Parade helps kick off Putnam County Fair

OTTAWA — The 171st Putnam County Fair will take place Monday through June 27 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, 1490 E. 2nd St., Ottawa. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights." A parade from Arrowhead Park down Main Street to the fairgrounds on Saturday will kick off the festivities. This year's parade is unique as fire departments from around Northwest Ohio will also be participating as part of the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firemen's Association. The 152nd annual convention is being hosted by the Ottawa Fire Department. On opening day, veterans will be admitted free. A veterans' memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the grandstands. Following the tribute is the coronation of the fair king and queen at 7 p.m. A marching band spectacular featuring Putnam County schools begins at 7:15 p.m. A baked goods aution is at 5 p.m. in the event center. Junior Fair animal judging and contesting will be held throughout the day, ending with sheep judging and showmanship at 4 p.m. Tuesday is kids day, and all children ages 16 and younger will be admitted free until 4 p.m. They will also be able to purchase ride wristbands for $15 from noon until 5 p.m. A Cloverbud recognition takes place at 11 a.m. in the entertainment tent, followed by activities. A kiddie tractor pull for youth younger than 12 begins at 1:30 p.m. There's a bicycle giveaway at 3 p.m. Harness racing begins at 5 p.m. in the grandstand. The Little Mister and Miss Putnam County Fair competition for ages 4-8 is set for 6 p.m. in the entertainment tent, and a 4-H Style Review Show follows at 7. Cooking Challenge competitions begin Tuesday and continue at 7 p.m. each day through June 27. On Wednesday, harness racing starts at 5 p.m. in the grandstand, while the main show arena will be the location of the Putnam Possibilities Buddy Show. The show is open to individuals with developmental disabilities ages 5 and older, who will be partnered with a 4-H or FFA member. Junior Fair has a day of judging and contesting, followed by a decorated animal contest at 7 p.m. and barn games at 8. Thursday is senior citizens day, and seniors ages 62 and older will be admitted free all day. There will be space available in the entertainment tent for seniors to rest and enjoy some of the fair's sweet treats. Open Class flower show judging starts at 10 a.m. in the event center. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the Farmer For a Day event by driving a new, full-size tractor on the racetrack from 4-8 p.m. New this year are drag races in the grandstand at 6 p.m. Junior Fair Bred and Fed Show begins at 9 a.m. in the main show arena, while the horse and pony PAS Show begins at 10 a.m. in the horse show arena. Judging for the day concludes with the open class swine show at 6:30 p.m. Friday will feature truck and tractor pulls and the T-102 Country Star Playoffs. Junior Fair will host a livestock sale at 8 a.m. and the Show of Showman contest at 5 p.m. A versatility horse show is at 6 p.m. with an Open Class goat show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, is family day. The fair will come to a close after the election of fair directors, Open Class lamb show, a demolition derby and line dancing. Junior Fair will present a horse awards program at 11 a.m., following by a Kids Fun Horse Show at noon. A fairgrounds shuttle will operate throughout the grounds all week. Those who want to enjoy fair food without participating in the rest of the day's attractions can go to gate 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and purchase a special, refundable lunch ticket for $8. After enjoying their choice of lunch at the fair, they can exit through gate 3 by 1 p.m., return the lunch ticket and be refunded the $8. Lunch tickets will only be offered Thursday and Friday. Daily admission is $8 for anyone ages 10 and older, with free admission for children 9 and younger. Season passes can be purchased for $30. A membership pass is also available to Putnam County residents for $30 until noon on Monday, allowing every day entrance into the fair and voting rights on the fair board of directors. Ride wristbands will be sold for $20, except for the kids day special on Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 419-523-4628. For a full schedule of events, visit putnamcountyfair.com.