Fair serves up lots of fun

What’s up in the dog days of summer in Union County?

The annual event will feature all of the events everyone has come to know and love, from the
4-H and FFA competitions to open class and livestock displays, commercial exhibits, entertainment, the junior livestock auction and of course a carnival. But the fair will also offer up some new things this year, including a return to paid admission. (But parking will be free and seniors can get into the fair at no cost  Thursday.)

Perhaps the biggest change is the fair parade moving to Wednesday evening. The parade has traditionally been held on the Friday evening of fair week, but this year the parade will help kick off the fair. Entries will form at 5:30 p.m. and the parade will head down Adams Avenue at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

This year’s fair will also see the addition of a new event on Friday night — the Legacy Ford Buckout at Mavericks Arena. A Baker City couple, Clint and Cassie Johnson, are producing their first bullriding show and chose the Union County Fair for their inaugural event.
It should be an exciting addition to the fair.

The fair directors have been busy planning a host of different activities. Wednesday is Family Day and will feature all kinds of fun activities and a Graffiti Art contest. Thursday will include a Chocolate Extravaganza and a “You Be the Judge’’ contest. Cowboy Mounted Shooting, a Lego building contest and an obstacle driving course will add to the excitement at this year’s fair.

And of course there’s the fair food booths, the variety of entertainment and what often turns out to be the best part of the annual gathering — seeing and catching up with old friends.

Make a point to get to the fair this year. You won’t regret it.