Heat Prompts Changes to Warren County Fair Lineup

Though the majority of the Warren County Fair will go on as planned, this week’s century-topping temperatures has caused some changes to the schedule.

Some of the activities set for Wednesday afternoon that have been canceled, including the battle of the bands contest, may be moved to Saturday’s lineup in an effort to increase attendance according to Fair Board President Mike Eckhoff. He also said the popular greased pig scramble, scheduled to be held Saturday at 7 p.m., has been canceled due to the heat.

Despite uncertainty on how the unrelenting heat will impact attendance, the Fair will go on officials said this week. The Fair opened Sunday and wraps up this Saturday, July 7, at the fairgrounds located on North Highway 47 in Warrenton. This year’s theme is “Giddy on Up and Giddy on Down.”

“We may take a hit this year,” Eckhoff acknowledged. He was pleased that a large group of spectators braved high temperatures to watch Sunday’s parade.

Fair officials considered canceling the event. “I think it went well,” he said. “We didn’t have any many (parade) participants as anticipated with the weather, but you will have that.”

The rest of the nightly featured entertainment is still on, Eckhoff said.

The demolition derby and lawn mower derby will be the main attractions on Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. On Friday, the rodeo and truck pull will both begin at 7 p.m. The livestock auction will also be held that night at 8 p.m., following the buyers dinner at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s activities begin at 10 a.m. with the baby show, followed by the frog and turtle races at noon. A garden tractor pull, washer tournament and watermelon eating contest will all begin at 1 p.m. Kids games will start at 1:30 p.m. and a pedal tractor pull contest is on the schedule at 2 p.m.

Later that evening, the rodeo and tractor pull will all start at 7 p.m.Music will also be featured each night in the beer garden.

The daily admission is $10 on Thursday and $12 on both Friday and Saturday. Senior Citizen Day will be celebrated on Thursday with half-price admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Unlike recent years, the admission fee does not include carnival rides. Fairgoers will have to purchase individual tickets or wristband specials.For more information on the Fair or to view a schedule of this year’s events, visit www.wcmofair.com.