PRESTON – It’s the “last big hurrah” before the summer ends and the school year begins, according to Franklin County Fair Chairman Wes Harris.
The fair, which is held each year in Preston at the county fairgrounds, runs through Saturday, August 17.
“It always amazes me every year,” said Harris. “There’s a lot of people that come and look at the animals. Our whole community comes and sits around and visits. We’ve always got some entertainment going on in the shelter and it’s just a fun time.”
Some of that entertainment this year includes a hypnotist, petting zoo, team roping, magician, baby contest, bull bonanza and a number of musical performers.
“We also have kids games on Saturday and the Elks have their breakfast Saturday morning at the (Lions Club) Shelter,” said Harris. “There’s always something fun going on.”
The 4-H animals are a big draw for local residents and a great opportunity for the youth. Twelve-year old Gage Smith raises a pig and enters the Swine Show each year. This will be his fourth year at the fair and when asked why he participates, he said, “It’s just a great experience.”
This is also the fourth year at the fair for young Sage Hansen. She will be entering her cow, Home-Slice, in the Beef Show. “You work them all summer and get them calm so you can lead them with a halter like a horse,” she said. “They’re judged on how they look, how calm they are and how well you know how to show them.”
Sage is hoping to take home a ribbon again this year. Last year she took third place in the Cow Show. “He’s pretty calm,” she said. “I’ve had better ones, but he’s not wild, he’s calm. It’s fun.”
For a list of all the events at this year’s Franklin County Fair, click here.