Saturday provided a little bit of rain, and a lot of heat for the Riley County Fair.
This year’s fair officially kicked off on Thursday with the first round of 4-H entry time slots. The parade down Poyntz Avenue took place at 6 p.m., and the first rodeo of the week began at 8 p.m. that evening.
Judging began on Friday, with the woodworking judging, poultry judging, and sheep show judging. The other animal judging contests took place on Saturday morning.
Although many of the 4-H exhibits and contests are traditionally done every year, Riley County Extension 4-H Agent, John Jobe mentioned there is one that is fairly new. “Kids put together these amazing lego dioramas. I’m guessing there is 15-20 of those”.
Jobe added that judges often travel from other parts of the state to judge exhibits at the fair. He said many times they show up in Riley County just having come from another fair, and head out to yet another fair after they finish judging here.
Every year, 4-H gardeners are challenged with the task of growing the largest vegetable. A different vegetable is chosen every year, and this year’s vegetable was the beet.
According to Riley County Extension Horticulture Agent, Gregg Eyestone, the largest entry was 15.5 ounces. To put this into perspective, he mentioned a normal beet is usually around four or five ounces.
Besides opportunities for 4-H members, other activities included food vendors, rodeos, carnival rides, and booths.
The fair will officially come to a close on Monday with the 4-H livestock sale at 7 p.m.
