TOLCHESTER — As 4-H volunteer Jaime Orndorff said earlier, the Kent County Fair has a little something for everyone.
There were activities in every direction, beginning on Wednesday, July 17 stretching out into the weekend at the Kent Ag Center. The theme this year was Christmas in July, picked by the Junior Leader’s Council during planning.
That’s why visitors saw Christmas trees in certain tents and colorful bulbs after sundown.
For animal lovers, there were plenty to see and pet. Livestock, cows, pigs, horses and goats were in peak form, with glossy coats, straight backs or brushed fur.
There were cuddly rabbits galore. Chickens, ducks and even pigeons had their own little section in the fair.
Inside the barn with the fowls, Puddles the Peking duck greeted people as well as two large white turkeys.
Tractor lovers witnessed how far their machines from the 1940’s-50’s could lug a tractor-pull sled before they spun out.
Music lovers enjoyed live tunes all four days starting in the afternoon.
There was great food too.
Belly Bustin Grill food truck hosted a long line, with interesting menu items like the Pound of Pleasure: coleslaw, pulled pork french onions and BBQ on a bun.
Savory tacos and other cuisine from Barbeque Bueno was a great choice.
Hot Pursuit’s catfish bites were a hit—and forgetting their funnel cake fries would be a mistake.
A gentle wind at times, and overcast on Friday and Saturday provided relief from the heat.
One thing evident over the four days was that 4-H youth had a blast, as it’s like their way to experience summer camp. A camp with lots of work.
Showing animals is a strenuous process. Animals get uneasy when put on stage. Cows can flop down refusing to walk. Pigs fight each other. Goats snap at their leashes.
The entries as every year were Beef, Dairy Cattle, Dog, Goats, 4-H horse, Poultry, Rabbits/Cavy, Sheep, Small Pets, and Swine.
Backstage, (the stables and barns) keeping them cool in hot conditions and well-fed, exercised, and groomed...is also hard work.
When the youth present their animals, it shows their time and dedication all year around.
From that hard work, 4-H played hard too.
Closing out Wednesday night was karaoke. There were plenty of games and rides.
On Friday, the greased pig competition brought approximately 200 people around the fenced area. Sometimes the pigs broke away from the cluster of kids and went awol to the crowd’s amusement.
There was Bingo for the adults and Cow Plop Bingo on Saturday afternoon that went quicker than anyone expected.
On Saturday, The Power Wheels Demolition Derby for youth ages 3-5 was a new attraction, eliciting lots of laughter. The crowd watched toddlers popping each other’s balloons in a 12-volt toy car.
After that, all three County Commissioners, uniting in solidarity, kissed Butterfly, the calf, in a fundraising competition called, Kiss the Cow, to which member John Price received the least amount of money.
Skill competitions like archery, duck, goose and turkey calling lured the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts over the weekend.
Inside, photography was being judged, and Saturday afternoon there was baby contest held at the rabbit barn and a Corn Hole tournament just 200 meters away.
That was only a little of what the fair had to offer.
It’s a lot to do, and lot of effort going into it.
Principal Agent Associate, 4-H Youth Development Kent County, Beth Hill was pleased that everything went smoothly.
“There was increased participation by 4-H youth,” Hill said, adding that entries were up in almost all departments.
With a record attendance over the weekend with approximately 3,000 people attending just on Friday, and a rough number of 7,000 total, Cindy Moore, Fair president says they’re always looking to expand.
Hill commented the event was made extra fun this year with karaoke, green and white challenges, greased pig and agriculture games.
What’s next year going to bring?
“We’re looking for a terrific 2025,” Hill said.
The winners of all of the competitions are posted online on the fair’s website.
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