Have fun at the fair

Fairgoers in Mt. Pleasant will find plenty of fun at the 2024 Henry County Fair with activities for adults and children alike between the traditional exhibits of animals and static projects.

Those visiting the Henry County Fair located in McMillan Park can start the week off shopping for locally produced goods at the weekly farmers market in the Wright Pavilion from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, July 17. After securing goods from the farmers market, fair guests can make their way to Tractor Headquarters for the popular Kids’ Pedal Pull at 6 p.m. Enthusiastic youngsters will compete in heats divided by weight as they inch their way to the furthest pulls and victory.

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The first night at the fair will come to an end with the Henry County Fair Queen Contest and 4-H Clothing event beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Wright Pavilion. After the 2024 Fair Queen receives her crown, she will certainly be seen at various events throughout the fairgrounds the remainder of the week.

After putting in hard work making their very own unique LEGO creations, children wanting to participate in the LEGO Contest can drop off their entries at the exhibit building between noon-4 p.m., Thursday, July 18. Judges will examine and select the winning masterpieces beginning at 4 p.m. for a variety of age groups.

The annual Farm Family Ag Appreciation Meal will follow the LEGO Contest judging. The meal will run from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Wright Pavilion. After filling their tummies with the meal, fairgoers can take a short walk to the other side of the pavilion and enjoy the entertainment of the Bill Riley Talent Show. The entertainment will continue Thursday evening at the fair with a movie night after the talent show.

The farmers market also will return Saturday, but with earlier hours. Those looking to purchase local produce and goods can do so in the Wright Pavilion from 8-11 a.m. July 20. Much of the afternoon Saturday will be for the kids thanks to the Two River’s Bank and Trust sponsoring Kid’s Day from noon-4 p.m. Saturday will then round off with the Demolition Derby beginning at 7 p.m.

The last few bits of fair festivities Sunday afternoon will include an adult bags tournament in the Wright Pavilion at noon. Teams of two will pay a $40 entry fee to play six games in hopes of taking home the 100% payout. Sign-up for the event opens at 11 a.m. and players should bring their own partners. Participants must be 16 years or older to play.

Fair participants will take the rest of Sunday evening and Monday morning to clean up after the eventful week, and the fair will come to a close with the ribbon auction at 9 a.m.

Between all the live entertainment, fun activities, and interesting sights of the fair, visitors also will find plenty of delicious foods thanks to vendors like on site selling funnel cakes, corn dogs, barbecued dishes, mini-donuts, and other fair delicacies.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com