Ribbon cutting kicks off 174th Allen County Fair

LIMA — It was a relatively short and sweet ceremony as organizers worked to avoid the periodic rain showers, but the 174th Allen County Fair managed to receive the full kickoff treatment Friday, ribbon cutting included.

With all the food vendors, rides and exhibits in place, all that was left to do was declare the fair open Friday afternoon at the Nutrien Plaza stage on the midway behind the grandstands. The event gave organizers the opportunity to express their gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s fair possible, whether it was long-time volunteers or businesses that have pitched in to keep the tradition of the fair alive.

“I think the thing we’re looking forward to the most is seeing the public come out to the fair and really enjoy and appreciate everything that we’ve been able to accomplish leading up to this year’s fair in terms of improvement projects across the property,” fair manager Troy Elwer said. “We’re very proud with what we’ve been able to accomplish and we hope that the public receives it very positively and it creates a safe, fun and healthy experience for people.”

Among the many long-time supporters of the fair, Nutrien of Lima was honored Friday for its continued support of 4-H education programs throughout the county.

“Not only were they awarded our OSU Extension ‘Friend of Extension’ award, which is the highest honor they can get from Ohio State, but they have also been nominated and awarded our ‘Friend of 4-H’ award for their continuous dedication to our 4-H program to help feed that future and provide all the great programming we can offer,” Allen County 4-H educator Kelly Coble said.

Elwer also praised the youth involved in the fair this year, from the Junior Fair royalty to each of the animal exhibit presenters.

“The quality of kids we have right here in Lima and Allen County is, bar none, in my opinion, one of the best in the state of Ohio,” he said. “Our numbers are up this year in mostly all the departments, which is a great thing because that’s what our mission is here at the fairgrounds. It’s promoting youth in agriculture, and I am so excited to really see our talented youth showcase their projects they’ve worked so hard on this year.”