EDITORIAL: Park County Fair combines fun, excitement and best efforts

Posted 7/21/15

This year, we have new reasons to celebrate as well, such as a new fair building and the return of a big-name concert to the grandstand.

Fairgoers who view exhibits such as arts and crafts, photography, fine art, needlework, food and agronomy …

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EDITORIAL: Park County Fair combines fun, excitement and best efforts

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It’s the last full week in July, and here in Powell, that means one thing: the Park County Fair.

During the fair, we celebrate decades-long traditions and relive some of our favorite memories.

This year, we have new reasons to celebrate as well, such as a new fair building and the return of a big-name concert to the grandstand.

Fairgoers who view exhibits such as arts and crafts, photography, fine art, needlework, food and agronomy also will get their first look at the new multipurpose building constructed to house them.

While not entirely done, the new building is close enough to completion to showcase exhibits this year. When completed, the building also will serve as a community event facility.

A new asphalt surface over much of the grounds also will improve fairgoers’ experience.

Per decades-long tradition, grandstand entertainment opens Tuesday evening with Pig Wrestling. Teams of kids and adults will pit their efforts against pigs of appropriate sizes, all while standing ankle-deep in slippery mud. Sometimes the teams win; sometimes the pig does. Regardless of the result, there’s one thing that’s certain: People and pigs will come out of the experience covered in mud.

Wednesday marks the second grandstand appearance of the Knights of Valour performing real-life jousting, the “sport of kings.” Knights in armor aim solid-wood lances at each other while astride horses racing toward each other, providing adrenaline-fueled excitement for the audience.

A big-name show returns to the grandstand on Thursday, with country singer Chris Cagle expected to provide a lively and entertaining concert — a welcomed change for many after no concert was held last year.

Endurocross will thrill the audience at the grandstand Friday after drawing a big crowd last year. Riders from Wyoming and other states will navigate their motorcycles and side-by-sides over an obstacle course that will challenge them and keep the audience on its toes.

Grandstand events will wrap up Saturday with the ever-popular Demolition Derby, with drivers pitting their experience and their cars against each other until only one winner is left in the running — literally.

We also welcome the return of the traditions that make the fair what it is, and what makes our agricultural community great.

Youngsters and adults have worked long and hard to prepare exhibits, ranging from livestock to arts and crafts, and the fair showcases the results.

People will exclaim over the talent on display in the exhibit hall.

The barns will be full, and many children will enjoy their annual chance to view animals close-up. FFA and 4-H youth will groom their animals and strut their stuff, along with their animals, during livestock shows. Their efforts will peak with the Junior Livestock Show and Sale on Saturday.

Fairgoers will have a smorgasbord of carnival food to choose from, and the carnival will provide thrills, fun and entertainment for kids and adults alike.

The fair parade Saturday will give us all a chance to celebrate ourselves, our community and the things that make Park County great.

We encourage everyone to take some time to enjoy the fair, whether experiencing it for the first time, the 10th or 20th, or seeing it anew through the eyes of children or grandchildren.

Besides bringing entertainment and showcasing our best efforts of the year, the fair also provides opportunities to visit and renew friendships.

Summer is short; Park County Fair helps us make the most of it.

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