Eight-year-old Jaionna Johnson (left) and ten-year-old Chanz Jones Jr. react to a ride at the Allen County Fair.
Amanda Loughridge | The Lima News
LIMA — A county fair is not complete without the screams and laughter from both young and old as they experience the thrills of the fair rides, and the 172nd Allen County Fair is no exception. Fairgoers this year will be able to enjoy their favorite rides thanks once again to Indiana-based Poor Jack Amusements.
Gary Bohlander, one of the owners of Poor Jack, promised a wide variety of rides that everyone can enjoy.
“We have a pretty good selection,” he said. “There are the little kids rides and stuff that Grandpa can ride with the little kids. There are more intermediate, bigger rides for families, and then there are some that are more just for the thrill seekers.”
From bumper cars to tractors to roller coasters, Poor Jack’s lineup is designed to provide thrills for every age group. Over the years, certain rides have become favorites for various age groups, according to Bohlander.
“The Orient Express is a roller coaster for the kids,” he said. “That’s one of the best kiddie rides. We also have the Crazy Bus and farm tractors for the little kids. For the big rides, the popular ones are the Freakout, the Wipeout, and the Orbiter. That’s the one for the thrill seeker.”
Want to make an entire day of fair rides? Families arriving at the fair will be able to purchase all-day ride wristbands upon arrival for $30. A special deal will be available on Youth Day Monday, when ride wristbands will be available from noon to 5 p.m. for $17. Fair rides will be lighting up the fairgrounds well into the evening during fair week, with rides open until 11 p.m. each day.
ALLEN COUNTY FAIR RIDE HOURS
All times weather permitting
• Friday, Aug. 19: 4 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 20: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 21: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 22: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 23: 2 to 11 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 24: 4 to 11 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 25: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 26: 4 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 27: Noon to 11 p.m.
All-day wristbands available for $30 (Youth Day Special $17 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday)
