Plans under way for 2010 county fair

The 2010 Greater Jefferson County Fair is still more than seven months away, but the Jefferson County Fair Board is making plans for the 63rd annual event.

During the board?s monthly meeting Wednesday night, board president Steve Fritchen reminded those present the fair is set for June 23-27, with preliminary events, such as the 4-H and FFA Horse Show taking place June 22.

Fritchen signed a contract with Jerry Hendricks. Hendricks Sound will provide the audio equipment for the 2010 fair at the same price as last year.

The board is planning the free entertainment presented nightly on the show ring stage. The Little Miss, fair queen and Bill Riley competions are traditionally presented on the stage the opening night of the fair, which leaves three nights to be filled.

Board members said B.J. Talley?s hypnotist and magic shows were popular last year, and perhaps he could return.

The board also is planning the grandstand schedule, with quad races June 25, a tractor pull June 26 and the traditional demolition derby to end the fair June 27, leaving the evening of June 24 to be filled.

Board member Denny Thomes suggested trying an area bullriding company, which is just beginning. A ?tuff truck? competion also was suggested.

The board also is looking at signing a contract with a carnival for next year?s fair.

Thomes suggested the local 4-H clubs set up game booths, like pop-the-balloon or duck-pond, to earn funds.

?As far as the economy, we should go as cheap as we can,? Thomes said, adding that the board members might be able to get ideas for entertainment at the upcoming Fair Convention in Des Moines.

The board members also agreed they would like more food to available for sale at the fair.

Some people come the fair every day during their lunch breaks ?just to get something different,? said board member Brian Lauderman.

The fair would be an opportunity for an organization, like a local church, to set up a tent, serve food and earn funds. A percentage of the proceeds are returned to the fair board.

For the complete article, see the Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, printed edition of The Fairfield Ledger.