Preparations Underway for the 174th Auglaize County Fair

WAPAKONETA — As summer reaches its peak, excitement is building across Auglaize County
as final preparations continue for the 174th Auglaize County Fair, set for August 2nd through the
8th. Fair Board members, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and countless community members
are working together to prepare what organizers say will be one of the biggest and most
family-focused fairs in recent years.

This year's theme, Freedom, Family, Red, White, & Fair, celebrates America's 250th anniversary while embracing everything that has made the Auglaize County Fair a summer tradition for generations. Throughout the week, the fairgrounds will be decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue with American flags, themed displays, illuminated buildings, and special decorations designed to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

"The Auglaize County Fair has always been about bringing our community together," said
Kieran Fetter, first-year Fairgrounds Manager. "This fair celebrates our agricultural roots, our
youth, our traditions, and the people who make Auglaize County such a special place to call
home. We're excited to welcome everyone back for another incredible year."

At the heart of the fair remains the Junior Fair program, where hundreds of local 4-H and FFA
members will proudly showcase the livestock and projects they've spent months preparing. "Our
youth are truly what makes this fair special," Fetter said. "These kids have dedicated countless
hours caring for their animals and completing projects throughout the year. Fair week is their
opportunity to shine, and we encourage everyone to visit the barns, meet the exhibitors, and
support all of the hard work they've put in."

While agriculture remains the foundation of the fair, visitors will also find an expanded lineup of
entertainment and attractions for all ages. "Our goal this year was to create even more
experiences families can enjoy together," said Jessica Grice, Assistant Fairgrounds Manager.
"Whether you're five years old or seventy-five, we want there to be something around every
corner that makes you smile. Families can truly spend an entire day here without ever running
out of things to do."

One of the biggest additions to the midway is the all-new Youth Zone, featuring inflatables,
obstacle courses, yard games, arcade games, and interactive activities designed specifically for
younger fairgoers. "We really wanted to create a place where kids could laugh, play, and make
memories together," Grice said. "Parents are always looking for affordable activities, and we're
excited that so much of what we're offering this year is included with fair admission."
Also making its Auglaize County Fair debut is Gizmo the Robot, an interactive talking robot that
will roam the midway greeting guests, telling jokes, entertaining visitors, and giving out prizes
throughout the week. "Gizmo is unlike anything we've had before," Grice said. "Kids absolutely love interacting with him, and honestly, adults usually have just as much fun. It's one of those
attractions everyone stops to watch."

New midway entertainment includes Brunon Blaszak's Royal Bengal Tiger Show, where
audiences can witness Bengal and Siberian tigers performing while learning about wildlife
conservation, as well as the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean Aerial Highwire Thrill Show.
Returning midway entertainment includes Bear Hollow Wood Carving, Marc Dobson's One Man
Band, Agri-Golf Free Mini Golf, and Tactical Force Mobile Laser Tag, all included with paid fair
admission. "We've focused on entertainment that's interactive, educational, and fun for the
whole family," Grice said. "There's truly something happening all day long from the time the
gates open until the evening."

The Frost Roofing Entertainment Tent also returns with a full week of live music and
entertainment. Featured performances include the T-102 Country Star Playoffs on Wednesday,
crowd favorite Naked Karate Girls on Thursday, 127 North on Friday, and Haywired performing
after the Craig Morgan concert on Saturday night.

The fair's Gospel Tent has undergone one of its biggest transformations in years with an
expanded lineup of worship experiences and Christian entertainment. "We're incredibly excited
about what the Gospel Tent has become this year," Grice said. "Our hope is that it becomes a
place where people can worship together, find encouragement, and experience something
meaningful during fair week." The week begins Sunday morning with a 10:00 a.m. worship
service led by Living Hope Worship Center, followed by nightly worship experiences featuring
groups including Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Soul'd Out, The Anchor Church Worship
Team, Kingsmen Quartet, and more. One of the week's signature events will be the FCA Youth
Worship Night on Tuesday, August 4th, featuring live worship from WorshipAnyway, games and
activities with Northwest Ohio FCA, student testimonies, and special guest speaker Aaron Craft,
former Ohio State basketball standout, team captain, two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the
Year, and one of the most respected leaders in Buckeye basketball history. "We're believing
Youth Night is going to impact a lot of lives," Grice said. "It's going to be an incredible evening
filled with worship, encouragement, fellowship, and a message students won't soon forget."

The grandstand schedule offers entertainment every evening throughout the week. Sunday
features the Rough E Rodeo and Bull Riding, Monday hosts the Cheerleading Competition,
Tuesday and Wednesday bring Harness Racing, Thursday features the always-popular
Demolition Derby, Friday concludes with the Tug-of-Truck Competition, and Saturday night
closes fair week with country music superstar Craig Morgan live in concert, joined by special
guest Colby Lee Swift. "Craig Morgan is going to be an outstanding way to finish the fair," Fetter
said. "He's one of country music's most recognizable performers, and we're expecting an
incredible crowd."

Before Craig Morgan takes the stage on Saturday evening, fair officials will also unveil what
they're calling a special 'over-the-moon' announcement as the fair transitions from its 174th year
toward the historic 175th Auglaize County Fair in 2027. "We're excited to share something that's been in the works," Fetter said. "We think it's something the entire community will be excited
about, and we can't wait to reveal it before the concert."

Tuesday, August 4th, will also serve as Kids Day at the Fair, featuring free family activities from
12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Gospel Tent. Activities include face painting, balloon artists,
coloring T-shirts, the 4-H STEM Bus, a photo booth, free yogurt provided by Dannon, and
numerous other interactive experiences.

New this year is the Teen Boots to Beats Dance, taking place Friday evening in the Horse
Arena. Designed especially for local teens and Junior Fair exhibitors, the event will feature
music, barn games, food, refreshments, an animal calling contest, and other activities. "We
wanted to create something specifically for our older youth," Grice said. "It's another opportunity
for them to celebrate the friendships they've built throughout fair week."

Admission remains one of the best entertainment values of the summer. Daily admission is
$10.00, while season passes are available for $35.00. Children 9 years old and younger receive
free admission all week long. Gate admission includes nearly all entertainment throughout the
fairgrounds, including midway attractions, Gospel Tent events, and grandstand entertainment,
with the exception of the Craig Morgan concert. Concert tickets and admission information are
available at www.auglaizecountyfair.org.

Fetter emphasized that while visitors often see the finished product, hundreds of people work
year-round behind the scenes to make the fair possible. "This fair doesn't happen because of
one person," Fetter said. "It's made possible by an incredible team of Fair Board members,
volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, employees, community partners, and supporters who dedicate
countless hours throughout the year. We're extremely grateful for everyone who helps make the
Auglaize County Fair possible."

As opening day approaches, organizers say the focus remains on preserving the traditions
families have loved for generations while continuing to introduce new experiences that keep the
fair growing. "When people walk through our gates, we want them to feel like they've come
home," Fetter said. "Whether you're coming for the livestock shows, the food, the rides, the
concerts, the Gospel Tent, or simply to spend time with family, we believe there's something
here for everyone. That's what the Home of the Family Fair is all about, and we can't wait to

welcome everyone back August 2nd through August 8th."