KAHOKA, Mo. – Summertime means fair time. Clark County is gearing up for its annual county fair, to be held at the fairgrounds in Kahoka, Missouri. There’s plenty to see and do again at the fair, which was first held in 1882.
Starting with some of the main events for the fair, which will take place from July 17-21, the Fair Queen contest will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17. According to the fair’s website at www.clarkcountyfairkahoka.com, the queen competition had been a long standing tradition that was recently reintroduced.
The winner of the contest, where the young ladies compete by showing off their poise, stage presence, communication skills and professionalism, can go on to compete in the Miss Missouri County Fair Queen contest that takes place in Springfield each year.
Along with the fair queen, there is also the Little Miss and Mister Pageant for those age 3-6. Check out the website for more information on those contests.
Thursday, July 18, at the grandstands will be supercross. That is a racing sport where the racers ride dirt bikes and four-wheelers over rough terrain and hit jumps on a short track. Practice is at 5 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.
Since no two tracks are alike, the sport is demanding for the racers. There will be local talent, beginners and those just wanting to have a good time in the races. But it is a great show that is well worth watching. Again, check the fair website for more information.
The motorized sports continue on Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m., although the vehicles are going to be much bigger than dirt bikes. Friday night will see the Champion Seed Western Series Pro Pulling League come to the fair. The fair website says this is the premier pulling series in the country. The league tours the U.S. showcasing some of the most extreme vehicles and talented pull drivers in the world.
There will be more than a dozen different vehicle classes from four engine 5,000 horsepower tractors to hot rod semi-trucks. For anyone who likes to see some raw power, this is a night to attend.
The same day, the kids get to practice their pulling as well with the kids pedal tractor pull at 5 p.m. along the midway. All participants get a hat and there are trophies for the top three. Call Logan Sedore at 660-216-8870 with questions.
An annual classic at the grandstand for the Clark County Fair is the demolition derby. It will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 at the grandstands. There will be several different classes, from four cylinder cars on up. It’s usually nonstop action as the audience watches to see who will be left after the last person breaks his or her stick.
Before the big vehicles start smashing into each other, there also is the Power Wheels Derby that takes place at 6:30 p.m. in front of the grandstands. This has youngsters try to disable other Power Wheels before the big derby starts.
The final grandstand event for the fair is harness racing. That will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. The website says the opportunity to enjoy this type of racing is shrinking. Clark County is keeping the horse-powered racing alive through the annual event.
Other events
There are plenty of other events set for this year’s fair, including the return of the BBQ contest. There hasn’t been a contest since before the pandemic. It will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 in the grass area next to the beer garden. Check the website for contest information.
To work up an appetite for the barbecue, there will be a corn hole tournament from 1-4 p.m. at the beer garden. There are cash prizes. Contact Jason Acklie at 660-341-3444 or Matt Palmer to play.
The Clark County Extension Office is having another delicious contest at the fair with the baking contest. Pre-register by July 5 at the extension office in the basem*nt of the courthouse. Then show off your baking skills at the contest, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 at the commercial building.
The open art show will start early, on Monday, July 15, when artists can drop off their work from 3-6 p.m. at the Commercial Building. The show is looking for artists who would like to show their work. And for those who aren’t artists, they can come check out the show throughout the week.
Gardeners also have their own special event on Wednesday, July 17 at 6 p.m., when the garden basket contest is held. It is for people to show off their gardening skills. Ball Beth Bash at 309-241-6024 to register.
There also is camping available for those who would like. Tent camping is $10, Trailers with no electrical hook up is $25 and with electric hook up is $80.
All campers have to buy a season ticket to the fair.
The season pass is $40 and allows holders to get in the gate and to all events of the fair. It’s a bargain for those wanting to go to the fair multiple days.
There is a daily pass for $15. That will get a person in the fair and into he grandstand for the evening’s event.
Visit the website at clarkcountyfairkahoka.com or email ccfairkahoka@gmail.com for more information.
