Staff writer
No matter how many times you’ve been to Marion County Fair, this year’s smorgasbord will have new things to sample.
One change is dates. This year’s fair is July 27 through 31.
McPherson Pipe Band will march in the parade and perform at the fairgrounds that Friday. The band has performed before but not for several years. Skywalkers gymnastic demonstrations will also be Friday evening.
This year’s dog show will be Saturday morning in the commercial building.
The fair demolition derby will include a lawn mower derby and a Power Wheels derby.
“Lego engineers will have will have a division completely dedicated to their craft,” Savage said. “This division will be unique in the sense that it will also include those ages 5 and under, so they too can display their design and engineering skills.”
A container gardening division also makes its debut this year.
“Plant Your Pot will give plant enthusiasts an opportunity to show off their talent at designing a container garden,” fair manager Kelli Savage said. “Designers should plan on using on a 14-inch container, three to five plant varieties, and incorporating the fair theme with their arrangement.”
The 2016 fair theme is “Bushels, Bales & Tails.”
Paul Daily, founder of Wild Horse Ministries, will conduct a community church service at the fair arena at 9 a.m. July 31. The service will feature a young colt demonstrating how wild horses react to trainers as people should react to God.
A children’s petting zoo will be available from noon to 2 p.m. July 31 at the Pavilion. Baby rabbits, piglets, goats, lambs, chicks, ducklings, kittens, alpacas, miniature donkeys, miniature horses, and miniature donkeys are expected to be available.
A co-ed ranch rodeo on July 26 will precede the official fair opening.
Fair board president Myron Regier said the changes are intended to keep things fresh.