Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will be among the anticipated 50,000 visitors to the Marion County Fair this year.
“This year’s theme is Christmas in July. We are doing as much as we can to put a little Christmas touch in everything,” said Latisha Lewis of Marion, the fair manager.
Senior Day: Monday, July 1
Mary Ellen Dune will cut the ribbon to open the fair at noon on Monday, July 1. The 97-year-old is being honored for planting flowers to beautify the fairgrounds for 15 years. All seniors 55 and older can also get in free Monday before noon.
Attractions
The demolition derby, harness racing, rodeo, tough truck competition and the tractor pulls will return. New attractions include the Micro Wrestling Federation show and a golf cart parade before the fireworks on July 4.
“There’s a lot of new things! If there’s something happening at the grandstand, there’s something happening at Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Lewis said.
Kids Day: Wed., July 3
On Wednesday, July 3, children 12 and under get in free before noon. Many Kids Day activities are planned.
Youth Are Active at the Fair
More than 1,000 youth are involved in the fair. Meleah Tway, a senior at Harding, and her sister Avelyn, an 8th grader, are excited to enter market chickens this year.
“4-H is the perfect opportunity to branch out and do things you wouldn’t normally do. I’ve gotten so many amazing experience and memories from 4-H and the fair,” Avelyn said. “I’ve enjoyed projects like designing rooms and clothing which allowed me to do more with my creativity. Raising market chickens has really made me step out of my comfort zone.”
Over the years, Meleah has competed many events including cake decorating, scrapbooking, coin collecting, sewing, dress design, digital media and rabbit breeding.
“From learning and creating to being judged on projects, I’ve learned time management, public speaking and responsibility,” Meleah said. “As a member of the Junior Fair Board for Marion County, I have the incredible opportunity to be a leader at the fair and to aid other 4-H members with their projects, shows and judging. I have learned so much since my first fair. It has become a place I truly love.”
Many residents work to make the fair a success.
“Growing up through 4-H and FFA, it is always a privilege to give back to a program that gave so much to me!” said Andrea Bayles, a member of the Marion County Livestock Committee.
Pie Auction, Project Auction and Sale of Champions
Bayles encourages visitors to support exhibitors at the fair. Visitors can bid on locally-made and judged pies on Friday, July 5 at 3 p.m. Afterwards, exhibitors can sell an item of their choice, such as quilts, photos or furniture.
“This is for kids who aren’t showing livestock. We had a pretty good turnout last year,” Lewis said. “We always would like extra help for benefitting those kids and help them raise a little money.”
The livestock auction begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, with the Sale of Champions. “Purchasing in any of these auctions is an outstanding way to support the youth of Marion County as well as promote your business,” Bayles said.
Veterans Day: Friday, July 5
Veterans with an I.D. as well as one guest can get free admission until noon on Friday, July 5. A free breakfast for veterans starts at 9 a.m. A patriotic ceremony starts at 10 a.m. The Honor Flight is also attending to recruit veterans who have yet to visit Washington, D.C.
Live Music
Live bands include 23 Southbound, Left of Center and Sneaky Pete. On Friday, the Acts of Kindness Group is bringing in artists and ministers from the Fan the Flames Christian group.
Fan Favorites
Faithful fairgoers look forward to stopping by their favorite spots. Mandi Himler of Marion can’t wait to stop by the Marion Lamb Association booth.
Paula Fultz loves “seeing the animals and the fair food.”
“All around, it’s fun from one end to the other!” Lewis proclaimed.
For more info:
Fairbook_Complete_2024.pdf (marioncountyfairgrounds.com)
Marion County Fairgrounds & Veterans Memorial Coliseum
220 East Fairground Street
Marion, Ohio 43302
(740) 382-2558
Email: marionfair@marioncountyfairgrounds.com
Related MarionMade! Articles
History of the Log Cabin and Smokehouse on the Fairgrounds:
Volunteers Keep Marion History Alive | MarionMade
Mary Ellen Dune:
Real-Life Rosie the Riveter Declares “I’m a survivor” | MarionMade
Marion County Veterans Service Office at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Veterans Services Helps Local Military Families | MarionMade
Huber Machinery Museum at the Marion County Fairgrounds
Huber Shaped Marion and Inspires Students Today | MarionMade
Marion County 4-H Program
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