Until next year…

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

The 133rd Adams County Fair ran from Saturday, July 6 to Saturday, July 13 this year. The Fair parade and opening ceremonies kicked off the week, crowning the 2024 Queen Annymae Cluxton and King Mitchell Ohnewehr to serve as Adams County Fair royalty. Ike Miley was honored as the Outstanding Fair Supporter.

Miserably hot temperatures on a couple of days and a little rain on Wednesday didn’t dampen the spirits of 4-Hers. They were showing their market animals and highlighting the many projects they’d completed throughout the year.

The new horse barns added much-needed space for both horse and rider and visiting the new show ring gave this reporter an appreciation for the hard work and dedication to the project.

The capable and efficient Samantha Young organized the Little’s pageants, which were well received. A last-minute change of venue for the baby contest sent the tiny ones from Shade Tree Park to the Community Pavilion, which was not nearly as accommodating for the three clothing changes and categories. Young maintained the event with poise and kept it rolling along with Don and Venita Bowles from C103 Radio.

The C103 Care for the Cure gained some attention as the Adams County Breast Cancer Support Community members dedicated time and education to those wanting to “Sign on to help drive out breast cancer.” A generous anonymous donation of $250 allowed Junior Fair members to sign the car.

The cheerleading competition was one of the “hottest” shows of the week (both literally and figuratively). North Adams took first place in both the Junior and Senior High competitions. Peebles Junior High placed second, and Manchester Junior High placed third. West Union Senior High placed second, and Peebles Senior High placed third respectively.

The Mocktail Competition held on Tuesday was another change in schedule this year, confusing both participants and attendees. The growingly popular contest waned compared to last year and will need a little “shot” of something extra (non-alcoholic of course) for next year.

A Day in the Ring focused on inclusion and demonstrated the sportsmanship of individuals with disabilities working with 4-Hers to present goats in the show ring. Many joyful ribbon recipients reminded fairgoers of the delight a county fair can bring.

The 133rd Adams County Fair was a time of change and intention. The Fair is a cherished event, and the Senior and Junior Fair Board work diligently to improve it each year. Their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated, and fairgoers look forward to the future.

On Thursday evening, the Senior Fair Board showed their appreciation to the members of the Junior Fair Board by inviting them into the Administration Building for a delicious appreciation dinner catered by Hesler’s Catering. Each of the Junior Fair Board members introduced themselves as did all the adults in attendance. According to Senior Fair Board Vice-President Doug Gunter, this was the second year for the appreciation dinner.

Hot, cold, rain, or somewhere in between, the spirit of the Adams County Fair shines through the confidence that grows in the participating youth. As long-time fair supporter Corbett Phipps said, The best part of the fair “is watching the kids.” Senior Fair Board President Chris Moore said, “Congratulations to all the 4-H and FFA exhibitors on completing their projects. On behalf of the Adams County Agricultural Society, I thank Junior Fair Board President Casen White and all the Junior Fair Board members for a job well done.”

Moore concluded, “Thanks to the thousands of Adams County families that came together and enjoyed the 133rd Adams County Fair. We had a great week with lots of food, family, and fun.”