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Webster County Fair returns with full slate of events, new bleachers and more

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The 88th annual Webster County Fair starts tonight, bringing five days of community fun, food, livestock shows, and traditional crowd-pleasers like rodeos, tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. This year’s fair runs July 1–5 and promises something for everyone.

One of the biggest upgrades at the fairgrounds this year is a brand-new set of bleachers, made possible through a partnership between the Webster County Fair Board, the City of Marshfield, Webster Electric Foundation, and the local Lions Club. 

“They’re much needed and will get some good use this year,” said Sheila Cantrell, of the Fair Board. The bleachers were funded in part by a grant from Webster Electric Foundation and additional support from the Lions Club, who also help with gate operations and sponsor trophies for the truck and tractor pulls.

Events

The fair kicks off Tuesday, July 1, with the Hometown Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m., along with a Sheep Show at 6 p.m. and Bottle Calf Show at 7 p.m. in the Brooks Arena. Wednesday brings the Sanctioned Truck and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m., and the Dairy Show at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday and Friday feature the always-popular Independence Week Rodeo, organized by the Wooten Rodeo Company, starting at 7 p.m. each night. Friday evening will also include the Chamber of Commerce’s 4th of July Fireworks Show at dusk.

Saturday, July 5, wraps up the week with a Demolition Derby at 7 p.m., and a full lineup of livestock shows: Beef at 10 a.m., Poultry at 11 a.m., and Meat Goats at 6 p.m. The annual Pie Auction benefiting LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) will take place during the derby’s intermission.

Livestock Shows, Vendors, and Exhibits

Livestock shows will be held daily in the Brooks Arena. “There’s something going on pretty much every day,” Cantrell said. “It’s a great chance to come support these kids who’ve worked hard all year.”

Vendors will be on hand throughout the fairgrounds, with around 10 already confirmed for the pavilion and more expected as fair week approaches. Clothing, embroidery, hats, and other goods will be available, in addition to the carnival provided by Show Me Amusements.

For those interested in exhibits, entries for the exhibition building (organized by Christyy and Kyle Whitaker) can be dropped off Monday, June 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. or Tuesday, July 1 from 8 a.m. to noon. This year’s theme is “Sunflowers and Sunshine.” For a full list of catgegories, check the Fair Book.

Admission and Punch Passes

Admission is free for children age 5 and under, $5 for kids ages 6–12, and $10 for adults. Punch passes are available in advance at Arvest Bank starting June 7, offering five punches for $35. Each punch is good for one adult or two children. Passes are not available at the gate.

Other Highlights

This year’s fair also includes the return of the Marshfield Independence Day Rodeo Queen Contest, organized by Nicole Hampton. The Lions Club will have a booth in the pavilion for those interested in learning more about the contest or getting involved in future years.

Of course, no fair is complete without food, and this year is no exception. “There’ll be good food in the kitchen as usual, including fried catfish from Sheila and the Catfish Boys,” said Cantrell. “The community has really seemed to love that.”

Cantrell added that community support is what keeps the fair going strong. “We’re in our 88th year. This fair is for the community—it’s something that’s been going on for generations,” she said. “Come out, experience it for yourself, support the kids, the vendors, the volunteers. It really takes a village to put it on.”

 

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