It's that time of season, it's that time of year, the Allen County Fair is here!
The Allen County Fair opens this afternoon with a ribbon cutting at 4:00 and runs through August 29. Fair Manager Troy Elwer told us that they have a lot of fun planned, including the big Koe Wetzel/Kolby Cooper concert on August 22, Kewpee Showcase of Bands on August 23, harness racing on August 24 & 25, the cheerleading competition on August 26, livestock scramble on August 27, demolition derby on August 28 and a big fireworks display to celebrate America's 250th birthday on August 29. There is also all the usual free entertainment on the midway including a wild west show, magic show, chainsaw wood carvers, petting zoo, the gospel tent, OSU Alumni Band and more. More than 1,400 youth are participating in this year's fair with projects ranging from woodworking, dog training and sewing to livestock. Troy told us a number of capital projects have taken place over the last year, including a new waterline, restroom upgrades, a new Farm Bureau building near the grandstand, and additional handicap accessibility. Troy says they are also building a "sensory shed," which gives people who need a time out from all the people, sounds and lights a place to relax and unwind. The sensory shed will be open for next year's fair. When you go to the grandstand entertainment this year, be sure to say hi to our Rotarians who are taking tickets. There's plenty going on at this year's Allen County Fair. Don't miss it!
Also at Monday's meeting, we presented Brian Dykstra with his Paul Harris pin; Mary Elmquist-Lane donated her recognition points to help him reach this milestone.
And the following members achieved plus pins:
Mary Elmquist-Lane - Paul Harris +2
Elizabeth Brown-Ellis Paul Harris +5
Rita Brown - Paul Harris +6
Thank you for your generosity to the Rotary International Foundation and PolioPlus!
We also inducted a new member on Monday, Brandon Jarrett, the Senior Manager of Site Maintenance at Cam Industrial Solutions. Please make him welcome!
