Allen County Fair 2008 preview

A look at the Allen County Fair, running Aug. 15 to 23, 2008

Interactive Allen County Fair map

See an interactive map of where all the events are for the Allen County Fair.

Junior Fair offers fun, enrichment

LIMA - Junior Fair is always a unique part of Allen County Fair time, but this year documenting just how special it is could be worth something.New to the Allen County Junior Fair experience this year is a contest for highlight videos created, said Mark...

Bet on the ponies at harness racing

LIMA - Two nights each year during the Allen County Fair harness racing takes center stage in the grandstand. The popularity of the events in Lima has spawned a series of events around the region to help maintain the sport.This year's fair is no exception....

Tug a Truck its own event this year

LIMA - Several years ago, when the big "monster trucks" came to town, the drivers would tie ropes and chains to each other's bumpers and play a game similar to "tug of war" in hotel parking lots.Hotel owners didn't like this game. Neither did the police.Consequently,...

Homemakers group celebrates 30 years

LIMA - This year the homemakers group will celebrate 30 years since their origination just as anyone would expect them to - in style.The Allen County Fair will host Homemakers Day on Tuesday with a full line-up of activities. The featured event is a style...

B&C Ranch brings trained elephants to fair

LIMA - Brett Carden can attest to the old saying that elephants never forget.And the truth of the saying will make for a good show when Carden brings his highly-trained elephants to the Allen County Fair this week."They remember. They never forget what...

Skillet to play fair

LIMA - There's no doubt alternative rock group Skillet considers itself a Christian band.But being called "only for Christians" is something the Memphis, Tenn., rockers take issue with, said lead singer John Cooper."We don't want to make people feel like...

Lynyrd Skynyrd to play fair

LIMA - If you head out to the Allen County Fair to see Lynyrd Skynyrd play this year, we have one suggestion: don't go just so you can yell "Free Bird."But do go if you're ready to check out this legendary band's classic rock offerings (the group will...

Family Fun Zone has full slate

LIMA - It started as a way to give teenagers something to do at the Allen County Fair. Seven years later, the Family Fun Zone is a place that offers something for everyone in the family, organizer Neil Whitney said.This year's fun zone includes puppet...

Gretchen Wilson to play fair

LIMA - Look out, Allen County. Gretchen Wilson is here for the party.The country superstar will bring her rockin' music and stunning vocal talents to the Allen County Fair on Saturday as this year's country act. She follows in the footsteps of other notable...

Popular petting zoo back

LIMA - The Allen County Fair is going to be a real zoo this year - and no one's complaining.Ben Osting, the President of Jungle Island Zoo, a petting zoo based out of Delphos, will return for his sixth year of working hand and hand with the Allen County...

Junior Fair now in charge of Grandstand Plaza Stage

LIMA - Fairgoers may remember that at last year's fair, it rained - a lot.
With nearly all events washed out and many visitors staying away, Allen County Junior Fair participants, all 1,500 of them, were left with idle time and some empty grounds.

Event Scooters at fair this year

ALLEN COUNTY - If there is a downside to hosting one of the state's best and biggest fairs, it's the size of the event. There can be a lot of walking involved to see it all. 

Poor Jack offers rides

LIMA - With 31 rides, 14 food stands and 20 game booths all popular at county fairs, officials of Poor Jack Entertainment are urging local residents to forget the movies when it's time for the Allen County Fair. 

Fairgrounds sprucing up west entrance

LIMA - It has become even easier to get into the Allen County Fair this year, especially from the west side.

INTERACTIVE FAIRGROUNDS MAP 

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