Perkins County prepares for 106th annual county fair

Tales and trails of Perkins County is the theme of the Perkins County Fair this year, and the schedule proves to provide something fun for everyone once again. 

Exhibitors, parents and judges kicked things off this morning, July 11, with the 4-H clothing judging out at the Stumpf Wheat Center. The style review show will be at the dance hall next Thursday, July 19, at 5:30 p.m.

This Friday, July 13, marks the first public event of the fair. The 4-H horse show will be held at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds, registration for participants begins at 4:30 p.m.

The dog show will be held Monday morning, show is at 9, those participating can register at 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, July 18 will be the pig weigh in from 6-8:30 a.m, with static and open class entries from 9-11 a.m.

The small animal show will be held at 11:30 a.m., and livestock check-ins are from 5-7 p.m.

Perkins County Chamber will host their annual breakfast from 6-8:30 a.m. on Thursday July 19, but don’t be late to the goat, sheep and swine show which starts at 8 a.m.

Floral entries will be accepted from 8 a.m. - noon, and the 4-H rocket launch is planned for 1 p.m. and will be in the rodeo arena this year. 

The rabbit and poultry show is set for 2 p.m.

Evening fun starts at 5 p.m. 

Admission for the inflatable carnival sponsored by “Viaero, Grant Rotary and the Fair Board Gives Back” is an item for the Perkins County food pantry. The bounce houses will remain open until 10 p.m. 

 The style review at 5:30 is followed by a kiddie carnival sponsored by the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund from 6-8 p.m.

Thursday night’s Bingo is sponsored by the Perkins County Pool Committee (PCPC) and will run from 6-10 p.m.

The fair board has brought in a new addition this year, with a “Trivia Feud & Giggle Booth,” that will be open from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday morning will begin with the 4-H beef show at 8 a.m., and the kids’ races will be held at the park at noon. 

The round robin is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the pedal tractor pull registration starts at 2:45. Competition will start at 3 p.m. 

The Mayfield Horse Company brings a ranch rodeo to Grant from 5-9 p.m. that will feature bronc riding, team riding and mutton bustin. Governor Pete Ricketts is also expected to be in attendance.

The inflatable carnival will be open from 5-10 p.m., sponsored by the PCPC and Viaero, as well as the PCCFF kiddie carnival from 6-8 p.m.

4-H teens will run Bingo from 6-11 on Friday and Saturday night.

The Garage Boys live band from Las Vegas will perform in the grand stands on both Friday and Saturday night, while Middle of Nowhere Bar and Grill provides a beer garden. 

Saturday’s activities start with the parade at 10 a.m. and the 4-H teens’ free-will donation barbecue will be from 11-12:30.

The 4-H award presentations will be held in the dance hall starting at 12:30, and will be followed by the council fundraiser silent auction results. 

The inflatable carnival is back from  2-10 p.m. on Saturday, and the livestock auction begins at 3 p.m. 

Ride Rite Garage hosts their fifth annual demolition derby at 6:30 on Saturday night, during which, at intermission, fair board awards and the AKSARBEN pioneer awards will be presented. 

The 105th Annual Perkins County Fair draws to a close on Saturday with the final performance by the Garage Boys, and the teen dance from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. 

Fair history

According to Tribune archives, the first ever Perkins County Fair was held Sept. 17, 18 and 19 in 1913. Attendance was estimated as follows: “Wednesday, 300; Thursday, 1600; Friday, 900. Total receipts, $821.70.”

An excerpt from the Sept. 25, 1913 issue of The Grant Tribune read: “The First Annual Perkins County Fair to be held at Grant, is now a thing to be remembered. It can be recalled as a source of inspiration for the future. Brought into existence in an off year, and built up in the face of rather adverse circumstances, the fair was splendidly successful, and the grounds and buildings stand as a daily reminder of the efficiency of united action on the part of the people of a county. The old rule that real progress can come only as a result of concerted effort, is thus again proven.”

Fairs since have included a circus, countless concerts and even air shows!