The Cowley County Fair kicks off tonight at the Winfield Fairgrounds with approximately 250 4-H and FFA exhibitors providing over 2,000 exhibits.
All Star Monster Trucks will launch grandstand events tonight starting at 8 p.m. Over 80 cars will be featured in back-to-back nights of Figure 8 races Friday and Saturday night. PRCA Rodeo will close out the grandstand events Sunday and Monday night.
“Countless hours from multiple organizations and entities have been accrued preparing and planning to get the fair ready to begin over the past year,” Fair Board President Josh Dobbs stated in a post from the fair’s Facebook page Thursday morning. “If you are not aware, the Cowley County Fair Association Board of Directors consists of 30 board members of whom all volunteer their time to ensure our fair is held. Our most seasoned board member is in his 49th year serving on the board.
“Hats off to my cohorts for their hard work and dedication to have our fair ready to go!”
Dobbs said the fair board, vendors and exhibitors will adjust to any rainfall or storms that may be in the forecast.
“As I am writing this address, we are receiving much needed rainfall,” Dobbs said. “Our fair has deep roots in agriculture and I am certain that every farmer and rancher in the area is grateful for this much needed moisture. Our grandstand events are a significant attraction for fair-goers of all ages and it is the desire of every fair board member for these events to happen as planned.
“Last year we received two inches of rain immediately after the first heat of the Demolition Derby along with a significant lightning storm. Unfortunately, there was no way in which our personnel could get the arena prepared to a state that would be conducive to hold the event with that much water in the arena. As we get the fair underway, please be mindful that our personnel will make every attempt feasible for our arena events to occur without incident. Fair-goer safety is our utmost priority. If lightning is detected within 15 miles of the fairgrounds, the grandstands will be evacuated.
“If conditions allow, we will restart the event once the storm has passed. In the event we evacuate the grandstands, please be respectful to those around you while in our buildings. Mischief involving vendors and/or 4-H/FFA exhibitors of any kind will not be tolerated.”
Dobbs added their is a new carnival for this year’s fair.
“As many know, we have a new carnival this year,” he said. “We’ll forever be nostalgic of the numerous rides and games the Ottoway family has provided for us for many decades. The carnival torch has been passed to Chris Williamson with WEEE Entertainment. Their carnival is setup and ready to begin at 6 tonight. WEEE Entertainment has acquired some of the carnival rides in which we have grown accustomed to seeing at the fairgrounds, plus some different rides that will be great for our kids.
“A special thank you to the Ottoway and Williamson families for their contribution to our fair.”
