Fair offers something for all

While this year the Nuckolls County Fair has been scheduled later in the summer than in recent years, the schedule change hasn’t done away with the last minute rush to complete entries and have all in readiness for opening day. Official fair dates are July 27 through Aug. 2.

In addition to the open class, 4-H and FFA entries, this year the fair will feature two nights of rodeo action and what is hoped to be a big concert.

The ever popular Kids’ Rodeo will start at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. Check in is at 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Amy Schroer at 402-360-2760.

For those eight and under there will be dummy roping, stick horse race, boot scramble and mutton bustin’. 4-H age events include dummy roping, barrels, poles and goat tying.

The Rocking Plus Rodeo Company will again be the stock contractor for the rodeo scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings, Aug. 1 and 2. Yesterday was the last day entries were accepted for the rodeo queen contest. Queen contestants must be between the ages of 15 and 19. Princess candidates are between the ages of 10 and 14. The contest is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday. Categories will include horsemanship, personal interview, impromptu questioning and overall appearance.

Jon Wolfe and Jon Stork will present a concert in front of the grandstand starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. We are told from those who have heard them, that their music is sure to please a local audience. They are reported to be two of the Texas country music scene’s hottest artists. Jon Stork is known for the song, “Somebody’s Baby.” Jon Wolfe is known for the music video, “Smile on Mine.” The music is scheduled to continue until 12:30 p.m. with the West Wind band also on the concert program schedule.

If we can believe the long-range weather forecast, the 100+ degrees days are now behind us and cooler than normal weather is expected for the end of July.

The cooler weather should encourage fair participation. Plus the fairgrounds are located in a perfect spot on top of a hill which allows for the evening breezes to cool the grandstand audience. And there are no bad seats in the grandstand for there are no posts or other obstacles to get in the way.

Fairboard members are hoping for a good turnout for the rodeo and concert. Profits from this year’s fair will be used to help make next year’s 150th annual fair a special one and continue making facility upgrades.

When compared to many fair facilities, Nuckolls County has some of the best.

KRVN Radio is currently conducting a contest in which the prize will be a new Ford F-150 pickup. Contest entries will be collected at the fair.

FFA and 4-H activities are a big part of the fair. The activities include a dog and companion animal show at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 25. Pre-fair clean-up will be that night at 6 p.m.

The performing arts and style review contest is at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 28 4-H static and open class and horse check-in will be later that day.

Static entries will be judged Monday, at 8 a.m. The horse show and open class check-in is also that morning.

Hogs, beef, rabbits, poultry, sheep and goat entries will be checked in on Tuesday, July 30. The ice cream contest will be at 5:30.

Activities on Wednesday, July 31, include the hog, sheep and goat shows. A beef barbecue will be served before the kid’s rodeo.

The beef, rabbit and poultry shows are Thursday, Aug. 1. A chicken barbecue will be served before the rodeo.

Friday, Aug. 2, includes both the large and small animal round robins. A pork barbecue will be served before the rodeo.

The turtle races will be at 1 p.m Saturday, Aug. 3. The pedal tractor pull follows at 2 p.m,