Mercer County Fair prepares for 174th year with new event center, entertainment and family activities

The Mercer County Fair will return August 13 through August 19 with a new event center, expanded livestock space, national entertainment and a full schedule of traditional fair activities.

Fair Manager Cara Muhlenkamp said this year’s theme, “The Heart of the County,” reflects the fair’s role as a place where the community comes together and showcases what makes Mercer County special.

The fair will also recognize America’s 250th anniversary by displaying 250 flags in honor of veterans and active-duty service members.

One of the most visible additions will be the new Grand Event Center. The 175-by-400-foot building will be located near the entrance to the fairgrounds and will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during fair week.

Muhlenkamp said planning for the facility began in 2019. The building will provide additional space for livestock shows during the fair and allow the grounds to host larger community events throughout the year.

The new space has also allowed fair officials to reorganize several livestock departments. Four-H horse projects will move into the Grand Event Center, freeing another building to be used exclusively for poultry.

Muhlenkamp said the changes will help prevent the fair from having to limit the number of projects young exhibitors can bring.

“We are able to spread out the different species, and then they can fill in those areas that once housed another species,” Muhlenkamp said. “That is important for us, so we do not have to limit our Four-H members.”

Entertainment will include Forever Seger on opening night and country artist Jake Owen with 127 North on Friday. Muhlenkamp said the Jake Owen concert was approaching 80 percent sold out at the time of the interview.

Other grandstand attractions include the demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pulls, harness racing and the high school band show.

New grounds entertainment will include Twin Stunts, Aim High Canines and the John LaChance Farm Show. Muhlenkamp said families will be able to find activities and free entertainment throughout the grounds without paying additional costs beyond admission.

“There really isn’t a moment where there isn’t something you can do,” Muhlenkamp said. “There is always something going on or something you can participate in.”

Livestock, agriculture and youth projects will remain at the center of the fair. Muhlenkamp encouraged visitors to speak with exhibitors about the work required to prepare animals and other projects for competition.

She said many participants spend months—and sometimes nearly a full year—preparing for fair week. Displays inside the Junior Fair Building will include woodworking, still projects and other work completed by local Four-H and FFA members.

The Share the Ring program will also return, providing individuals with additional needs an opportunity to participate in the show ring with support from volunteers and fair staff.

Muhlenkamp said the fair has moved to an online entry format this year. Entries will close Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. Fair officials are especially hoping to receive additional still-project entries to help fill Market Hall.

Visitors will also find approximately eight new food vendors. Muhlenkamp said one new vendor will offer steak tips near the general-admission entrance.

Admission will cost $10 per person Thursday through Sunday and $8 Monday through Wednesday. Weekday visitors may also purchase a $5 lunch ticket and receive the money back if they leave the grounds by 1 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18, will feature activities for veterans and senior citizens. Eligible visitors will receive free admission, food vouchers and access to special entertainment throughout the day.

Wednesday will be Kids Day. Unlimited-ride wristbands will be available for $15, along with wellness screenings, a cookie contest, carnival games, kiddie tractor pulls and other children’s activities.

The Junior Fair Livestock Auction will use a live online bidding platform this year. Buyers will still be able to purchase animals or contribute to exhibitors’ projects, while the in-person Champion Showcase will focus on recognizing the young people who earned top honors.

Muhlenkamp said fair officials work throughout the year with emergency-management personnel, law enforcement and other fairs to prepare plans for traffic, security and severe weather.

She encouraged residents who have not attended recently to return and see how the fair has grown while maintaining its traditions.

“You can see that our community has a strong work ethic, and the faith component is very strong here,” Muhlenkamp said. “All of that is encompassed at the Mercer County Fair.”

Weekly passes are available through the fair office and participating banks. The Mercer County Fair runs August 13 through August 19 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina