We are starting to work down our check list of preparations for the Clark County Fair at the Clark County Extension office.

We are getting the fair ribbons ready, working on the floral hall this week and the Clark County Fair board has already been distributing fair catalogs around the community. We have catalogs available at the Clark County Extension Office as well.

I hope you will be able to come out next week, June 19-23, if you want to ride the rides, or come out Saturday, June 16, if you want to participate in the Beef Show.

The county fair is more than just a bunch of rides and entertainment. It is a celebration of the agricultural community.

Each year, youth 4-H, FFA, and home economic exhibit entries are taken in, judged and displayed as part of the fair. Exhibits include everything from vegetables and plants to paintings, crafts and antiques. For rules, fair policies and other entry information, make sure to take a look at this year’s fair catalog. Youth 4-H and home economic entries will be taken Monday, June 18, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Don’t forget about the livestock shows. Plan to stop by the livestock show ring to support the youth in the county as they showcase their livestock projects. The county fair livestock shows are one of the opportunities for youth to showcase the knowledge, skills and techniques they have learned as part of their 4-H and FFA projects.

There are also some open shows for adults with some of the livestock species. A list of show nights, premiums, classes, rules, policies and other 2018 fair livestock show information is also available in the fair catalog.

Another highlight of the fair is the Clark County Farm Bureau old fashion fair games. This is a great family night to attend the fair, where they will have a hay bale toss, greased pig chase, egg and spoon race, egg toss and other traditional fair games. This year, the old fashion fair games have been moved from Sunday to 7 p.m. Wednesday , since Sunday is Father’s Day.

You can participate as a family in the old fashion fair games, and also ride the rides on the same night.

You can’t mention the county fair without also mentioning the food. Don’t forget to stop by the Clark County Cattlemen Association food booth for a ribeye sandwich, chili dog or hamburger. The Cattlemen’s booth will be open each night Tuesday through Saturday, when rides will also be open.

I hope to see you at the fair.

David Davis is the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources.