News release from the Allen County Fair:
Allen County Fun Fair runs July 28 – Aug. 2
(July 17, 2015) – Six days full of action-packed nostalgic fair activities commence at the Allen County Fun Fair Tuesday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 2 at the Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road – a week later than when it typically falls.
Last year, the fair saw record attendance peaking at 38,000 fairgoers. “It’s all about making memories, and heading to the county fair should be a family tradition!” said Michelle Love, Allen County Fun Fair board member. “Whether you’re into the rides, meeting animals, showcasing your talent or simply indulging in signature fair food, we have something for everyone to enjoy, at an extremely affordable price!”
Opening night kicks off with a new high-flying daredevil ATV stunt show from Henry “The Pitbull” Rife 7 p.m. at the fair’s pull strip, as previously seen on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and Discovery Channel’s “Heirs to the Dare.” The entertainer, who hails from Van Wert, Ohio, has jumped over vehicles 60,000 times in his career and has set numerous records including most cars jumped indoors and longest ramp to ramp distance.
Staple highlights throughout the week include, but are not limited to: Queen and Little Miss pageants, Mudrack Tree Service fireworks show, live concerts practically every night, Economy Auto Parts & Mark’s Body Shop demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, monster truck rides, 4-H animal petting area and exhibits, crafts, donkey and pony rides, Automotive Color & Supply Co. classic car cruise-in, parade, and a new dirt drag and tug-a-truck event on the last day of the fair.
Kids Day, Thursday, July 30, is jam packed with activities like free face painting and balloon art, an Indiana Wild animal show, antique tractor display, Phil’s Hobby Shop R.C. electric plane demonstration, Lutheran Hospital helicopter tour and more. Fairgoers can cool off with some free ice cream at the pull strip followed by rickshaw races and redneck relays. The popular hot air balloon flight, sponsored by Ferrell Gas, starts at 7 p.m. on the north grounds and ends with a phenomenal glow spectacle once the sun sets.
For the second consecutive year, North American Midway Entertainment, an industry leader in customer service and safety, will bring over a dozen rides for kids of all ages including the “Freak Out,” a fan favorite thrill ride featuring a revolving pendulum that sways riders up to 127 degrees.
Dollar ride days are 1-10 p.m. Thursday, July 30 and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. Unlimited $20 ride bracelets will be available during the following times: 5-10 p.m. July 28, 29 and 31, and 2-10 p.m. Aug. 1.
Pre-registration is required for the youth talent contest, which takes place at 6 p.m. July 28 at the Home & Family Arts Building. Juniors 12 and under, and seniors 13-21 years old are welcome to enter in the solo/group categories for: vocal, instrumental, dance, novelty, tumbling or clogging. Entry fee is $10 before July 22, and $15 day of. Participants do not need to reside in Allen County.
Additionally, adults ages 18+ can enter a variety of exhibits at the Home & Family Arts Building for the duration of the fair. For a minimal fee of $1 per exhibit, the public can enter items to be judged in the following categories: foods, food preservation, clothing construction, houseplants, floral arrangements, wreaths, garden produce, arts & crafts, wall hangings, Christmas decorations, ceramics, fine arts, photography and sewing. Again, participants must register by July 22.
Community, youth and performance groups, bands, floats, animals and cars are also invited to be a part of the fair fun parade at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1. Registration closes July 24.
On-site day of registration is available for the following:
Tuesday, July 28: Greased watermelon contest for ages 5-19 (registration starts at 6:30 p.m.; $2 per 4-member team) Wednesday, July 29: Pie baking contest (register between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and pedal car races for ages 3-18 and adults (register at 5 p.m.; $2 entry fee) Thursday, July 30: Redneck relays and rickshaw races (register at 7 p.m.; $10 per 3-member team for relays only) Friday, July 31: Classic car cruise-in (starts at 4 p.m.; judging at 6:30 p.m.; dash plaques for first 50 entries) and 4×4 truck pull (register at 5 p.m.; $25 entry fee) Saturday, Aug. 1: Demolition derby (register at 4 p.m.; $20 entry fee)
Tickets are $5; children 5 and under are free, and parking is free off of Carroll Road. For all six days, fairgoers can purchase four admission tickets, and get one free. Wednesday, July 29 is Senior Day – all seniors’ ages 55+ receive $2 off admission. On Farmers Care Day, Sunday, Aug. 2, attendees can bring a non-perishable food item, and receive $2 off admission as well.
For more information on details of events, contest registration forms and a complete event schedule, log on ACFunFair.com or call 260.449.4444.
About the Allen County Fairgrounds
The Allen County Fairgrounds was founded in 1989 as the permanent home for the Allen County Fair and Allen County 4-H Clubs—a place dedicated to youth, family and community for educational and recreational purposes. The Fairgrounds is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that receives zero tax dollars and is solely funded through donations, sponsorships, fundraisers and facility rentals.