Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Warren County Farmers Fair



Each summer, we look forward to the week-long series of farm-themed events that is the Warren County Farmers Fair. You have probably driven past the fairgrounds at Rt. 519 and Strykers' Road, where it's held each year. If you appreciate the country life, then you will surely enjoy yourself at the fair. There's something for people of all ages!

Highlights:

The Demo Derby:

What can I say... it's a smashing good time! This is actually held separately from the rest of the fair, meaning you have to buy tickets if you want to get in – and it's only held I think 2 nights out of the week. Watch local racing enthusiasts crash their hand-decorated antique beater cars into each other until there's only one guy standing. Roaring engines, smoke, fire and destruction... what could be better? Current admission is around $12.

The Livestock and Craft Tents:

What would a county fair be without plenty of cows, chickens, horses, sheep, rabbits and pigs? The livestock tents at the Warren County Fair prove to be a fun spot for parents and kids to visit where they can view, learn about, and sometimes even pet, different types of farm animals. Last summer we admired baby pigs, goat kids, prize horses, lop-eared rabbits and designer chickens among others. The year before that, our neighbor won a prize for his cat that walks on a leash and does tricks.

The Kids' Rock Band (and other music):

I will have to research the name, but each year we've watched and listened to the fantastic rock band made up of school age kids, wowing the crowd with old-school favorites from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and more! Catch these mini rockers in the evenings... way cool stuff.

The Rides!

At night, the Warren County Fairgrounds becomes a veritable carnival where kids and teens can go for low-cost thrills on the ferris wheel, the whip, the cups, mini roller coaster, carousel, and all the favorite carnival rides we grew up with. With cotton candy, soft pretzels, lemonade and an array of carnival games and amusements, you really can't go wrong.

The Food:

From hot dogs to ice cream waffles to funnel cakes to polish sausage, there is always a large selection of tasty, err, fare at the Warren County Farmers Fair!

Craft, Garden and Vendor Tents:

Peruse handmade creations from local crafters; explore prize-winning garden veggies, and of course explore a variety of goods from vendors of all types.

Events All Week Long!

The Warren County Farmers Fair also features a tractor pull and ATV mud bogging which are both free for fairgoers; horse shows, a hay bale rolling contest, antique tractor displays, and the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival which is something to see (but unfortunately I have yet to experience it because we always seem to be away on the day that it's held).

For the full scoop on this local favorite, visit http://www.warrencountyfarmersfair.org/.