LIMA — Allen County Fair Manager Dave Grimm said the 2015 Allen County Fair has the right ingredients to be one of the most successful ever at the 2015 Fair Kick Off Dinner Thursday at the fairgrounds.
“Now all we need is good weather,” Grimm told the crowd.
Grimm said the fair will include many of the favorites that are traditional, but several new events have been sprinkled in.
“It will be a very exciting and bold fair as we have made several changes,” Grimm said.
New events will include the National Tractor Pullers Association-sanctioned tractor and truck pull Aug. 24 and the International Pro Rodeo Association-sanctioned rodeo April 27. Grimm said it was the first time the fair has had a tractor pull in several years and the first time ever for a rodeo. New events in the free entertainment tent include the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, Wild World of Animals and Magician John Measner shows.
William Henderson was inducted into the Allen County Agricultural Society Hall of Fame during the dinner. Henderson was the longest serving 4-H agent in county history and also served as a Junior Fair adviser. He was also involved with many other aspects of the fair.
Other people recognized for contributions to the fair included former county engineer Tim Piper and facility manager Nick Trent, who has worked with the fair for 10 years, most recently as facility manager. The 2015 fair will be his last.
The fair king, queen, prince and princess winners were also announced. Fair king is Evan Stover of Allen East High School, queen is India Miller of Spencerville High School, prince is Marcus Zwiebel of Bath High School, and princess Lannea Stephens of Columbus Grove High School.
Seven recent graduates were given $500 scholarships, including Austin Lauf (Bath), Quinn High (Ada), Shelby Stevens (Allen East), Maddison Rex (Allen East), Forrest Hager (Allen East), Sidney Roush (Shawnee and Justin Siefker (Delphos St. John’s.
Grimm added that the fair will end with its biggest event, the Lady Antebellum and Sam Hunt concert on Aug. 29. Less than 50 tickets remain for the event and Grimm expects those to be sold out by Monday. Grimm said 11,500 are expected to attend the show.
