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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Look for action-packed entertainment at the grandstand
Henry County fair promises to keep fairgoers entertained at the grandstand during three jam-packed days of entertainment from Friday through Sunday of Fair Week, July 14-16.
The action kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday with a Henry County Fair mainstay — the truck and tractor pull courtesy of the Illinois Farm Pullers Association. Guests 4-10 years old get in for $5, while those 11 and up are $7, and 3 and under are free. This event is sponsored by Community 1st Credit Union.
On the following night, Saturday, the Demolition Derby comes to town at 7 p.m. A pit pass to the event is $20, while general admission can be obtain for $10 for those 11 and older, and for $5 for those 10 and under. The fee to enter the contest is $50, and the company 3T Promotions will officiate. This year’s purse is $8,000. This event is made possible by Pilot Grove Savings Bank.
Henry County Fair Board Member Traci Venghaus said the board has made it a tradition to host the Demolition Derby on Saturday night of Fair Week, and it’s always brought out the biggest crowds.
“We had it back when I was in 4-H,” Venghaus said. “Demo derbies draw crowds everywhere you go. People love it.”
Later that night, fairgoers will be treated to live music courtesy of The Boys, from 9-11 p.m. They can listen to music while enjoying a cold one at the beer garden, which will be open Friday and Saturday evenings during the grandstand entertainment. Henry County Farm Bureau is the sponsor of this event.
On Sunday, an event that was new in 2022 is back, and that’s the ATV Rodeo at 1 p.m. Registration is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Venghaus said the fair board was looking for a new event and specifically for Sunday afternoon, which was historically a time of little activity at the fair. The ATV Rodeo was well received by participants for its first year, and Venghaus said the board hopes the crowd for it will grow over the years.
The ATV Rodeo replaces the barbecue contest that the fair hosted for several years on Sundays.
