It's Fair Time in Cedar County

HARTINGTON — More than 200 4-Hers, their families and thousands of spectators will be entering the Cedar County fairgrounds this week as the 2022 fair kicks off.

Activities will be abundant at the fair set for Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17.

But before the gates open, Cedar County Fair officials and the Extension staff are busy making final preparations which includes a fairgrounds cleanup with 4-Hers.

“That will be our chance to get everything spruced up and ready to go . . . it’s getting the dust cleared up and looking good,” said Megan Hanefeldt, 4-H Extension educator.

4-Hers and Clover Kids will start bringing exhibits the morning of Wednesday, July 13, to be judged.

There will be lots of baking - especially cookies - being judged this year as it remains the most popular static project in the county, Hanefeldt said.

She’s also looking forward to seeing the finished products of the Extensions’ Make and Take kits. The Extension started offering Make and Take kits during the COVID-19 pandemic when they couldn’t host in-person workshops. Once the social isolation lifted, they continued offering the kits on top of their popular workshops in the summer.

The Make and Take kits included some supplies and instructions for 4-Hers to make their own project. Last December, older 4-Hers were given a Pizza Pan Door Hanger kit which included a pizza pan, chalkboard vinyl and ideas on how to personalize and customize the hanger. Clover Kids (those 4-Hers 5 to 7 years old) were given a Paintbrush Santa kit to create an ornament or holiday decoration with.

This spring, Clover Kids were given a Watermelon Paver kit and older 4-Hers were given a Gumball Machine kit.

“I encourage everyone who comes out to the fair, if you recognize 4-Hers, ask them about their project. The interaction with adults and being able to share what they’ve done - they’re so proud of their projects,” Hanefeldt said.

The public is invited to a free hamburger feed Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. A talent contest rounds out Wednesday night’s festivities.

Open-class exhibitors will bring their entries Thursday morning, July 14, and the 4-H bucket calf interviews will also take place that morning, followed by the 4-H and FFA Dairy Show. Hanefeldt said the county has seen exponential growth in its bucket calf entries - up about a dozen entries from last year’s numbers.

“As a basic introduction to an animal or livestock 4-H project, it’s the perfect one. It gives kids their first exposure to working with an animal,” she said.

Rabbits and poultry exhibits will be judged Thursday afternoon. Quilt and school exhibits will also open. The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. A teen dance will take place after the rodeo, about 10 p.m.

Friday’s events kicks off with the 4-H and FFA beef show, followed by the sheep and then goat shows. Along with the growth in those showing bucket calves, there’s been a considerable uptick in 4-Hers exhibiting goats in recent years, Hanefeldt said.

Little Texas will perform Friday night.

The swine show starts Saturday’s schedule of events, followed by the 4-H and FFA horse show. A co-ed sand volleyball tournament and cornhole tournament will also take place Saturday. Walker Hayes will be performing, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Livestock judging will be completed on Sunday, July 17 and barrel racing starts at 11:30 a.m.

Kids can get their faces painted for free Sunday afternoon. Pioneer and Aksarben Awards as well as 4-H and FFA livestock and static premium recognition awards will be presented starting at 2:30 p.m. The pedal pull and a free FFA ice cream social are both set for 3 p.m.

Dylan Scott will be the headline entertainer to close out the fair Sunday night.

An antique tractor and equipment and Honor Flight Memorial displays will be available every day during the fair. The carnival will be open Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting. Papa Bear Wood Carving will be using a chainsaw and carving equipment to create art as part of a special entertaining exhibit Saturday and Sunday.

For a complete list of events, see the ad in this week's Cedar County News.