The Franklin County FAir 2022 on Friday Aug, 19, 2022.
PRESTON – The Franklin County Fair is the “last big hurrah” before the summer ends and the school year begins. Kids, animals, entertainment, food and fun about sums up what the fair experience is all about.
The fair is held this time every year at the county fairgrounds. This year the fair runs through Saturday, August 20.
Wes Harris, chairman of the fair committee, said they have new buildings and the rodeo area has caused them to rethink what they have done in the past. Harris has been the chairman of the Franklin County Fair for 25 years.
“The arena that the rodeo committee expanded has been great,” he said. “We have a new pig barn and a new building for rabbits and chickens.”
With all of the new facilities they are figuring stuff out.
“There are things haven’t gone as smooth has we would have liked with the new buildings and all, but people have been understanding, I’m not complaining; everything is really good.”
Harris said the fair has been going good so far. Entertainment has included John Daily and Magician Dan Paulus.
Some people come to look at the animals, others come to admire the bottled fruit and vegetables and to see who’s pickles won the Grand Champion ribbon. The County Fair brings the community together to sit around and visit. There is always some entertainment going on in the shelter and it’s just a fun time.
“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 of the county. Youth from across the county work their animals all summer and get them calm so you can lead them with a halter. They’re judged on how they look, how calm they are and how well you know how to show them.
Saturday begins at 8 a.m. with an Elks Breakfast at the Lions shelter. Jackpot Team Roping begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Baby Contest from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
The 4-H Dutch Oven begins at 9 a.m. and a 10 a.m. will be the Round Robin Contest for FFA/4-H participants. The entertainment begins at 11 a.m. with a host of participants until the North 40 band.
The Bull Bonanza will be the act of the 2022 Franklin County Fair.
“We have bull riding and the wild cow milking contest,” he said. “Teams of three on a team catch rope and milk a wild cow. It is really a lot of fun.”
There is also a porta potty race. Someone ropes a porta potty with someone in it and drags it to the finish line.
“We also put money on a calf and let it run around until someone catches it,” Harris said. “We do a bunch of fun stuff.”