Monroe County Fair offers new rides, food, entertainment

Entertainment, food and fun for everyone from toddlers to seniors citizens can be found next week at the Monroe County Fair.

The Monroe County Fair has been a tradition for more than 100 years, and Saturday marks this year’s opening day.

“This year’s fair will be superior to anything you’ve ever seen in the past,” said Dale Conard, Monroe County Fair Board president. “We’re expecting the crowds to be bigger than ever, so we’re really excited.”

The eight-day event takes place from noon to 10 p.m. July 24-31 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, located at 5700 W. Airport Rd.

General admission costs $7 per person.

On Monday after 4 p.m. and Wednesday after noon, fair attendees will receive armbands that grant access to free parking, free admittance to auditorium shows, free admittance to the grandstand events and free carnival rides until closing.

Otherwise, parking costs $5 per car.

This year, crowds can expect entertainment from local bluegrass groups including the Evening Light Gospel Singers, the Sheila Stephen Show, AMVETS Karaoke, Bloomington Brass Band and Jimmie Bussell.

“Our entertainment is going to be really something this year,” said David Smith, secretary of the Monroe County Fair Board. “The shows in the Grandstand are always a good time. I recommend trying to get a taste of everything.”

The fair also provides a large arrangement of livestock, including rabbits, sheep, pigs, horses, ponies, goats and cows.

One main attraction that makes the fair appealing to families is the wide variety of activities for children. Every day there are different events such as children’s crafts, Silly Safaris and go-kart races.

Because of the anticipated increase in attendance this July, the fairgrounds have added new food stands and more restrooms to accommodate the crowds.

The board members said they have put a lot of work into the carnival.

“I highly recommend checking out the new rides at the carnival,” Conard said. “It’s the big attraction that we hope people will check out. This year we’ve brought in top-of-the-line equipment. There are specials every day on prices, and we’re just really excited to see the customers’ reactions.”

Saturday
Opening Day/Queens Day
10 a.m. Grand Opening presented by the Monroe County Saddle Club

Sunday
Family Day
Grandstand
7:30 p.m. Family Fun Night ($3 per person)

Monday
Super Monday — $7 armbands
Carnival opens at 4 p.m.
Horse & Pony Arena
10 a.m. 4-H Horse & Pony English Classes (Free)
Livestock Arena
9:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy, Pygmy, Boer and Mini 4-H Goat Show (Free)
3 p.m. 4-H Swine Breeding Show (Free)
4-H Swine Market Show immediately follows Breeding Show (Free)

Tuesday
Kids Day
All Carnival Rides take one ticket
Carnival opens at 5 p.m.
Tickets — $1.50 each or 16 for $20
Kid’s Big Top
12 p.m. Silly Safaris
1 to 4 p.m. Kid’s Crafts
4 p.m. Silly Safaris
5:30 p.m. Registration for Pedal Tractor Pull
6 p.m. Pedal Tractor Pull
Livestock Arena
9:30 a.m. 4-H Dairy Show (Free)
5:30 p.m. 4-H Sheep Dress Up & Breeding Stock Show (Free)
8 p.m. 4-H Market Class Sheep Show and Mini Show (Free)
Poultry Barn
10 a.m. 4-H Pigeon Show (Free)
Draper-Earles Auditorium
6:30 p.m. Baby Contest (Adults $5, 12 and under $3)
Grandstand
7:30 p.m. Go-Kart Races (Adults $7, 12 and under $5)

Wednesday
Super Wednesday — $7 armbands
Carnival opens at noon
Horse & Pony Arena
10 a.m. Horse & Pony Contesting Show (Free)
Livestock Arena
12 p.m. 4-H & Open Beef Breeding Stock Show (Free)
5 p.m. Cowabunga
6:30 p.m. 4-H Steer Show (Free)
Draper-Earles Auditorium
10 a.m. Open Class Style Show
7:30 p.m. Talent Show (armband)

Thursday
Radio Station Night/2-for-1 Carnival Night
Sponsored by radio stations 95.1, 97.7 and 105.1
(Rides take 2, 3 or 4 tickets; tickets $1 each or 22 for $20)
(Two people ride for the price of one with radio sticker)
Carnival opens at 5 p.m.
Livestock Arena
9 a.m. 4-H Sheep Carcass Show (Free)
10 a.m. 4-H Round Robin Competition (Free)
6 p.m. 4-H Livestock Sale: Sale animals will be released after sale. Non-sale animals will be released at midnight.
Draper-Earles Auditorium
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bake It With Lemons Contest
7:30 p.m. Jimmie Bussell concert (Adults $5, 12 and under $3)
Shelby County LP Gas Free Stage
6 p.m. Bloomington Brass Band

Friday
Demolition Derby/Carnival Bargain Night
All carnival rides take one ticket
Carnival opens at 5 p.m.
Tickets $1.50 each or 16 for $20
Horse & Pony Arena
11 a.m. Mini Horse & Pony Show (Free)
12:30 p.m. Horse & Pony Costume Class & Fun Show (Free)
Livestock Arena
6 p.m. 4-H Dog Agility Show
Draper-Earles Auditorium
7:30 p.m. Hoosier Country 105 Fight for Fame
(Adults $5, 12 and under $3)
Grandstand
7:30 p.m. Mini & Full Size Demolition Derby
(Adults $10, 12 and under $5)
Shelby County LP Gas Free Stage
6:30 p.m. Hearts of Fire
7:30 p.m. Soul Patrol

Saturday
Demolition Derby/Carnival Dollar Day
All rides are $1 each
Carnival opens at 5 p.m.
Horse & Pony Arena
Noon Release all 4-H Horse & Pony
6 p.m. 4-H Horse & Pony Awards (Free)
Grandstand
7 p.m. Mini & Full Size Demolition Derby
(Admission: Adults $10, 12 and under $5)