It’s fair time in Riley County, and Riley County Extension Director Gary Fike says there’s nothing like a county fair.
“The county fair is one of those traditions in the Midwest that really doesn’t have an equal,” Fike said Friday on KMAN’s In Focus.
Fike says the fair is a big collaboration between 4-H, extension and many outside organizations. Fike says the fair is a good learning experience for all involved.
“The exhibit at the fair is nice but whether or not they get a white ribbon or get grand champion, the key to me is did that child learn something about science, about life?”
Livestock judging occurs throughout the fair, which runs Thursday, July 25 through Monday, July 29.
Events include the Kaw Valley Rodeo Thursday the 25th through Saturday the 27th. The Ottaway Amusements Carnival opens on Thursday and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. through Monday. 4-H exhibits will be on display in Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The fair will conclude Monday with a livestock auction, which does not always include purchasing the actual animal. Fike says it really serves as a way to support the work of those in 4-H.
“The premium auction helps reward the kids for working hard and learning more about their animal projects and keeps them coming back,” Fike said.
