Everything is a go," said Director Nathan Meyer.
Gates to the fair open at 7 a.m. daily and the fairgrounds close each day at 11 p.m. Daily admission is $7 for anyone age 10 or older. Children aged 9 and younger are admitted free. A season pass is available for $30.
Monday is Veterans Day, with all veterans and their spouses admitted free of charge. A veteran's tribute is planned for 6:30 p.m.
An opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday in the plaza area will kick off the Junior Fair portion of the fair. Goat, rabbit and sheep judging and horse/pony showmanship competitions highlight the opening-day Junior Fair events.
At 7 p.m. a Junior Fair king and queen coronation ceremony will be held in front of the grandstand, followed immediately by the Marching Band Spectacular at 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday is Kids day, with all children aged 16 and younger admitted free until 4 p.m. The first of two events of harness racing begins at 5 p.m. on the grandstand track.
The 4-H Style Review will be held beginning at 7 p.m. in the entertainment tent. Steer judging and showmanship and the 4-H Style Revue highlight the Junior Fair activities, with the market steer Bred and Fed show to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the main show arena.
Wednesday features a second night of harness racing beginning at 5 p.m. Junior Fair swine, poultry, rabbit, horse and goat judgings and competitions are planned for throughout the day. At 7:30 p.m. the popular Decorated Animal Contest will be staged in the main show arena.
Thursday is Senior Citizens Day, with all fairgoers aged 62 or older admitted free of charge all day. Events focused on seniors will be held throughout the day.
The annual Junior Fair livestock sale, one of the most highly-anticipated events each year, will begin at 8 a.m. in the main show arena.
Friday's list of activities is capped by truck and tractor pulls in front of the grandstand beginning at 7 p.m. At 1 p.m. Friday is the Junior Fair Show of Showmen program.
The fair wraps up its six-day run on Saturday. Highlighting the Junior Fair activities will be the Horse Awards program and Kids Fun Horse Show in the horse show arena. A beer tasting event featuring craft beers from 10 area micro breweries will be held at 2 p.m. in the entertainment tent.
The 2021 fair will be capped that night by a demolition derby in front of the grandstand beginning at 7 p.m.
"It will be good to get back to a normal fair," said Meyer. "Kids look forward to the fair every year, whether they're showing animals or just wanting to eat fair food or ride the rides.
"We are working to make this year's event UnFairGettable."
