Katie Schumacher prep hogs before a weigh-in during Friday’s Allen County Fair.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — After 173 years, the Allen County Fair is back for another season. Friday afternoon, the organizers celebrated the opening with the annual ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the opening, community members crossed over the gates into the fair season. The ribbon cutting took place at the newly renovated Nutrien Plaza stage.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out, supporting us and making the 173rd Allen County Fair,” Allen County Fair Manager Troy Elwer said.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Marine Corps League Detachment 1063 was invited to the front to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Tim Schneider from the office of U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) presented a proclamation to welcome the fair.
Elwer shared remarks of the new events taking place, including a show making its debut Friday evening.
“At 6 p.m. over in the grandstands, we will be having our Micro Wrestling event,” Elwer said. “This is a brand new event that we have never had at the fairgrounds before but we are very excited about it. It’s very highly anticipated.”
According to the Micro Wrestlers website, the event is for community members of all ages. On Saturday evening, the Hardy concert (that sold out within minutes of tickets becoming available) will make its claim on the fair.
Allen County will also host the Jr. fair, the gospel tent, midway events and much more.
“We have lots of exciting things to look forward to this week,” Elwer said. “There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into planning a fair. It is not a one- to two-months deal. It is a 365-day deal. A lot of people don’t realize that. I just want to thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming support that you’ve given us and thank you for being here today.”
Several new vendors, pony rides and locally made goods will draw in the crowds to join the annual event.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the ribbon by fair royalty.
The fair will be open daily until closing day on Saturday, Aug. 26.
For more information visit allencofair.com.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
