Although the 2020 Knox County Fair was a nonstarter due to the pandemic, this year’s version marks a return to near normal.
As the Mount Vernon News reported last year, officials shuttered last year’s “senior fair,” which would have included grandstand events, most food vendors, merchant exhibits and other displays. (Last year’s “junior fair,” including 4-H and agricultural competitions, plus harness racing, operated business as usual.)
But as June 2 of 2021 rolled around, Gov. Mike DeWine ended all pandemic health orders, including the mask mandate. Hence, the fair resumed as the event familiar to Knox Countians.
According to the fair’s website, livestock competitions, tractor pulls (big and small), demolition derbies, Rough Trucks, food vendors and enough “rides to make you dizzy” have returned.
The fair will run from July 24-31 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Cost
General admission beginning at 8 a.m. each day is $7, with children under 8 admitted free. Senior citizens and veterans are $3 daily before 5 p.m. Parking is free.
Season passes are on sale now, according to the fair’s Facebook page, with adult passes (19 and over) at $30 each, whereas seniors (65 and over) and youths (9-18) are $25 each. Children 8 and under are free. Passes are for sale at the Fairboard office or at Park National Bank branches across the county.
Musical performances
Nashville country singer/songwriter Jess Kellie Adams will perform Friday, July 30, at the Midway Stage from 8:30-10:30 p.m. There is no additional cost once inside the fair; lawn seating only.
Also on July 30, the following local acts will perform, starting at 1 p.m.:
• Show Down: This group of native Mount Vernon musicians have been picking and grinning ever since forming a jam band at Sips Coffee House.
• Macy Page: Macy is a 12-year-old known for singing and piano talents. Macy's love for music and performing is said to keep the audience captivated.
• The Rapid Jags: This band has been chosen three times to compete in the Tri-C School Rock Off at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
• Sarah Goff: Born and raised in Mansfield, Sarah has always loved music and has been singing and performing her faith-based music for over 15 years.
• DodgingMyJob: These Mansfield natives and second-generation local musicians are ready to bring their very best to the stage.
Visit the Knox County Fair’s Facebook page for more details on musical performances.
Competitions
Fairgoers can enter several competitions, including Open Livestock; Little Miss Knox County Fair; Arts, Crafts and Flowers; Gift Card Giveaway; Rough Truck/Side by Side Entry; and Figure 8/Demolition Derby. Visit https://www.knoxcountyfair.org/entry-forms for downloadable entry forms.
Premium book
A booklet with contest rules and general information is available online covering these areas: General fair information and detailed schedule; harness racing, open livestock shows, Grange Booth information; Flower/Horticulture/Artistic Show; Arts/Crafts/Culinary Show; and Agricultural Society Constitution/rules and agricultural fairs schedule for the state.
Directions
The Knox County Fairgrounds are located at 601 Fairgrounds Road in Mount Vernon. For questions, call 740-397-0484.
