The 144th annual Platte County Fair is gearing up for another year of entertaining county citizens.
The Platte County Fair is the oldest continuously running fair west of the Mississippi.
The fair will run from Wednesday through Saturday, July 18 to 21, at the fairgrounds in Tracy. This year’s fair will feature many of the same attractions as before, as well as a few improvements.
“This year will be bigger and better,” said Rick Hill, fair board president. “We will have an expanded petting zoo, bigger rides at the carnival, and improved bleachers. We’ve tried to make it more user-friendly.”
The new petting zoo is the same one that goes to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. The petting zoo is scheduled to feature many exotic animals including, zebras, water buffalo, yaks, giraffes, bison, llamas, emus, tortoises, miniature donkeys and ponies, and camel rides.
According to Hill, the carnival will include several new and bigger rides, but he said the fair’s carnival operator has declined to name them, saying it is going to be a surprise.
The fair will still feature many of the same events as every year including the demolition derby, mudathon, and truck and tractor pull.
“The most popular event is the mudathon,” said Hill. “It’s something that everybody can do, just take a four wheel drive vehicle and put it in the mud.”
Other events include the Fair Queen contest, Missy/Master contest, talent show, and 4-H displays. There will also be horse showings, live music, and a melodrama performance.
For a complete listing of events and times for the Platte County Fair check a special tabloid insert tucked inside this issue of The Landmark.
“I enjoy the whole fair,” said Hill. “It’s impressive to see a group of volunteers work together and get things done.”