Ag Society president excited about 2022 expo

Royalty crowning moved to Monday, rodeo returns to grandstand Saturday

By Carol McIntire

Editor

The curtain will rise next week on the 172nd Carroll County Fair and Fair Board President Jessica Ujcich is excited about what is in store.

“We are excited about the grandstand lineup as well as the junior fair and midway concessions,” said Ujcich, who is taking the reins of the ag society as president after serving as vice president in 2021. “Last year we had a very good post COVID fair and we hope that trend continues this year.”

Grandstand attractions include:

*Two sessions of harness racing Tuesday, July 19 at noon and 5 p.m. featuring Home Talent Colt States races.

*Ohio Motocross Association Faircess Series Wednesday, July 20, with several local riders expected to participate.

* ATV Rodeo Thursday, July 21, barrel and slalom races along with open quad drag racing and open dirt bikes races. 

*Full Pull Production Truck and Tractor pull Friday, July 22, will offer five classes: Limited Pro/Super Farm Smokers, Light Limited Super Stock Tractors, RWYB – Gas- Alcohol –Diesel 4×4 Trucks, Hot Rod V-8 Tractors and Classic Super Stock Tractors. 

*Buckeye Rodeo Company, one of the premier rodeo companies in the country, will provide the featured event Saturday, July 23.

*The annual smash-em-up demolition derby closes the fair Sunday, July 24.

“I am super excited about being able to bring a quality rodeo the fair,” Ujcich noted. “The last time we had a rodeo it was disappointing, but we are looking forward to the Buckeye Rodeo bringing their show to the county fair.”

The Thursday ATV rodeo is geared to attract local riders and offer them the opportunity to perform in front of an evening crowd at the fair, according to Ujcich. 

Also, new is the addition of miniature ponies to the Saturday morning pony pull. 

Ujcich noted the fair does not officially open until Tuesday, but the grounds will be active Monday with the open to world tractor pull beginning at 5 p.m.

The crowning of the fair queen and king and recognition of the winners of the junior fair Cowboy and Cowgirl contest takes place at in the Ashton Event Center at 8 p.m. followed by the Back to the Barn Glow Run/Walk at 9:30 p.m.

Midway entertainment includes Julia Neville, who has been singing professionally for about three years. She performs cover songs as well as original songs and is known for her interaction with fans. Julia will perform Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the stage located on the backside of the midway. 

Ashley Best, a singer/songwriter from Cadiz, who terms his music style “Appalchian melting pot,” will perform Thursday at 7 p.m. on the midway stage.

The new president is excited about the society being able to offer free games to youth again this year. 

“Thanks to some very generous sponsors, there will be laser tag and miniature golf two days during the fair and Kurt James Fun and Games will bring blow ups and some very popular games like Hungry Hippo, Gyro and Wrecking Ball,” she stated. The games will be located between the grandstand and the Rosebud Complex in the grassy area.

“Junior Fair members have again worked very hard with their projects. With the support of our business community, our three junior fair sales have been very successful. We appreciate the support and look forward to seeing everyone at the sales,” Ujcich said. 

The Still Project Auction is scheduled Wednesday, July 20 in the AEP (race horse) barn, Large Animal Sale Friday, July 22 and the Small Animal Sale Saturday, July 23, both in the Ashton Event Center.

Our concession team has been busy filling up spots on the midway and we are excited to welcome City Limits, a Western Store from Massillon this year,” Ujcich stated.  

A complete rundown on the fair, including schedules, feature stories and pictures, is included in this issue as the Fair Program.