SIDNEY — A hot and humid day marked the start of the 2016 Shelby County Fair Sunday.
Even through opening ceremonies were the official start of the fair at noon, activities for 4-H club members have been going on for a week.
“On behalf of Bob GuizGuillozet, Tony Bornhorst and myself, welcome to the Shelby County Fair,” said Shelby County Commissioner Julie Ehemann. “We are gathered her to celebrate our agriculture and our 4-H members and to see their growth through the past year.”
But the fair, she said, is limited to the county’s youth, adults enter baked good items and photographs. And there’s plenty of food and rides for everyone to enjoy.
“I hope you all take advantage of the fair fun,” said Ehemann.
Shelby County Agricultural Society (fairboard) President Mitch Brautigam also welcomed everyone to the fair. The week, he said, brings back a lot of memories from previous fairs.
“I’d like everyone to keep Ty Martin and his dad Tim Martin in your prayers,” said Brautigam. “We will be celebrating his (Ty’s) life this week.”
Ty Martin passed away earlier in the month while on a mission trip to Mexico. He was president of the Starting Farmers 4-H Club.
“The fair is also dedicated to my grandfather, Kenneth E. Knoop,” Brautigam said.
Brautigam said Knoop was dedicated to the youth of the county through his service on the fairboard. He served on the board for 33 years and was president and was also a member of many other committees. Knoop is a member of the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame. His two favorite places at the fair were in the dairy barn and babyland.
The fairboard also received recognition from Dave Yost, state auditor, and Jon Husted, secretary of state.
“It’s great to be here in Shelby County, said Joe Braden, west regional liaison for Yost’s office. “I’m here to recognize and show appreciation to all the fair board members for what you do.”
Braden said his son is in 4-H so he has seen first hand all of the hard work that goes into the fair.
“I am also here to celebrate Ohio’s agriculture,” he said.
“I’d also like to congratulate all of you board members,” said Joshua Tovey, regional liaison for Husted’s office. “Agriculture is one of Ohio’s largest industries. Thank you for all you do and I wish you a wonderful fair week.”
Chuck Craynon, Boy Scout Troop 97, served as master of ceremony for the event. Gavin Musser, 11, son of Tim and Kim Musser, and Devan Wiford, 12, son of Dawn and Rod Wiford, all of Sidney, raised the U.S. flag during the opening ceremonies. The Houston High School marching band performed the National Anthem.
Sunday was also Special Day for Special Athletes Day at the fair. Members of Stokes Mason Lodge 305 welcomed the athletes to the fair. Mike Wade, worshipful master, said this is the third year the athletes have been honored.
Usually, 20 to 40 athletes attend the fair, but because of the humid, hot weather, the number was down this year.
Each athlete who attended the fair received a balloon and gift bag.
Stokes Lodge is involved with fundraising for the Special Olympics program and hosts a spaghetti dinner once a year with proceeds going to Ohio Special Olympics.
Other events for Sunday evening included the crowning of the Junior Fair King and Queen and Little Mr. and Miss Shelby County Fair. The baked goods auction was also held. Results of the events will be online Monday and published in Wednesday’s newspaper.
Monday is the annual car load night. Fair-goers will load down their cars to get into the fair for one low price. Car load night begins at 4 p.m.
The day is also Veteran’s Day and a program will be held at 7 p.m. in the free entertainment tent.
Wired for Chris will be performing at 6:45 p.m. The human tractor pull will begin at 7 p.m. and mixed doubles horseshoe pitching will start at 7 p.m.
The World of Wonders free show and World of Wonders Free Escape Show will be performing at various times during the day.
The open class gilt show begins at 7 p.m.
Junior Fair shows for Monday include the market rabbit (meat pen and single fryer) show, 9 a.m.; horse show showmanship, mule and donkey, trail-in-hand trail, easy-gaited, reining and western riding, 9 a.m.; dairy color breed show for showmanship (senior, intermediate and junior showmen of showmen), Holstein show and dairy judging contest, 9 a.m.; meat goat showmanship, 4 p.m.; boer/boer cross breeding show, 5:30 p.m.; and market goat show, 7 p.m.
