From a ventriloquist to Ninja Turtles, the Columbia County Fair and Rodeo is sure to entertain

The Columbia County Fair and Rodeo is not just about horses, 4-H activities and sweet and savory fair food, it’s about entertainment that will satisfy the entire family.

Mary Ann Guess, secretary and treasurer of the fair board, said some performing acts are new, while some are returning favorites.

“We try to change out our entertainment every couple of years,” Guess said.

“Ventriloquist Vikki was here last year and everybody loved her,” Guess said. “She is bilingual and that was very helpful.”

Vikki has entertained for corporations, fairs, festivals, school assemblies and libraries. She became an entertainer at the tender age of five. She will take the family stage multiple times throughout the fair, as well as perform as a roving act throughout the grounds.

“Professor Bamboozle, he is going to be just doing balloons this year,” Guess said. “His station is going to be in front of the fair office.”

Bamboozle will perform “grand stage illusions with live critters,” according to the fair website.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Turtle Van will also be on hand to entertain the young and old.

Richard and Marielle Aimes of The Perceptives will entertain. They will move solid objects and influence thoughts with the mind.

Other entertainers include Circus Luminescence (fire performers who use a variety custom props and styles), and Matt Henry, who performs one-of-a-kind stunts, with humor and audience participation.

Young and old will enjoy the entertainment at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, starting Wednesday, July 17, and running through Sunday, July 21.

A new event this year is The Butterfly Encounter, which is a screened-in butterfly exhibit.