Douglas County Fair fun happening now through Sunday
Horses hooves slapped the dirt, lifting hot earth into a smoking cloud of dust.By: Wendy Wilson, Alexandria Echo Press
- County Fair
Horses hooves slapped the dirt, lifting hot earth into a smoking cloud of dust.
Not far away, children preened and petted beloved cows’ coats to glistening sheens, hoping to take home a well-earned 4-H prize.
The Douglas County Fair boasts many treasured facets, something and someone for everyone.
“It is kind of like a family reunion,” said Sandy Bessingpas, superintendent of the Heritage division crafts area. Bessingpas said she most enjoys seeing the people who return to the fair each year.
The Heritage area showcases demonstrations for a gamut of artistic creations, including making tantalizing Scandinavian delights like rosettes, krumkake, pizzelles and lefse.
Twenty-one entrants participated in the first-ever Heritage apron contest that includes old and new creations.
Quilters, embroiderers and a pioneer children’s craft corner will also entice fairgoers inside the Heritage building.
“Look at the colors of the flowers,” said Marlene VanderMartin, superintendent of floriculture, with obvious enthusiasm. “It is just amazing what you can put together.”
VanderMartin said they received about 600 to 700 entries this year.
VanderMartin has been involved at the county fair for nine years. Gardening is a special part of her life, especially after her retirement.
“Gardening changes every year,” she said. “That is what makes it interesting.”
Kiersten Sabolik and Austin Berlinger proudly showed their 5-month-old jersey calf, Jaden, an entrant Thursday in the 4-H show.
From school fun at the Old Schoolhouse, pony pets and balloon creations, animal antics and turtle races, rides and games galore, a coin hunt and demolition derby, the fair has much in store for everyone.
Free parking is available at the west gate. Bicycles, motorcycles and handicapped permit parking is available at the east gate. Admission at the outside gates is $6 for adults. Admission is free for children 12 and younger and for 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Season tickets are $15.
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