Residents may be surprised at what they find at the Summit County Fair this year. While the event may be over 100 years old, this year, some of the events will be brand new.
On Thursday, Aug. 9, the 4-H market will be followed by a chocolate extravaganza and an archery competition. And on Saturday, in an effort to have a little something for everyone, the fair’s schedule includes livestock shows, a farmer’s market and a pie-baking competition.
According to Fair Administrator Kellie Robinson, the fair board wanted to draw a new and more diverse crowd this year while still keeping with tradition.
“A lot of residents rely on the livestock shows or have participated in the quilt competition for 30 years. But a lot of people have never been to the fair and may check it out with events like the farmer’s market or 5K run,” she said.
Robinson said one of the most popular events that has become is the pet-fest, which allows children to enter their pets, no matter the species, into a show.
“Kids have entered their hamsters, turtles, dogs, goats, and each kid wins a prize,” she said. “Most kids come back and enter every year because they love showing off their pets.”
Another event that is growing in popularity is the archery competition. Introduced just a few years ago, the competition has become one of the fair’s most entered event. Summit County Fair Board Chair Dirk Rockhill said the popularity of events such as archery shows that the fair needs to evolve over the next few years to draw a new, larger crowd that may not be interested in livestock.
Robinson said events are designed so that everyone can participate and enjoy themselves, including the crowds that travel from Ogden, Salt Lake, and Wyoming.
“We usually have about 18,000 to 20,000 people come to the fair over the course of the week,” she said. “And the only events we charge for are the rodeo and demolition derby; everything else is free. It is our way of thanking the residents and throwing them a celebration.”
Families who haven’t visited the fair yet are urged to give it a chance this year. Robinson said it is a great family event and a way for local residents to show off.
“It is affordable and very local,” Robinson said. “What better way to appreciate your community and neighbors.”
The Summit County Fair kicks off on Monday, Aug. 6, with barrel racing and a Charley Jenkins concert. Livestock events, food stands, competitions and performances will take place from Thursday to Saturday. The farmer’s market will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11, from noon to 6 p.m.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.summitcountyfair.org.