The moment that many area 4-Hers have been waiting for all year is here.
And though many of the exhibitors in “A Little Bit Country,” the 84th annual Leavenworth County Fair have been at the fairgrounds in Tonganoxie for the last couple days, the event was officially kicked off Tuesday afternoon with the presentation of colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9271, the playing of the National Anthem by the Tonganoxie High School band and opening remarks by Rep. Connie O’Brien, who represents the 42nd District that includes Tonganoxie in the Kansas house of Representatives.
“We think it’s a really important way to get things started,” said David Todd, president of the county’s fair board.
This year, there were about 4,000 preregistered show entries in the fair in every category from photography to poultry, baked goods to market steers. Participants will all take home blue, red and purple ribbons and some money for their work.
There are also a number of activities including carnival rides, a parade, concerts throughout the week, a mud run and a demolition derby, which will cap the fair at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night at the grandstand at the fairground.
There’s a lot to see and do, O’Brien said, and there’s one sure-fire way to get the most of it — first-hand experience.
“Enjoy the food, the fun and the camaraderie,” she told fairgoers at the opening ceremony.
