Lee County Fair kicks off today

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG PCC EDITOR DONNELLSON - The 147th annual Lee County Fair kicks off Wednesday and runs through Monday with some of the finest livestock and entertainment in the area. New events this year include a Lee County 5K Warrior Challenge where a four-person relay team will compete in four different challenges including a car-hood haul, a run, an obstacle course, and a stick-horse run, all finished with a treasure hunt in the Pioneer Village. This will also be the first year for the Lil Ms. and Mr. Lee County Fair Crowning. Five contestants have entered that event including Zane Houtz, Holden Pezley, and Memphis Anderson in the Lil Mr. contest. Julia Fraise and Allee Rose Booten are vying for the Lil Ms. title on Wednesday evening. The annual crowning of the Lee County Fair and Junior Fair Queens will take place at 6 p.m. Abby Dingman, Chloe Hoenig, Madison Mohrfeld, Summer Smith, and Brooklyn Pardall are the candidates for Queen. Maren Doty and Haley Lampe are the junior queen candidates. After returning for the 2017 Fair, Iowa Harness Racing will once again take place in the grandstands on Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m. with a $5 admission. Pit passes are also available for $5. Kenny's Funland Carnival will be up and running for the fair from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Bob Bohm's Family Entertainment including a magic show, FARMily Feud, and Survivor Game Show will be part of the daily schedule on Thursday -Sunday with the first shows beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and an 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. show on Sunday. IMCA races take place on Thursday with hotlaps at 7 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. The annual Kids' Day is Friday sponsored by Fort Madison Community Hospital and UnityPoint Health of Keokuk with lots of games and activities beginning at 1 p.m. Friday night is highlighted by the return of the Human Foosball table at 6 p.m. and then a freestyle motorcross and BMX throwdown in the grandstands beginning at 7:30. Saturday is highlighted by the wildly popular Demolition Derby at 7:30 preceded by the Kids Power Wheel Derby at 7 p.m. The Kevin Young Memorial 5K Run/Walk registration begins at 7 a.m. with the run at 8 a.m. A cookout contest, wine tasting, and working exhibits will be going on throughout the day Saturday. Co-Ed sand volleyball and dog show highlight Sunday morning events and then hot rods will line the property for the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. car show. A local talent show sponsored by Connection Bank winds the afternoon up at 4 p.m. The annual exhibitor/buyer breakfast is Monday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. with the Jr. Ag. Livestock auction beginning at 8:30. A complete list of events can be found on the fair's website at www.leecountyfairiowa.com. Lee County Fair Queen Candidates                         Lee County Junior Fair Queen Candidates