Today is the last day of the Johnson County fair. Here’s what you need to know from the viewpoint of a lifelong, unprofessional Johnson County fair-goer:
10. Never, ever pass the Farm Bureau Building without purchasing a $1 milkshake.
9. It cost $5 to park on the fairgrounds — well worth it.
8. You will witness some of the most creative art forms from Johnson County residents — young and mature — in Scott Hall. You must spend at least 60 minutes browsing in here, plus it’s air-conditioned. Congratulations to Grace Fundenberger on her grand champion drawing, grand champion painting and grand champion photography.
7. Did I mention the hog and cattle barns? And the horse arena? And the livestock pavilion? I’m a bit partial to the goats and sheep, but there is absolutely nothing better than a little pig getting loose on its way to the indoor arena.
6. Call me old-fashioned, but I absolutely enjoy watching mature men and women pitch horseshoes. I love the watching that U-shaped piece of steel being pitched through the air and the clinking sound it makes when it hits and encircles the metal stake — an instant three-point ringer. You can find this soothing sport west of the fair office, starting at 7 tonight.
5. And who can pass up the brightly lit and music-pounding midway? My all-time favorites still include riding the carousel and winning goldfish that never die by tossing ping-pong balls into the water-filled goldfish bowls. Today is Kiddies Day at the Midway from 1 to 5 p.m. An unlimited ride bracelet is $15. And Weekend Madness is from 6 p.m. to close. The unlimited ride bracelet is $22.
4. Did I mention music? Rural Route 3 is performing free at 7 p.m., and there is gospel music from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in the “A” Tent, north of Scott Hall.
3. Somehow, probably because of my cousin Mark Hommel, our family has become die-hard Johnson County fair demolition derby fans. These guys and gals sure know how to put on a show — which continues tonight at 7 p.m. in the grandstands and is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.
2. Don’t forget to check out all the 4-H exhibits — these kids worked hard and it shows. Congratulations.
1. Did I mention the milkshakes? And the steak sandwiches at the beef association stand?
