Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton
Monday was a day to move in and settle in at the barns for those bringing animals to the Warren County Fair.
The 93rd Warren County Fair is ready to go.
Animals were moving into their temporary homes Monday, a day that was to be wrapped up with crowning the 2024 Fair Queen.
It’s no secret that organizers put in a ton of work to pull off an event the size of the Fair.
Organizers outlined some of those efforts during this year’s media luncheon on Monday.
Dale Bliss, president of the Fair, highlighted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the motorsports arena while animal numbers are up this year.
Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton
2023 Warren County Fair Queen Kaitlin Sleeman prepares to pass the baton to a new generation of royals in the wake of Monday’s Fair Queen contest. Sleeman spoke during Monday’s annual media luncheon.
“Whenever that happens we hope that it’s a trend,” Bliss said. “It shows that youth are getting more involved. And that’s our goal.”
One example he cited? The number of goats a few years ago stood at seven. There are 81 at the Fair this week.
“It’s been another productive year with projects here,” Bliss added.
Steve Carr, vice president of the fair board, explained that projects included tar and chipping.
“It’s always on our mind to keep things accessible,” he said.
Additionally, 90 feet of bleachers were installed at the motorsports arena.
“That was a huge project for us,” he said. “It was an all summer volunteer job. I cannot stress the number of hours the volunteers put in here.”
Monday of the Fair each year also marks a changing of the guard with the crowning of a new fair queen and court.
“The Fair has meant the world to me, not just me but my family,” 2023 Fair Queen Kaitlin Sleeman said. “It has been a great Fair.”
2023 Jr. Miss Hialeah Stanton added that it has “been such a pleasure to go and watch all the little girls look up at you.. It’s truly one of the best feelings ever.”
“This year has meant the world to me,” Cali Chapman, last year’s runner up, added. “I’m so thankful for the experience, promoting the fair.”
Chapman said she’s always camped at the fair but, until this year, hadn’t seen the work that goes into making the fair so happy for so many people.
Other speakers Monday included State Rep. Kathy Rapp and State Sen. Scott Hutchinson.
“This has always been a great event for me,” Rapp said. “To me, it is one of the greatest events in Warren County.”
Hutchinson called it a “great showcase for our entire community.”
The Fair is “not only a chance for outsiders to come here and see highlights of the wonderful things happening in our community”but also an “opportunity to see your neighbors, talk to your neighbors… As well as welcome outsiders like myself.”
One first time event that was highlighted was a QR Scavenger Hunt.
Jennifer Bliss said there are QR codes at 12 locations around the fairgrounds. Scanning those codes takes you to a page on the Fair with information about that location. Answer sheets are available at the VIP tent, YMCA or Fair history locations.
She said that people who successfully complete 10 of 12 will be entered for prizes.