Crawford County Fair Celebrates 110th Year

The annual tradition of folks gathering outside of Girard with their livestock, homemade goods, and a craving for fair food continues. While the origin of this event goes back at least 150 years, the Crawford County Fair Association has been officially organizing it for 110 years.

Local 4-H kids work hard to prepare for the fair season. Overseen by the Wildcat K-State Extension office in Girard, and volunteer leaders from throughout the county, the 4-Hers are judged in a variety of different categories such as food preservation, clothing construction, arts and crafts, and horticulture.All of their efforts will be on exhibit throughout the entirety of the fair with their awarded ribbons.

Besides the displays, the FFA and 4-H children in the county showcase their livestock. It kicks off with an open horse show and a dog show on Sunday, July 26th. The Crawford County 4-H Council hosts its yearly Pre-Fair BBQ fundraiser from 5:30-7 p.m that night; open to the community. Later in the week – when the fair officially opens on Wednesday, July 29th – rabbits, poultry, sheep, swine, horses, goats, bucket calves, and beef each have their designated shows throughout the week. The annual livestock sale will be Saturday at 2 p.m. 4-Her’s also make and sell the well-known tradition of 4-H ice cream!

The fair also hosts an array of open class events for any Crawford County resident - young and old. While it costs participants nothing to enter, they have an opportunity to win something in return while showing off their items to people passing by throughout the fair.

Wednesday also kicks off the nightly festivities. The Barnyard Bounce Bash is open all four nights - July 29th through August 1st from six to 11 p.m. Kids must purchase an arm band for $15, or get a discounted one for multiple nights. Nearby, free, live music will play from 8-11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday night at the bandstand.

Arena events start with the Coal Miner’s Rodeo the first two nights at 8 p.m.  It includes bull and bronc riding, barrel racing, and more. Friday night is the Crawford County Bull Bash at 8 p.m. During those first three nights, kids six and under can go Mutton Busting for $10 before 7 p.m. The fair’s finale is Saturday night’s Crawford County Demo Derby at 6 p.m. Cars that were built to be smashed compete for a $12,000 total purse.

For a full line up of events and information, go to CrawfordCountyFair.org or on their Facebook page, and be sure to attend some or all of the fair!