Special fair days for seniors, veterans and youngsters

LIMA — The Allen County Fair annually attracts thousands of visitors daily to take in activities ranging from livestock exhibitions, harness racing and amusement rides to tractor pulls, cheerleading competitions and top-notch grandstand entertainment.

It all comes with the price of admission. But on several days during the fair’s nine-day run, there are even more reasons to head out to the fairgrounds. Special days have been set aside for senior citizens and veterans, entitling them to free admission to the grounds. Other days offer special one-day events designed to entice young and old alike.

YOUTH DAY: Monday, Aug. 19

The Allen County Conservation Club will host a free fishing derby for youths age 15 and under at the Roschman Park pond, located in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds. The club will supply bait and fishing poles. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught in each of five age groups.

The Jungle Island petting zoo will be also open from noon until 9 p.m. in Roschman Park.

A special on amusement rides will also be offered on Monday, with a $17 ride wristband available from 1-6 p.m. and a $30 wristband on sale from 1-11 p.m.

The Allen County Jr. Leaders and D.A.R.E. will host additional Youth Day activities in the plaza, near the grandstands, at 2 p.m. Children aged 12 and under are welcome to attend to enjoy the games and a chance to win a bicycle.

SENIOR CITIZENS DAY: Tuesday, Aug. 20

Senior citizens age 60 and over will be admitted to the fair free of charge from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Special “Golden Age” parties will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Gospel Tent, where seniors will be celebrated and honored with music, snacks and beverages.

TASTE OF THE FAIR: Thursday, Aug. 22

Culinary delights unique to a county fair will be spread out across the midway at the Allen County Fair on Thursday.

From noon until 8 p.m. visitors will have the opportunity to sample at reduced prices many of the popular foods and drinks fairgoers have come to know and love.

Darlene Hollar, who oversees the popular annual attraction for the fair board, said a complete list of participating vendors will be available online at the fair board’s website, and a paper version will be available for visitors at the main fair office. Vendors offering special Taste of the Fair dishes will be marked with a pink “banana” flag adjacent to their sites along the midway, Hollar said.

VETERANS DAY: Friday, Aug. 23

All veterans will be admitted to the fair free of charge on Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A special ceremony program will be held at noon in the Picnic Tent, located behind the Gospel Tent, followed by a ham and bean soup, hot dog and cornbread lunch at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to stop by and say thank you to the veterans for their service to our country.