Full Fairfield County Fair returns with rides, food, games
LANCASTER — Rides. Games. Food. Fun.
All those things and more return for the 171st Fairfield County Fair Oct. 10-16 at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the fair board to only present a junior fair last year. But that is not the case this year as the full fair returns.
"It should be a lot better than what we had last year because everybody can come to it this year," fair manager Jim Marcinko said.
Fair visitors will see signs throughout the fairgrounds saying that masks are recommended but not required. Also, fairgoers do not need to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"Some of the buildings with more close quarters and not out in the open air, you watch all the stuff on TV, the COVID stuff, it's better if you had a mask on inside," Marcinko said. "So we're going to put some signs up like that. But there aren't any restrictions or anything."
The grand opening, or reopening as Marcinko called it, will be 8 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the grandstand. The reopening will feature stilt walkers and a flyover by historical aircraft.
"That ought to be pretty cool," Marcinko said of the flyover. "That's something I don't think we've ever had, at least not in while for sure."
Since veterans are honored on that day, they will be a part of the opening ceremony.
There are several highlights this year, including bull riding and barrel racing at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the grandstand area.
Local country act Julia Neville will perform at 7:30 the next night at the grandstand.
"Then we have our normal events like our truck and tractor pull and combine demo derby," Marcinko said. "Then the auto demo derby is on the Friday and Saturday. And one of the main things is the junior fair auction. It's Thursday and Friday this year."
The Hugh White Chevrolet Truck and Tractor Pull will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the grandstand.
The Buckeye Toyota Combine Derby will be at 7:30 the next night at the grandstand.
The auto demolition derby will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct.15 and Oct. 16, also at the grandstand.
Visit www.fairfieldcountyfair.org for more fair information including the schedule for all events and entertainment times, along with the junior fair auction times.
The fairgrounds are located at 157 E. Fair Ave.
Admission is $7 for those 10 over and free those 9 and under. jbarron@gannett.com 740-304-9296
Twitter: @Jeffdbarron
Fair visitors will see signs throughout the fairgrounds saying that masks are recommended but not required.