Dodge County Free Fair less than week away

For all of you who feel it is not summer without the county fair, the wait is almost over. The 165^th Dodge County Fair officially opens its gates next Wednesday, July 13, through Sunday, July 17.

With the rides, foods, games, entertainment, and animals there is sure to be something to please everyone.

While the gates officially open on Wednesday, activities really get under way earlier.

The 4-H Dog Show begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Ag & Horticulture Building. Monday will see the 4-H Pet Show from 2 to 3 p.m. on the lawn of the 4-H Building.

Also on Monday will be the non-livestock judging and Fashion Review judging from 3 to 7 p.m. at the 4-H Building.

4-H, FFA and Open Class check-ins are also done early in the week before the fair’s official opening.

Something new at this year’s fair is the “New” Township Square. Dodge County Townships provided the funds to purchase a metal canopy to cover the outdoor stage.

The outdoor stage provides free entertainment every day of the fair.

Wednesday’s events include the Luke McCallister Band from 3 to 5 p.m., the Mayors’ Cow Milking Contest at 6 p.m., and a family movie showing at 7:30 p.m.

The new canopy and Township Square will officially be dedicated at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday is Kids/Family Day with Oxbow Park Animals at 9:30 a.m., a program by the Dodge Center Library at 11 a.m., Greg the Great Magic Show at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., a Whip Cream Pie Eating Contest at 2 p.m., the 4-H Fashion Review at 5:30 p.m. and CBB Jazz performing from 7 to 9 p.m.

It’s Senior Citizens Day on Friday, July 15. Cadence’s Circus on a String will be at the outdoor stage at noon, George of the Juggle at 1and 3:30 p.m., Dodge Center Library at 2 p.m., and LP & the 45’s from 5 to 9 p.m.

Saturday is Cities of Dodge County Day with Ravens Fire Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cadence’s Circus On a String at 2 p.m., Hayfield/Triton Just For Kix at 3 p.m. and Fred the Bear from 5 to 9 p.m.

Entertainment at Township Square concludes on Sunday, which is Military/Public Service Day with Dodge Center Methodist and West Concord Trinity Lutheran Church having a church service at 10:30 a.m. and the always popular Hotdish and Pie Baking Competitions at noon. The Rockin’ Hep Cats perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The other big entertainment area is the Grandstand.

First up for this year’s fair is the Rice Bull Riding Challenge at 7 p.m. on Wednesday with Mutton Busting during intermission.

Thunderbird Open Stock Cars are on the track Thursday at 7 p.m. featuring A Mods, B Mods, Pure Stocks and Midwest Mods classes.

A new event, the semi-truck, tractor and pickup pulls begins at 7 p.m.

It’s Demo Derby time on Saturday at the DC Championship Demo Derby begins at 6 p.m. with the Kids Power Wheels Derby at 5:30 p.m.

The week at the Grandstand concludes on Sunday when anything goes at the Dodge Mayhem Trailer Race. The fun begins at 3 p.m.

The fair doesn’t come together by itself and is organized by the Dodge County Agricultural and Mechanical Society.

The society includes members from throughout Dodge County. To join simply sign up and pay the annual dues of $5 at the Fair Secretary’s Office by the end of the fair.