'Good family time': Crawford County Fair has something for everyone each day this week

Preparing for sheep shows has been a summertime ritual for Corbin Bloomfield longer than he can remember.

"Ever since peewee showmanship, which was before 4-H," the 17-year-old said. "Probably about 12 years."

Bloomfield was back in action Monday, the first day of the 2024 Crawford County Fair − the breeding sheep and market lamb shows were some of the first of this week's livestock competitions.

The fair runs through Saturday night, featuring grandstand entertainment and free carnivals rides every day.

Admission is $10, which includes rides. Children 36 inches and shorter are free.

'I think they're fun'

Bloomfield learned about sheep as a toddler from his mother and aunt, who both showed lambs when they were younger.

"Kinda on down the family line," Bloomfield said. "I think they're fun."

He's a member of the Barnyard Guys and Gals 4-H Club.

He spends about 30 minutes each day with each of his animals.

"Ever since March," Bloomfield said. "All the way until the fair."

The afternoon sun was warm as the boy got ready for the show. The day's high proved to be 85.

Highs the rest of the week are forecast at 84 Tuesday, 80 Wednesday, 74 Thursday, 78 Friday and 81 Saturday.

"It would be nice if it was cooler, but it could easily be hotter," Bloomfield said. "If it was cooler, the animals would eat and drink a little better."

Exhibitors will be busy all week making sure their animals stay healthy and happy in the heat.

"Air movement is big," Bloomfield said. "Lots of fans."

'It puts a smile on their face'

Not everyone at the 2024 Crawford County Fair shows animals.

Speeding down the Fun Slide on Monday afternoon were Grayson Lacy, 9, of Chatfield, and his two friends: Samuel and Allison Krebs, 11 − "We're twins!" they shouted in unison − of New Washington.

Watching over the trio was Lacy's grandmother, Shirley Patterson.

"They love it," she said. "They're just running from one ride to another. They're having a really good time."

The rides are free this year with the price of admission.

"All you have to do is bring kids to the fair, and it puts a smile on their face," Patterson said.

Fair week is one of her favorite times each year.

"The kids have fun and enjoy each other's company," Patterson said. "It's good family time. It's a nice community."

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508