Visitors to the Kosciusko County Fair do not just have good food and rides to look forward to anymore. Each day brings a plethora of activities and shows in which visitors can choose to participate or simply watch. Last year’s crowd takes in the annual hot dog eating contest.
WARSAW — Summertime means fair time and the annual Kosciusko County Fair is right around the corner. The fair grounds will be open to the public for events between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. every day from Sunday, July 8, to Saturday, July 14.
As always parking is free. Admission to enter is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under and $3 for seniors age 65 and older. Visitors are also given the option to purchase a weekly admission which allows admission throughout the week for $24 for adults and $12 for children.
The 2017 Miss Kosciusko Fair Queen, Allison Stump, will be present throughout events. Brunon Blaszak’s Royal Bengal Tiger show will also be free all week, with various show times. The midway will be open at varying times Monday through Saturday with carnival rides for all ages. Vendors and local organizations will be present each day selling a variety of food, drinks and snacks. Pigs, sheep, horses, goats and other farm animals can also be seen each day in the various livestock barns.
The first fair event takes place at dusk on Saturday, June 30, with fireworks over Winona Lake. The fair grounds officially open on Sunday, July 8, with the 18th annual Kosciusko County Community Fair parade beginning promptly at 3:30 p.m. The 102nd annual opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. in the horse arena. Free gospel singers and evening services will be held in the grandstands at 6:30 p.m.
The International Professional Rodeo Association World Championship will take place Monday, July 9, in the grandstands. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, brings the Monster Truck Mash to the stands with the gates opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. A pit party will take place between 6 and 7 p.m. Both of these events cost $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12 and is free for children age 5 and under.
While Wednesday and Thursday events have yet to be announced, Friday, July 13, brings the 6th annual Shaggy Memorial Demolition Derby to the grandstands. Admission for the event is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children age 5 and under. Pit passes are $15. Gates will open at 4 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Truck and tractor pulls with hot semi’s will finish off this year’s fair week entertainment on Saturday, July 14. Gates open at 4 p.m. with the show kicking off at 6 p.m. Admission for the event is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12 and free for children age 5 and under. Visitors are also able to purchase a pit pass for $15.
The event center has its own programs and entertainment for the week. Starting it off on Monday, July 9, is the 7th annual pie baking contest in which all pies are expected by noon. The children’s pageant registration begins at 5 p.m. with the toddler pageant beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the preschool pageant starting at 6 p.m. Little Miss and Mister pageant will begin at 6:45 p.m. and the Jr. Miss and Mister pageant will kick off at 7:45 p.m. There will be princess appearances between 4 and 9 p.m. Tyler Sherwin will also be present performing magic.
Tuesday, July 10, brings kids day starting off with a free kids breakfast. Silly Safaris and magician Joe Bennett will be providing entertainment. Senior day then follows on Wednesday, July 11, with a free senior breakfast, singing by Cap’n Bob and free ice cream social at 1 p.m. The Chain Gang Barbershop Quartet along with a Battle of the Bands at 7 p.m. will also be providing entertainment.
Kosciusko’s Got Talent will take place on Thursday, July 12. On Friday, July 13, visitors should prepare for a hot dog eating contest. Registration is between 11 a.m. and noon with the contest kicking off at 1 p.m. Cornhole and horse shoe tournaments will conclude fair week on Saturday, July 14. An amateur barbecue cook off will also be part of the final day of the Kosciusko County Fair.