Lots of fair fun in store

Walter Sprague
NLJ Arts & Culture Reporter
 
“A Fair With Roots And Room To Grow.”  That’s the theme for this year’s Weston County Fair. Fair is not just for the 4-H Club children to bring their pigs, or just for the ladies to show their quilts — fair is for everyone. That’s the message that fairgrounds manager, Kara Fladstol, wants Weston County to know. And with the beautiful facilities that are available at the Weston County Fairgrounds, there is definitely “Room to Grow.”
This year’s fair will run from July 26, through Aug. 4. Beginning with
a clothing and fashion
review at the Newcastle Lodge and Convention Center, the real kick-off happens on Saturday, July 27.  The day starts at 10 a.m. with the Weston County Fair Parade in downtown Newcastle.  Following this event will be the FOCUS Donkey Races (the only paid event in this year’s fair at $10 per ticket) at 2 p.m. in the Outdoor Arena. Weston County Has Talent competition will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Fladstol indicated that they need judges for this
event. Following this, at 6 p.m. will be the Outlaw Motors Truck Pull.
Saturday is not the only day to participate in the fair though. The entire week will be full of events from an Ugly Truck Contest, to static shows of art, photography, crafts, canned goods, quilts, and of course there will be the horse shows and livestock, as well as many other exhibits. According to Fladstol, this is the time of year that we remember where our roots are, with livestock and agriculture as one of the predominant mainstays of Weston County life. With the shove for a more urban lifestyle in America, it’s important to realize where we came from and how this country gets fed, she stressed. It’s a time to understand the need to preserve our ranches and to honor the commitment our farmers and ranchers have in getting their labors to market.
Of course, there will be plenty of exhibits and events that are also just for fun, such as Pig Wrestling, Mud Bogging, or the First State Bank Cornhole Tournament. And what kid can resist getting all slimed up during the Messy Mania on Thursday, Aug. 2 in the fairgrounds park? Adults have their events as well, with the Truck Pull, Mud Bog, Ranch Rodeo and the free dance and concert by Southern Fryed, where beer, provided by The Pizza Barn, will be available during those events.
The livestock exhibits will take off in a big way on Wednesday, July 31, and all entrants need to have the paperwork completed for their animals. The deadline for 4-H and FFA entries, as well as Open Class livestock entries, is July 15 at 5 p.m. 
Fair booklets, along with all the scheduling, registration deadlines, and entry forms, may be picked up at the fair offices, the Weston County Extension offices, or the Weston County Library. Volunteers are still needed for many of the exhibits and events as well.
For information about exhibits or any other fair-related question, contact Kara Fladstol at (307) 746-9906. She indicates there is always a need for people who have a long-term vision for the future of the fair, so if anyone has a desire to get involved they can contact her.