Organizers of the 86th Loudoun County Fair say they are ready and excited for opening day which kicks off Tuesday, July 26 and runs until Saturday, July 30.
Last year, approximately 18,000 people attended the event and Fair Superintendent Arlee Harris said they are hoping for an even larger turnout this year.
The fair serves as the annual fundraising event for the Loudoun 4-H, and all of the funds raised go back into the fairgrounds and to the club, she said.
The fair has taken place just west of the Town of Leesburg at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds — Loudoun 4-H’s year-round home — since 1956, prior to which Fireman’s Field in Purcellville acted as the venue.
On Wednesday, the Miss Loudoun County Fair Pageant was held and the winners were announced by Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) who presented the crowns to the winning competitors in three age categories: Elizabeth Menuey, Little Miss (Ages 8-11); Mary Grace Menuey, Junior Miss (Ages 12-15); and Morgan Krens, Miss (Ages 16-19).
New this year, Harris said they have added a second night for the popular demolition derby event which will be held on Tuesday and Saturday nights.
RoadRunner Wrecking Service has donated two derby cars for the events which are part of the virtual bidding process beginning on July 25 at bid.damewoodauctioneers.com.
There will also be two rodeo nights, on Thursday and Friday. The live auction will be held on Friday and Harris is hoping for a big turnout for bids on steer, pigs, sheep, lamb, goats and bunnies.
“There will unfortunately be no poultry this year due to the avian flu,” she said.
Other popular events include the carnival rides and games, pig scramble, gator show, puppet show, a magician, hypnotist, touch-a-truck and much more.
Harris said the showmanship and breed shows by the 4-H kids will be Tuesday through Saturday and after being closed last year, Sykes Hall will be fully open this year for viewing the animals.
“We had a fantastic year last year with record crowds and we are hoping for that again. We worked all year to put this on and we really love it and love being involved with the community,” Harris said.
Harris hopes the public will come and engage with the kids and get involved with 4-H.
“Even if you don’t live on a farm, you can still get involved with 4-H,” she said.
This year’s fair is dedicated to the Ketterman family, owners of Ketterman’s Jewelers, for their long-time support of the fair.
The Loudoun County Fair will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Single-admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, while weeklong tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for kids. A one-time $5 fee will earn visitors parking access throughout the fair’s duration. Wednesday is Children’s Day and Kids 12 and under are free until 4 p.m. Thursday is Seniors Day and Seniors 62 and older are free until 4 p.m. Tickets and more information are available at loudouncountyfair.com.
