Dallas County Fair set to return July 9-13

This year’s Dallas County Fair will kick off a day earlier as the annual event returns with a full slate of activities on July 9-13.

The fair, which typically runs Wednesday through Sunday, will now be held Tuesday through Saturday. Marty Radke, fair board director, said one of the reasons for the change is to allow time for families to get projects home so they can start their week again on Monday. The second reason, he added, is to ensure the animals will be released when it’s cooler.

“We want to make sure that when people are here to come see our exhibits, that it’s a full fairgrounds and when you come to the fair you can see everything,” Radke said.

Anne Schlieman, county youth coordinator, said all of the numbers are up for livestock and small animals. Many of the 4-H and FFA shows have shifted days and the full schedule can be found on the Dallas County 4-H Facebook page . This year, 292 4-Hers will be bringing:

• 171 birds (chickens, exotics, geese, ducks, turkeys, and emus)
• 147 cattle
• 91 pigs
• 75 sheep
• 44 dairy goats
• 42 meat goats
• 48 rabbits
• 45 horses
• 17 dogs
• 8 pets

“That’s the most exciting part is to see all of their hard work come to fruition here at fair,” Schlieman said. “These kids, no matter whether it’s static projects or livestock, they work hard the whole entire year. It’s so exciting to see them liven up and talk about their projects and show their animals.”

The fair will kick off on Tuesday, July 9 with the Bill Riley Talent Show, Barnyard Olympics, the opening of the carnival and more. The Adel Farmers Market will also be set up on Tuesday and fairgoers can browse the various vendor booths from 3-7 p.m.

Festivities continue on Wednesday, July 10 with the horse, rabbit and dog shows, flag raising and more.

Thursday, July 11 is kids day at the fair, with discounted carnival rides, kids activities by Dallas County Parks and Rec, a pedal pull and more. Clover Kids Day will be held in the afternoon, with static exhibit judging, activities in the education tent near the extension office and a Popsicle Palooza. Senior 4-Hers will also be recognized.

The popular mutton busting and rodeo return later that evening at the south arena. Music by DJ Dallas and DJ Bmoore will follow the rodeo.

Friday, July 12 will feature the goat, sheep and horse shows, queen coronation and more. The evening will wrap up with Figure 8 and Circle Track Racing followed by live music by Jordan Beem and fireworks.

The fair will conclude on Saturday, July 13 with the swine and pet shows, remote control car races, bingo, a concert featuring Craig Morgan and more. Radke said general admission tickets are still available.

“We had a great act last year, up-and-comer Ian Munsink. He really drew in a great crowd,” Radke said. “This year is Craig Morgan. We’re familiar with Craig Morgan but he’s also put out a lot of new stuff with a lot of collaborations. We’re hoping that people enjoy that just as much.”

The fair will also feature a variety of free entertainment, Radke said, including the popular Foam Zone, Hot Glass Academy, Otter Adventures and more.

New this year, barn tours will be held all five days of the fair . An education tent will also be set up near the extension office with various games and activities. The Dallas County Little Critter Corner will be open throughout the week, along with Dallas County Ag in the Classroom.

Parking and admission to the fair is free, thanks to the daily gate sponsors First State Bank and EBANK, Gilcrest Jewett, Heartland Co-op, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Dallas County Farm Bureau and Stine Seed Company.

Radke encourages area residents to check out all of the activities at the fairgrounds throughout the week.

“Just come out and look around. Take your time and go through the buildings and ask questions,” he said. “These kids want to tell you about their projects, they’re proud of the hard work they’ve put in.”

Look for a full schedule of events on the Dallas County Fair Association website . Find more information on the Dallas County Fair Association or Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dallas County Facebook pages.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Dallas County Fair set to return July 9-13