Fair offers something for everyone
Riva Sharples | Editor
Approximately 3,000 people are expected to attend the 95th Union County Fair, which happens in Alcester next Wednesday, July 30, through Saturday, Aug. 2.
In addition to exhibits, the fair has something for everyone, says Shawn Tabke, Union County Fair Manager.
“We have something going at all times for both young and old,” he said. “Area residents should attend the fair because it is part of the rural South Dakota culture and traditions.”
The fair kicks off Wednesday with 4-H static exhibit entry and judging and the acceptance of open class entries between 4 -7 p.m. Young and old alike are encouraged to participate in the open class; there is a category for almost anything you’ve made or done!
Altogether, approximately 200 4-H members led by 20 4-H leaders are involved in the showmanship and competition side of the fair. Area residents of all ages are also involved through the Open Class division, where they show off their best baked goods, artwork, needlepoint and sewing, produce, and more in a variety of diverse categories. Altogether, there are usually between 100 and 125 entries in the Open Class Division.
Beyond showcasing hard work by 4-Hers and area residents, the Union County Fair is also about fun and celebration with a variety of events and activities planned for everyone.
Thursday, fair fun kicks off with poultry and rabbit judging and showmanship competitions at 8 and 9 am., followed by the Swine Show and Showmanship at 10 a.m.
Then, don’t miss watching the youngest competitors during the Peewee Livestock Show at 12:30 p.m. The ever-popular Companion Animal Show will follow at 2:30 p.m.
At 4 p.m. on Thursday, the fair’s opening ceremony will officially kick off the fair, complete with fashion revue judging, special foods, shooting sports, and graduate awards. New to the Fair this year is a pageant for girls ages 6-18 that will take place at 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, there will be Bingo in the Show Ring beginning at 6 p.m., and then a newer, but popular event at the fair – the Ag Olympics – will take place at 7 p.m. Ag Olympics is an entertaining night featuring teams competing in relay fashion in a variety of sometimes silly and other times serious agriculture-related tasks. Don’t miss it!
New to the fair this year is a special event just for young people: a youth dance. The dance will take place from 8 – 10 p.m. on Thursday.
Friday, the fun continues at the Union County Fair with more exhibits and the beef and dairy shows in the morning. Also of note is the Zoomobile “All About Animals” presentation, which will be at the fair at 10 a.m. Storytime, a joint project between the Alcester and Beresford Public Libraires, takes place at the fair at 11 a.m.
Inflatables for kids will begin at noon and run until 8 p.m., and you won’t want to miss horse rides at 1 p.m. east of the show ring. Mr. Twister Balloon Art will be entertaining the crowd at 1 p.m., and then, from 3-4 p.m., teenage 4-H leaders will be hosting carnival games for kids.
Enjoy a community dinner at the fair on Friday night from 5 until 7 p.m. while watching the Kids Pedal Pull competition at 6 p.m. The 3G Bucking Ponies Rodeo has been moved to Friday night and will take place at 7 p.m. After a night of rodeo, adults can enjoy a street dance. The adult-only event featuring the Turner Union Band will be held from 9 p.m. until midnight.
Saturday brings the market goat show and the sheep show and showmanship first thing in the morning. Get your breakfast from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at a pancake breakfast run by teen leaders. Feeling patriotic? Attend an official flag retirement ceremony at 10 a.m. hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary.
A Cornhole tournament will take place at 11 a.m. while the popular Round Robin Showmanship competition happens at 11:30 a.m.
The inflatables will be open and available on Saturday beginning at noon. Don’t miss the 4-H Premium Sale takes place at 2:30 p.m., and then this year’s Union County Fair will draw to a close out with the ever-popular Tractor Pull beginning at 5 p.m. in the grandstand. More than 1,500 people are expected to come out for that event!
Don’t miss all the Union County Fair has to offer next week!