WAPAKONETA — For the 165th time, Auglaize County’s agricultural heritage will be celebrated at the county fairgrounds after a ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off the Auglaize County Fair on Sunday.

The ceremony, held this year at the front gate, has become a tradition, bringing out both fair board members and fair enthusiasts in Auglaize County to help get the event off to a successful start.

“It’s a way to kick off the beginning in the hopes we have a successful and safe fair,” Auglaize County Fair Board member Doug Roediger said. “It brings out people that are interested, and it’s a memorable event to kick off the beginning of the fair.”

Despite the enthusiasm for the first day of the fair, it is somewhat bittersweet for Fair Director Fred Piehl, as this year marks his last in that position, with Assistant Fair Manager Jack Hayzlett set to succeed him after this year’s fair.

“It has been a real challenge,” Piehl said. “You think about it all year long, and then it gets close and you think, ‘This is the last time I’ll do this.’ But the good thing is Jack has come along. I wanted someone who really wanted the job. A lot of people could have done it, but I wanted someone who would want to put their heart and soul into it, and I think we’ve got that.”

As a final honor for the 25-year fair manager, who had also served on the fair board 10 years before that, a newly built show arena at the fairgrounds was designated the Fred and Diane Piehl Family Arena.

“We’re honored,” Piehl said. “You see your name up there and hearing people comment on it, it’s great.”

Highlights for Monday include historical demonstrations by the New Knoxville Historical Society from noon to dusk at the log cabin, the Jr. Fair King and Queen Coronation at 6:30 p.m. at the free grandstands and the cheerleading contest at 7 p.m. also at the grandstands. Other upcoming events include harness racing on Tuesday, the T-102 Country Star playoff final on Wednesday and the demolition derby Thursday.

For information on fair events, go to www.auglaizecountyfair.org.

Auglaize County Fair General Manager Fred Piehl, left, smiles as he and his family are honored with the designation of the fairgrounds’ newest show arena as the Fred and Diane Piehl Family Arena.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/07/web1_AuglaizeFair.jpgAuglaize County Fair General Manager Fred Piehl, left, smiles as he and his family are honored with the designation of the fairgrounds’ newest show arena as the Fred and Diane Piehl Family Arena. Craig Kelly | The Lima News