DARKE COUNTY — The Great Darke County Fair is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year.
“With the 160th Great Darke County Fair rapidly approaching, the board of directors want to remember the rich and cherished history over the many years of existence and the reason that we call our fair ‘Great.’” said Fair Manager Daryl Riffle. “This year’s Fair is going to see a few changes and we as the directors of the Darke County Agriculture Society want to share them with you.”
To help celebrate the 160th year, on Thursday, Aug. 25, the fair gates will be open “Free Till 3,” and everyone will have free admission for entrance until 3 p.m. This will be coupled with half price ride bands from Kissel Brothers Shows “all day” as well.
The fair board, in association with a number of sponsors, will be holding a bike giveaway on that day. One hundred bikes will be given away to kids free that day from 1 to 3 p.m. in front of the Grandstand.
Sponsors of the bike giveaway include Kissel Brothers Amusements, 2nd National Bank of Greenville and Bud’s Electric of Arcanum. Many other individual businesses and donors have also contributed to the giveaway. Kettering Medical Center is also providing 100 free bike helmets.
The 100 bicycles were assembled free of charge by Ace Hardware of Greenville.
Also from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, some fair vendors will be offering items for $1.60.
That same Thursday, to continue with the atmosphere of promoting youth, visitors are asked to make plans to attend the annual 4-H Awards Program and Parade of Champions that will begin at 9:30 a.m.
“The board encourages you to attend these events and cheer on all the young adults who work hard all year on their projects,” he said. “Effective this year, daily admission prices will increase from $6 to $7, but the $20, nine-day membership/weekly pass price will remain the same. The additional dollar per day will permit the board to continue to repair, maintain and grow our already wonderful fair. Most of the fair’s buildings were built when our parents and grandparents were coming to the fair and overall we need to update and maintain what we have so we can carry on this great tradition for generations to come.”
With the announcement of Chicago as this year’s Sunday entertainment, the board has heard many people excited to hear them perform. Chicago has been one of the bands that the fair board has been trying to get for many years, but the band’s touring schedule never seemed to lineup with the fair’s annual concert schedule.
“We are excited to have them perform and visit our 160th Fair,” he said. “This is where another change is coming. The box and reserved grandstand seating pricing will change to reflect the program changes for events that take place in front of the grandstand. Box seat tickets will increase from $65 to $70 per chair; and reserved seat tickets will increase from $50 to $60 per chair. The costs associated with providing quality entertainment continue to rise and this price increase is needed for us to keep up with the times, keep us competitive with other fair and non-fair venues in the area, and is similar to cost of living increases periodically made to wages.”
He said the board strives to get programs and acts to entertain across the ages and its past history of entertainment proves that with sellout crowds.
“Due to changes in insurance coverage for the tractor pull events, we are now able to extend the infield/pit pass entry requirement to match the grandstand entry requirements for the general public,” the fair manager said. “For this year’s fair, persons under 3 years of age will be admitted free providing they sit on the lap of a paying infield/pit pass ticket holder. The board is excited that we will be able to offer this option to those with young children who want to view this event a little closer. The board appreciates your continued attendance and support of The Great Darke County Fair. We also thank you for your commitment to the future generations of fairgoers by the additional money paid through your attendance. If you have concerns or comments, fair board meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month under the grandstand in the office board room at 7:30 p.m.”
Riffle said two new events are scheduled for this year. One is the Friesian Horse experience and the other is a performance by the Greenville Wavaires both set for Friday, Aug. 26 in front of the Grandstand.
A Friesian Horse experience will take place in front of the Grandstand beginning at noon. The Friesian horse is a breed of horse from Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Although originally bred as a draft horse, the breed is graceful and nimble for its size and later developed into a finer-boned nobleman’s steed.
“During the Middle Ages, Friesian horses were in great demand as destriers throughout Europe since their size enabled them to carry a knight in full armor,” it was reported. “After a few close calls with breed extinction, the impressive Friesian horse is now growing in numbers and popularity, proving to excel in both dressage and driving. The breed has overall conformation. Friesians have long, elegant, arched necks and fine extended short-eared (Spanish type) heads. Their sloping shoulders are quite powerful. They have compact yet muscular bodies with strong sloping hindquarters and a low-set tail. Their limbs are comparatively short and strong. Like fashion models, Friesians have good bone structure and impressive hair.”
The Greenville High School Wavaires will perform in front of the Grandstand beginning at 2:30 p.m. They will provide 30 to 40 minutes of entertainment. The Wavaires are under the direction of Chelsea Whirledge.
“In the long, tried and found true history of Darke County there never has been, nor likely ever will be, an entity that has drawn the abiding attention of so many people, residents and non-residents alike, as that August augmentation, Fair Week” said one historical account. “The history of the Great Darke County Fair, very soon to see its 160th merry-go-round, is much too deep, far too wide ranging to be totally covered in these humble lines. Yet by the same token, by selecting certain segments, one can visualize what could be called a great event.”
That historical account went on to say, “And, by the same token, when the fair hits its sesquicentennial 150th year in 2006, surely there will be more true stories, more progress, more excitement, and more of the ongoing anticipation of Fair Week that has long since become part and parcel of local life.”
And, that can be said now that the 160th is approaching. The fair is set for Aug. 19-27.
