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Although heavy rains and inclement weather caused Saturday’s event at the Clark County Fair to be canceled or postponed, there were still plenty of reasons to enjoy the past week’s festivities.

The 2023 version of the Clark County Fair and Horse Show continued from Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30.

“We usually come about every year,” said Winchester resident Jason Lowery, who brought along his twelve-year-old daughter. “We usually come about every year. She likes rides.”

After a relatively quiet day on Monday, business took off Tuesday when different carnival rides set up by Casey’s Rides, Inc. of Utica, Kentucky, were first available.

Among different options, individuals could and did ride Traffic Jam, Windjammer, Alien Invasion, Dragon Wagon, Jalopy Junction, Fireball, a carousel and a Ferris wheel.

With different rides came multiple opportunities.

While Dragon Wagon swung riders in a pendulum-like manner, Fireball took riders upside down as it revolved in a full circle.

The Clark County Fair featured many games adults and kids could enjoy.

While some fished for toy ducks to win prizes, others participated in the popular game High Striker.

This game involved having two turns to hit a base with a ball attached to it with a large mallet, hoping the ball would eventually hit a bell near the top.

Still, others participated in games where they could win prizes by shooting a basketball into a hoop or throwing darts at balloons.

Zenon Mendoza Mendoza, an employee of Casey’s Rides Inc. who has worked with carnivals for over 15 years, operated the latter booth.

“Depending on what prize you want, it’s six dollars, ten dollars, eighteen dollars, or twenty-five dollars,” Mendoza said. “The kids win [all the time]. I like the balloons, too.”

Mendoza acknowledged that employees often worked through the night to help set up the equipment necessary for carnival rides and games.

Yet, rides and games weren’t all to be found.

In between games, rides, and all activities, attendees could also enjoy a variety of foods and drinks.

While Casey’s Midway Cafe provided cheeseburgers, ribeye sandwiches, and more, additional treats like funnel cakes, corn dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and even deep-fried Oreos were available.

Different livestock shows and a slew of pageants took place.

Pageant winners included Miss Pre Teen Clark County Emerie Grace Smith, Miss Clark County Addison Baber, Miss Clark County Fair Brooke Burton.

Motorsport contests – such as a Garden Tractor Pull, Mud Run, and KOI Drag Race – also took place.

The Clark County Demolition Derby and Power Wheels Derby, initially scheduled for July 1, has been rescheduled for August 12.

The brotherly duo of Shiloh and Zack Bennett, from Cynthiana, each competed with their dirt bikes in the KOI Drag Race.

While Shiloh is a recent high school graduate partaking in the 300cc & below race, Zack is a high school junior participating in the 300cc & below four-stroke open.

“We’re starting to get into motocross racing but you can’t beat this,” said Shiloh Bennett. “Everyone’s just having a good time. Anyone can do it.”

In addition, the week showcased an appearance by Bam’s Mobile Petting Zoo.

Individuals could buy animal feed at five or ten dollars to feed different barnyard friends, including lamb, sheep, goats, chickens, alpacas, a miniature cow and more.

“They contacted us,” said owner Rick Goosey, who operates the business along with his son Brandon. “[We like] the crowd and the kids.”

With much to offer, plenty reaped the benefits of the 2023 Clark County Fair and Horse Show.

“I work twelve-hour shifts, so I just wanted to [be] out here and have some fun,” Lowery said.