SIDNEY — The Shelby County Fair officially opened at noon Sunday when the 158th fair was dedicated to the memory of Barb Heilers.
President Jeremy Reese told those in attendance that Heilers had passed away in March 2018. She was a longtime treasurer of the Shelby County Agricultural Society (fair board) for 20 years. She was also a Scissors to Sheep 4-H Club adviser for 20 years.
The fair board also welcomed the first four members in the Shelby County Hall of Fame.
“This honor is long overdue,” said Reese. “If you know of anybody who is desiring of this honor, nomination forms are available in the Merchant Building next to the Sidney Daily News. We will vote on the nominations at our annual meeting for the 2019 members.”
Inducted into the Hall of Fame were Jim and Annette Fiebiger, Kenneth E. Knoop, John “Red” Elson and Don Knasel.
The Fiebigers, said Reese, were instrumental in establishing the free entertainment tent. Elson, he said, donated a pickup truck in 1982, which went home with a fairgoer. Knasel, who had served the county as sheriff, learned the values of hard work and dedication at the fair. Knoop was responsible for starting the gallon of milk sale. He was an exhibitor for 83 years and had sold three “Elsie the Cows” to Borden Inc.
Reese said he attended the community church service Sunday morning, and the question was asked “What’s in your sack?”
“These four inductees carry a large sack,” said Reese. “Each one has reached into their sack to share, give and love to meet the needs of this community.”
Shelby County Commissioner Tony Bornhorst welcomed everyone to the Shelby County Fair.
“We’ve had a wonderful start to the fair,” said Bornhorst. “It’s started with cool weather and I think the farmers were happy with the drink of water (for their crops).”
Bornhorst said there will be lots to do and see during the weeklong fair.
Joe Braden, representing state Auditor Dave Yost, presented a proclamation to the fair board and commissioners recognizing the hard work completed by the fair board during the fair and all other 51 weeks of the year.
Boy Scout Troop 97 raised the American flag while the Houston High School marching band performed the National Anthem.
After the opening ceremonies, the band performed in the free entertainment tent.
Open feeder, calf, steer and heifer shows started at 2 p.m. Free! Fun with Nature Crafts were held at 3 and 7 p.m.
The Little Mr. and Miss Shelby County Fair contest began at 4 p.m., followed by the Junior Fair King and Queen contest at 5 p.m. Both were held at the free entertainment tent.
Events for Monday include the car load night sponsored by Area Energy and Electric. The annual event begins at 4 p.m. and all cars must be in by 8 p.m. Fairgoers participating in car load night must use Gate D.
Fairgoers should watch out for dinosaurs roaming the fairground as the Dino Roar Show will be performing at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. all week long.
Ninja Warrior practice and competition is planned for Monday and Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Also on Monday is the annual Veterans Program, slated to begin at 7 p.m. in the free entertainment tent.
Tuesday is Senior Citizens Day sponsored by Honda of America. Registration begins Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the free entertainment tent. The Sidney Senior Center Singers will be performing at 11 a.m. Door prizes and awards to the oldest lady, gentleman and couple married the longest will be given between 11:30 a.m. and noon. A free lunch will be served to the seniors at noon.
Harness racing will begin Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. at the grandstand. Flashback will be performing from 7 to 10 p.m. in the free entertainment tent.
Junior Fair shows on tap for Monday include the market rabbit show, the horse shows including showmanship, mule and donkey, trail-in-hand trail, easy-gaited, reining and Western riding. Other 4-H shows Monday include the dairy color breed show, showmanship, Holstein show and dairy judging contest. The 4-H club display and educational booth judging will also be held.
Rounding out the shows Monday are the sheep/market lamb showmanship and market lamb show.
Tuesday’s junior fair events include the dairy goat show, dairy goat showmanship, goat judging contest and goat obstacle course. There will also be the feeder calf show, swine showmanship and market cattle show. Horse shows include groom and clean, key hole, pole bending, stakes and clover leaf barrels.
Wednesday’sschedule includes Ninja Warrior practice and competition, Dino roar shows, harness racing, DJ Dancing and Trivia, the poultry show and showmanship, market barrow show, market gilt show, llama and alpaca show, llama and alpaca obstacle course, the horse show costume contest, clothing style review, creative writing awards announcement, beef showmanship and modeling contest.
The fair continues through Saturday, July 28.
