EATON — The 172nd Preble County Fair kicked off on Saturday, July 30, and brought with it events and activities of all sorts, including visits from Gov. Mike DeWine, Congressman Warren Davidson and the first demolition derby of the week.
Preble County Agriculture Society President Rodney Mann said he was pleased with the opening weekend as a large crowd attended the derby with an estimated crowd of 5,000 in attendance.
Mann said he is looking forward to the remainder of the week and hopes the community continues its support of the fair.
Livestock shows continued throughout the first half of fair week, Saturday, Aug. 30-Tuesday, Aug. 2, and will carry on throughout the remainder of the week, Wednesday, Aug. 3-Saturday, Aug. 6.
Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day at the fair, with those 65 and older admitted free. The annual Senior Dance will take place at Rotary Junction from 5-8 p.m. and at 7 p.m., there will be a Monster Truck Show in the grandstands.
Thursday, Aug. 4, truck and tractor pull action will begin at 5:30 p.m. with stock antique tractors in front of the grandstands, capped off by the main pull beginning at 7 p.m. The annual Grand Showman of Showmen contest will begin at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Expo Building and the Horse Arena.
On Friday, the Jr. Fair Sale of Champions Livestock Sale begins at 9 a.m. in the Expo Building and Bruner Arena. The Championship Draft Horse Pull will begin at 7 p.m. in the Horse Arena, and NTPA Regional Truck and Trailer Pull action will kick off in front of the grandstands at 7 p.m. as well.
The final day of the fair, Saturday, Aug. 6, will include a kiddie tractor pull at 9:30 a.m. in front of the grandstands, and the parade. The annual Preble County Fair Parade will begin on Cherry Street in Eaton at 11 a.m., ending in front of the grandstands at approximately 11:30 a.m. A demolition derby will close the fair, beginning at 6 p.m.
More than 1,000 members of 4-H and FFA are competing in the Preble County Junior Fair this year, according to Junior Fair officials. The projects being exhibited are the culmination of a year of work for the Jr. Fair participants, according to organizers. The 4-H projects on display include everything from large and small animals to clothing, foods, and special interest projects ranging from archery, electricity, collectibles, and woodworking, to rockets, first aid, creative arts, and natural resources.
