The Knox County Fair begins at noon Wednesday. Unlike past years when the summer fair lasted four days, this year’s runs for five days.
Fair Board President Tom Collopy tells WGIL the extra day allows for a few more activities.
“Sunday is kind of a free day,” he says. “We added the fifth day to help the carnival out and we’ve got a ranch rodeo, which is team penning and kids events, horse rides and things like that. Then the fair closes at 5 that Sunday evening.”
When it comes to state funds tied up in the budget impasse, Collopy says the Knox County fair is in the same boat as other fairs.
“We’re just preparing for no state money until we get state money,” he says. “Therefore, everything we do has to be profitable. We just hope for a lot of community support to keep things going until or if we ever get any state funding.”
The fair’s grandstand events include harness racing at noon Wednesday followed by tractor pulls at 6:30 p.m.
After Wednesday’s start, stock car races are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, a figure 8 track at 6 p.m. Friday, and the demolition derby at 6 p.m. Saturday. The fair concludes Sunday evening. Entry in grandstand events range from free to $30.
The carnival runs all five days. Armbands for rides are available for $25 each day.
