Mercer County Fair Manager Cara Muhlenkamp Reflects on Strong Crowds, Community Support

Despite periods of wet weather, Mercer County Fair Manager Cara Muhlenkamp says the 2026 Mercer County Fair has seen strong crowds and tremendous support from the community.

Muhlenkamp joined WCSM on the final day of the fair Wednesday to reflect on the week and discuss what remains ahead before the gates close for another year.

Muhlenkamp said fair officials were impressed by the number of people who continued to attend even when rain moved through the area.

“Despite the weather, the crowds have come out,” Muhlenkamp said. “We’re just so grateful that they saw the desire to come out and still made the best of it.”

She credited fair board members, staff, volunteers and community organizations for helping keep events moving throughout a challenging week.

Muhlenkamp said local officials and organizations offered everything from equipment and materials to manpower. Mercer County commissioners helped with courtesy carts and other needs, while Celina City Schools was among those that stepped in to assist when needed.

Muhlenkamp said the response demonstrated how strongly the community is connected to the fair.

“We live in an incredible community that people are willing to share their resources, and it’s awesome,” she said.

One of the biggest additions to this year’s fair was the new building, which Muhlenkamp said proved especially valuable because of the wet conditions. Horse shows were able to continue indoors despite weather that could have forced cancellations in previous years.

Muhlenkamp said the building has also generated excitement about what could be possible at the fairgrounds in the future.

The fair’s final day still included a full schedule of activities, including rides, free entertainment and the Champion Showcase at 4 p.m. Children age 8 and younger received free gate admission Wednesday, while ride wristbands were discounted to $15.

Behind the scenes, Muhlenkamp said fair week involves extremely long days. Her schedule can begin around 7 a.m. and, during the busiest portion of the fair, continue until midnight or later.

Even after the fair officially ends, work continues as exhibitors, vendors and crews remove equipment and begin cleaning the grounds.

The fairgrounds will remain active throughout the year. Muhlenkamp said upcoming fair board-promoted events include the Halloween Campout, followed by the Merry and Bright Christmas lights beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas. A reverse raffle is also planned, along with numerous rentals and other events at the fairgrounds.

Muhlenkamp closed the interview by thanking everyone who attended despite the weather and everyone who helped make the week possible.

“We’re excited to say that we had a great 2026 Mercer County Fair,” Muhlenkamp said.