Fair days are here again

Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show slated for June 25-26 and July 5-9

BY MOLLY HAINES

Sweet Owen Editor

The Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show officially kicks off Saturday, June 25, with an afternoon of glitz and glamour.

As has been customary in recent years, the Miss Teen, Pre-Teen, Miss Owen County, and Miss Owen County Fair pageants will take place two weeks before the midway and other festivities, but this year with a change of venue.

The pageantry begins at 3 p.m. in the Owen County High School Auditorium (2340 KY 22, Owenton), with the Miss Teen and Miss Pre-Teen Owen County Fair, followed by Miss Owen County Fair and Miss Owen County at 6 p.m.

“We wanted to utilize an indoor, air-conditioned space that allows the contestants to get dressed and go on stage without having to walk from one building to another,” explained Pageant Director Melissa Bourne.

Admission to all Saturday events is $5.

The remaining pageants—Baby, Little Prince and Princess, and Little Miss (local)—will take place at the Owen County Fairgrounds Park Pavilion on Tuesday, July 5.

Sunday, June 26, continues the tradition of the Community-Wide Worship Service. Brad Wilhoite will give this year’s testimony, beginning at 7 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Roger Alford. The Owen Countian of the Year and Mother of the Year will be announced prior to the service at 6:30 p.m.

All exhibit entries except food and produce are to be entered Sunday between 2-5 p.m. Food and produce are to be entered from 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, July 5, the same day festivities are set to continue.

Admission July 5-6 is $10. You must present your admission ticket for ride armbands. Admission July 7-9 is $15.

Additional events throughout the week include multiple demolition derbies (Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday), two truck/tractor pulls (Thursday and Friday), and a number of 4-H and FFA shows scheduled throughout the week.

A pedal tractor pull and the Children’s Pet Show will take place on Wednesday.

The Owen County Fair is a longstanding tradition; the first believed to have been held in 1860 and hosted by the Owen Union of Agricultural and Mechanical Association in New Liberty. An 1867 article in the Louisville Daily Courier provides details of the grounds.

“The fair grounds (sic) are but a short distance from the beautiful town of New Liberty, the ‘garden spot’ of Owen. The amphitheater is large and commodious, and located in a most beautiful spot.”

Since that time, the Owen County Fair has been held at various locations, including the lot where Southern States Owenton now stands.

In 1975, the fairgrounds moved to its current location at 355 Ellis Road. Although the fair has seen a number of changes throughout the years, its dedication to the tradition of summer fun continues today.

For a full schedule of events or to view this year’s fair catalog, visit www.owencountyfairboard.com.