(Posted June 11, 2015)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
One way to experience the Madison County Fair is to look at displays and watch other people compete and be judged. Another way is to get in on the action yourself.
This year, the fair, set for July 12-18, offers several new ways for the general public to enjoy a more interactive fair experience. Check out these possibilities:
Hay Bale Decorating Contest
The Madison County Junior Fair is hosting a new hay bale decorating contest this year. Anyone can enter—groups, clubs, businesses or individuals.
Entrants must decorate a round hay bale in any theme they choose. Entries cannot be larger than 12 feet wide and 15 feet long. The bales will be displayed around the fairgrounds during fair week, July 12-18. Entries must be removed by 12 noon July 19.
Entry forms were originally due by June 15, but the deadline has been extended to July 1. Bales must be set up at the fair by 8 p.m. July 11. Judging will take place July 12.
Contest organizers will provide bales to the first 10 entrants. Any additional entrants must provide their own bales.
For an entry form and more infor-mation, go to www.madison.osu.edu, click on “program areas,” click on “4-H youth development” then click on “Madison County Fair.” Or call the Madison County/Ohio State University Extension office at (740) 852-0975.
Grange Hall Contests
To liven up the Grange Hall, Senior Fair Board member Ruth Ernst has come up with a host of contests for children and adults. For more information on any of the following, call Ernst at (614) 270-1797.
– Jar of the Day. Guess how many items are in a jar. The person who comes closest wins the jar’s contents. A new jar will be on display each day of the fair. The contest is open to anyone under the age of 18.
– Cooking contests. All ages are invited to enter any of the following—Chili Cookoff, July 13; Casserole Creations, July 14; Salsa Sensation, July 15; and Chicken Noodle Dish, July 16.
Registration forms are due by July 10. The cost to enter is $2. To register, visit the Grange Hall the week before the fair or register at madisoncountyfairoh.com.
Food entries and recipes must be delivered to the Grange Hall between 6 and 6:30 p.m. on the night of the respective contest. Judging starts at 7 p.m. Prizes will go to the winners. The public is invited to sample entries after judging.
– Favorite Fair Photo. Take a picture at this year’s fair and enter it for the chance to win a prize. All photos must be from the 2015 fair, printed no larger than 8×10, mounted and ready to hang. Entries can be submitted at the Grange Hall or at the Fair Secretary’s Office throughout fair week. The deadline is the morning of Friday, July 17. Open to all ages.
– Duct Tape Art. Children under age 18 are invited to make a creation out of duct tape. Card board, ribbon and paint also may be used. Entries and entry fees are due at the fairgrounds by July 10. The fee is $2 per entry. Creations will be displayed in the Grange Hall throughout fair week. Prizes are possible.
– LEGO Creations. Children under age 18 are invited to make a creation out of LEGOs. Entries and entry fees are due at the fairgrounds by July 10. The fee is $2 per entry. Creations will be displayed in the Grange Hall throughout fair week. Prizes are possible.
Antique Tractor Display
Have an antique tractor? Then consider putting it on display at the fairgrounds during fair week.
Last year, London resident Mike Sul-livan organized the display of about a dozen old tractors. This year, he hopes to expand on the display and is asking anyone who’s interested to give him a call.
It’s not a contest, but rather a way to add visual and historic interest to the fair. A sign will accompany each tractor, listing the owner’s name and the make, model and year of the equipment.
Just about anything goes, from spotlessly restored showstoppers to tractors that still “have their working clothes on.”
To inquire about displaying a tractor at the Madison County Fair, call Mike Sullivan at (614) 578-3225 or Tony Xenikis at (614) 989-1717.
