For more than 160 years, the Lake County Fair has been entertaining audiences of all ages. This year marks 162 years.
Presented by Pat O’Brien Chevrolet with support from Lake Health, the fair will run July 25 through 30 at the county fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township. This year’s fair dates have been moved ahead three weeks to avoid conflicts with school starts
The date changes were in response to more and more area school districts beginning classes earlier than in the past, Lake County Fair Board President Richard Parker previously said.
He cited declining fair participation, attendance and revenues as chief motivators.
The festivities will kick off at 9 a.m. July 25 with the 4-H poultry judging and showmanship, open class domestic and culinary judging, open class farm and garden judging, open class first flower show judging, and open class horticulture and fruit judging. Opening day admission is free until 3 p.m.
The competition will continue with the 4-H saddle horse novice/advanced contesting show, harness horse racing, homemade beer judging and wine judging.
Before the parade steps off, visitors can test out their singing skills during free karaoke at Belcher Pavilion.
The opening day parade starts at 6 p.m. and features 150 units traveling from Painesville city west on Mentor Avenue to the fairgrounds. The grand marshal will be Ohio Fair Queen Crista Wortkoetter, joined by new Lake County Fair Hall of Fame inductees Judy Parker and Dave Wilcox. Opening evening entertainment will feature the first of the week’s two demolition derbies.
>> 2017 Lake County Fair parade to close roads
At 7 p.m., there will be a tribute ceremony for the safety forces and first responders. Erin Burke also will hit the stage at the Lake County Farm Bureau Entertainment Tent at 7 p.m.
The 44th coronation of The News-Herald/Lake County Fair Commerce Queen will begin at 7:15.
Veterans will receive free admission all day Wednesday. New to this year’s fair is American Racing Mower Association sanctioned lawn mower racing.
July 27 is “Kids Day” with free admission for guests ages 18 and younger. There will be free activities, games and prizes for kids ages 12 and under at the main grandstand at noon. Ride wristbands are available for $6 on this day only. The Lake County Fair Prince and Princess Contest and the Kids Day Talent Show will conclude “Kids Day.”
Seniors age 60 and over will receive free admission until 3 p.m. with a free boxed lunch while supplies last on July 28.
Fair guests can also expect a full itinerary for the weekend.
The final two days will showcase a horse pull, the annual 4-H livestock auction, power truck and tractor pull, “Faith, Family and Country Night,” “Latino Day” and the Lake County Demo Derby, Jungle Terry, First Bite Fishing Tanks and Matt Hannah, the Insane Chain Saw Carver.
For a complete schedule of events, ticket prices and more information, visit the fair’s website at lakecountyfair.org.
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