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Jefferson County Fair to honor veterans, offer classic and new attractions

By CHRISTOPHER DACANAY 5 min read

SMITHFIELD -- It's almost time for the Jefferson County Fair, which will provide time-honored traditions, as well as some additions, for all ages beginning Monday.

Located at 1505 Friendship Park Road, Smithfield, the fair will commence with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. on Monday. Debbie Hukill, fair board treasurer, said admission will be free on Monday so guests can "look around and see what all is going to be here," though the rides will not be open until Tuesday.

The Monday opening ceremonies at Rozsa Pavilion will feature Jefferson County Veterans Association members as the grand marshals, Hukill said. The veterans will be honored, perform a flag-raising cermony and cut the ribbon signifying the fair's opening. They also will march in the fair's parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

"We wanted to pray tribute to all that they've done for our country," said Hukill, who added that admission for veterans will be free on Aug. 19 with proper ID.

Ray Hildebrand, fair board president who has been a member of the board for nearly 30 years, said the fair's theme, Respecting our roots, planting for our future, goes hand-in-hand with the decision to have the grand marshals be the veterans association, primarily those associated with Fort Friendship Military Park in Friendship Park.

"(The veterans) would be our roots," Hildebrand said. "They are what got us to this point. By doing what they did, they're the reason we have a future."

Hildebrand said he is proud of the partnership with the veterans association, which he said has "really put a lot into" the military park, adjacent to the fairgrounds. Although the Fort Friendship veterans will be the main group being honored, Hildebrand said all veterans are welcome to ride a float in the parade and should speak to the parade's commander if they are interested.

"We're here for all veterans," Hildebrand said.

After the opening ceremony, the Junior Fair Coronation will take place. The fair's king and queen, as well as their respective courts, will be crowned in addition to a prince and princess. The king and queen must have been members for three consecutive years of a youth organization that participates in the fair.

Participants in Junior Fair events include 4-H youth, FFA youth, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and independent exhibitors, according to Angie Allison, Ohio State Education Extension educator. Around 650 4-H volunteers and youth will participate in this year's fair, Allison said.

"4-H youth members display projects in everything from sewing to photography and solar energy to robotics," Allison said. "However, the most visible 4-H projects at the county fair are those related to animal science. The live animal science projects on display will include equine, goats, sheep, swine, beef, rabbits, poultry and small animals."

Various Junior Fair animal shows will take place between Tuesday and Friday, culminating in the Junior Fair Livestock Sale on Saturday at noon in the livestock arena.

"4-H is America's largest youth development organization," Allison said, "It empowers nearly 6 million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. The youth who are 'learning by doing,' take on critical issues like community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for inclusion."

Monday will see the Junior Fair Dog Show at 9 a.m. at the small animal pavilion. That same day, after the opening ceremonies, will be the Star Search talent show at 6 p.m., which will see Jefferson County youth between the ages of 5 and 19 showcase various talents and compete for Best of Show and People's Choice awards.

The fair's gates open at 8 a.m. each day after Monday, with closing time depending on weather and the crowd, Hukill said. General admission is $15, which covers rides and grandstand entertainment, although admission is free for anyone older than 70, Hukill said.

Some new attractions to watch for, Hukill said, include an axe throwing trailer on the midway, a mini golf course, a petting zoo and pony rides. As always, food vendors and games will line the midway.

Returning favorites include Team Zoom, a canine stunt show featuring furry friends performing high jumps and flying disc catching. Team Zoom will offer shows twice daily.

Also returning will be comedy ventriloquism shows by Mr. Puppet, in front of the commercial building three times each day. The Funny Balloon Guy will create balloon sculptures and perform magic three times each day as well.

An antique tractor and machine display will be available all day, every day in the north field, along with daily laser tag at the north field. Rides provided by Lisko Amusements will be open on the midway on Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. until close and on Saturday and Sunday from noon until close, with a daily break from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The fair's biggest entertainment events will take place at the fairground's grandstands. On Tuesday will be the cheering competition, and the Rafter M Rodeo will be on Wednesday.

After that, participants will break out their wheels for the grandstand's entertainment, with a Motocross race on Thursday; home talent truck and modified tractor pull on Friday; and transfer sled antique tractor, farm stock and truck pulls on Saturday. A home talent demolition derby will close out the fair's grandstand's entertainment.

Hildebrand said, "I just want everybody to come and enjoy the fair, and I hope the weather holds out." He joked, "I'm always expecting good weather, whether we get it or not."

For information, Hukill said, individuals can visit the fair's website, thejeffersoncountyfair.com, or its Facebook page, Jefferson County Fair Official.

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