The Madison County Fair runs through July 15. For a schedule of events, visit Madison County Fair.
A group of 6-year-olds wait their turn in the pig scramble, an event that returned to this year’s fair after a long hiatus. Participants chased small pigs in a fenced-off, very wet area. Their mission: be the first to grab a ribbon from around the pig’s neck. More than 200 entrants of various ages partcipiated for cash prizes and trophies sponsored by Tri-Green Interstate Equipment.Entrants in the 6-year-old class of the pig scramble go after a quick-footed pig.A group of children surround a pig, trying to grab the ribbon, only to have the pig escape from them during the pig scramble.This year’s Junior Fair species ambassadors were announced on July 9: (from left) Will Koenig, swine; Emme Rife, rabbit; Addyson Tabor, dog; Mackenzie Martin, equine; Elly Wilkins, small animal; Sophia Hick, special interest; Adelyn Rupejko, goat; and Abbi Butin, beef. Not pictured: Madison Estep, poulty; Addison Reeves, swine; and Tucker Phipps, alpaca.This year’s Madison County Fair royalty members were crowned on July 9: (from left) Attendant Kaitlynn Hollar, Queen Emily LeGault, Attendant Crystal Weimer, and Princess Emma Boggs.Ellen Moore, a member of the Helping Hands Happy Hearts 4-H Club, leads her alpaca through the obstacle course. Moore won the senior division of the event, held July 9 in the Eby Arena.Bella King of the Green Range 4-H Club coaxes her alpaca through one of the obstacles. King finished first in the intermediate class of the alpaca obstacle course event.Mark Covert, a member of the Fairfield Rascals 4-H Club, leads “Reese” over a jump in the junior division of the alpaca obstacle course. Covert won his division.Sometimes, alpacas have their own agenda when it comes to the obstacle course event at the fair. Elliana Wilkin, a member of the Helping Hands Happy Hearts 4-H Club, tries to keep her alpaca on course in the intermediate class.It seems that rain visits the fair every year. Rain on opening weekend this year made for muddy access to parking areas on the fairgrounds.The Sean Prather band performs at the fair Sunday night at the beer garden. Tri-Green Interstate Equipment was the sponsor.
