Columbia County Fair starts Wednesday

“We’re making preparations,” said Robin Benziger, a member of the Fair board of directors. “We have an authentic agricultural fair, which I think is kind of disappearing. The enthusiasm and participation this year has been really encouraging. We have a lot of displays and competitions. We judge everything from giant pumpkins, flower arrangements, quilts. It’s such an exciting place. This is something that is so unusual and special people need to see it.”

Benziger said the buzz surrounding the fair is growing by the day, and the anticipation is getting bigger and bigger as opening day steadily approaches.

“This is a wonderful, well-rounded family kind of experience in a lovely, safe environment,” Benziger said.

Opening day attractions will include a petting zoo, racing pigs, live kangaroos and, for brave souls, rides that the entire family can enjoy. If that’s not enough, there will be “Columbia County Got Talent” that will feature kids, teens and adult divisions.

“We have cattle, sheep, swine, goats and poultry,” Benziger said. “The kids had a lot of cool things. They have a costume contest on Sunday, they have Cow Flop Bingo and, on Monday, they have their master show competition. The rodeo is back this year. We have kangaroos. Who else has kangaroos at their fair but us? It was very popular last year, so we’re excited about that.”

This year’s fair experience also features an antique tractor pull, described this way: “The best of the best farm tractors come out in 13 classes of weights from 2,500 pounds to 11,500 pounds to battle for the best pull.”

Furthermore, events such as the demolition derby and a painted pony rodeo are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

“I think the fair is something that people look forward to every year,” Benziger said. “People look forward to coming every year. Some people come every day because they love it so much. We have something for everybody. We have a big midway full of rides and events such as the demolition derby and the antique tractor pull.”

Put your eating pants on because the Columbia County Fair won’t lack delicious food. The fair will feature all the tried-and-true fair treats such as cotton candy, fried dough, popcorn and french fries.

“People love the fried dough, and the french fries are the best,” Benziger said. “We also have a lot of international food. We have a soul food restaurant, an Indian restaurant, old school classic Italian places and any food people are looking to enjoy will be available.”

The fair will feature live music by the BrokenHearted, a Tom Petty tribute band. The BrokenHearted will appear at 4 p.m. Sept. 3 at the grandstand. Raise Your Hands, a Bon Jovi tribute outfit, will perform some of the band’s top hits including “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

General admission is $13 including parking and all entertainment. Daily fair hours are noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Wednesday is Seniors Day and Veterans Day with special pricing at $5 for all patrons. Children under 18 and active military with ID or in uniform are admitted free that day. Children 12 and under are always free. Advance tickets are $10 per single-day admission and are available online and at the Fair Administration Office until Tuesday. Advance tickets will also be available for purchase at all Bank of Greene County locations until Tuesday. The full Fair schedule and additional information is available at www.columbiafair.com.