By Buddy Paulsen
Contributor
The county fair makes us all feel nostalgic. I remember sitting in the back seat of my folk’s car as we sped toward the fairgrounds, craning my neck to see just a glimpse of the fun that was to come. We could hardly stand the excitement as we parked. I can still smell the popcorn and taste the cotton candy. So folks…are you ready for five solid days of fabulous fun?
The Box Butte County Fair is upon us and this coming week promises to be a doozy. While July 27 through August 6 feature 4-H events and open class entries, the full days of fair officially begin on Wednesday.
A 4-H bonanza will be featured, including the rabbit show, welcoming open class entries followed by poultry, and the Mardis Gras 4-H parade.
The Box Butte County Fair Queen contest will be underway at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Thursday revs up with the Pig Show beginning at 8 a.m. followed by the Goat and Dairy Goat Show. Get ready to “rock it” with the rockIT events on the midway. Small animal red robin follows at 5:30 with the Rubber Check Race commencing at 7 p.m.
How about a fabulous Friday? At 8 a.m. is the 4-H Dairy Cow, Beef Show, as well as, all exhibits opening. An Old Timer’s picnic is at high noon along with the Waterhole opening to thirsty cowboys at 1 p.m. The 4-H Sheep Show goes wild at 1:30 p.m. with the Cookie Jar and Cake Auction at 4 p.m.
Once again it’s the RockIT events on the Midway with Heartland pulling next on the agenda. Street Stock at 5:30 p.m., can you hear those engines roar? Large animal round robin commences at 6 p.m. chased by the popular tractor pull at 7:30 p.m. Shane Keane rocks it in the Watering hole at 9 p.m. with the teen dance beginning at 9 p.m.
Let me introduce you to a smashing Saturday and get those tennis shoes on because the 5-K run and walk begins at 7:30 a.m. All fair exhibits are open and who doesn’t love a Parade beginning at 10 a.m.
The Antique Equipment Show dazzles at 11 a.m. and if you are buying livestock there is a BBQ in your honor beginning at 11 a.m. Let’s raise some money for these hard working kids beginning at 1 p.m. with the Livestock Auction.
The RockIT events commence once again on the midway followed by the super talent of Jessica Loobey (7 p.m.) who opens for the Conner Smith band scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Get on your boots because its time for all you dancing fools to show your stuff at the Country Dance at 9 p.m.
After a thrilling action packed week everyone needs a relaxing Sunday to sit and enjoy, especially all of those amazing fair volunteers. Enjoy a FFA breakfast at 7 a.m. and then go pick up all of your 4-H entries at 8 a.m. A worship service begins at 9 a.m. followed by the Open Class entries being released at 10 a.m.
The highlight of the fair closes out an amazing 13 days with the Demolition Derby at 1 p.m. Gates open at 12 p.m. Support the Box Butte County Fair while making incredible memories with your kids. It’s all happening in Hemingford this week. Get your cowboy hat on and get ready to rumble.