Douglas County Fair returns; here are some highlights to watch for

Share this post or save for later

It’s that time of year again: The Douglas County Fair is bringing families, friends, furry creatures, food, fun and 4-H’ers to the fairgrounds.

Some events and contests have already gotten underway, but much of the fun starts Tuesday and continues through Saturday, including two nights of the demolition derby. All events are at the county fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

Tuesday, July 25, look for a cornhole tournament from 1 to 2 p.m. in the open pavilion; a petting zoo from 1 to 9 p.m. and pony rides from 5 to 8 p.m. in Building 8; and food sales from 3 to 6 p.m. in Building 21.

There will be a “touch a truck” event from 6 to 8 p.m. in the blacktop area, a family movie night starting at 8 p.m. in the outdoor arena and a musical performance by the Hunter Hathcoat Band from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 26, the cornhole tournament, petting zoo and pony rides will return at the same times and locations. Kenny Gambler and the Wellmen will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday is the first night that Moore’s Greater Shows Carnival is open from 6 to 11 p.m. The carnival will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, and from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

The morning of Thursday, July 27 will kick off with the llama and alpaca show at 9 a.m. in the open pavilion. There will be more cornhole, petting zoo and pony rides, and the Wakarusa River Band will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.

On Friday, July 28, the fair adds a bale throwing contest; registration starts at 5:30 p.m. ahead of the contest at 6 in the blacktop area. Small Town Grit will perform at 6 p.m. Night 1 of the demolition derby starts at 7:30 p.m. in the outdoor arena.

And Saturday, July 29 brings a turtle race at 10 a.m. in the stage area on the blacktop; a pedal tractor pull at 10:30 a.m. (registration starts at 9:30); extended pony ride hours, from 2 to 8 p.m.; barnyard olympics at 11 a.m., and the cornhole championship starts at noon in the open pavilion.

Silent Ave will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the stage area, and Similar Animal will take the stage from 8 to 11 p.m. There will be an ice cream social at 4 p.m. in the open pavilion, and Night 2 of the demolition derby starts at 8 p.m. in the outdoor arena.

Check out the full fair schedule and find more info at dgcountyfair.com/fair-schedule.

If our local journalism matters to you, please help us keep doing this work.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters


Latest Lawrence news:

MORE …

Previous Article

Community Children’s Center plans family scavenger hunt fundraiser

Next Article

Lawrence school board to look to approve student fees