LINN  — After struggling to find carnival vendors due to COVID and subsequent issues, this year’s Osage County Fair from Thursday through Saturday will once again feature a midway with rides, games, and, of course, food, as Show Me Amusements is ready to go this week.

“We are very excited to once again have a carnival at the fair,” said Lions President and Fair Co-Chair Cyndi Summers, in her 25th year as a member. “We have struggled the last couple of years due to COVID, and it’s great to have Show Me Amusements in place this year.”

Show Me Amusements will offer rides from 6 to 10 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Armbands are available for $25, but there are no pre-sales. New Missouri state law height restrictions will be observed. Check the rules at the ticket booth.

Summers and Immediate Past Present and Fair Co-Chair Sherry Cleveland are equally thrilled with the new developments at the fairgrounds at the junction of Hwy. 50 and Rt. C, including mowing, stage cleaning, and general maintenance.

New sidewalks have been poured between the barn and the 4-H building to make walking between events more accessible to handicapped people and safer in general. On Friday, July 5, Lions Colby Peters, Andy Dudenhoeffer, Ryan Parkhurst, Courtney Schaefer, Jake Kubiak, Matt Hayes, Kohl Steinbeck, and Travis Greer, who donated their time and equipment to develop the sidewalks. 4-H made a donation for the sidewalks, which Summers said was greatly appreciated.

“It takes a lot of people willing to invest their time and talent to accomplish goals like this,” said Summers. “We are encouraged and pleased to have younger members stepping in to help make the fairgrounds a great place for families to come and spend time during the fair.”

Safety rails and steps were added to the main stage, and the entire area near the beer garden has new permanent LED lighting. “The whole area looks great,” said Cleveland. “We got rid of the string lights in the trees and made the area safer.”

The fair will have smoked pulled pork sandwiches instead of German pot roast. “We have our food pavilion with our usual delicious items,” said Cleveland, noting traditional favorites — fish sandwiches and burgers — will be available.

She and Summers are also pleased to announce the return of the Wine Garden, featuring local wine by Wenwood and White Mule, from 6-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Also that evening, a cornhole tournament will begin at 7 p.m. in the beer garden. The entry fee is $20 per team, with a top-three payout. Contact Ryan Parkhurst with questions at 573-680-9940.

“Just wait until you see these cornhole new boards,” said Summers. “They made them specifically for the fair, and they look great!”

Summers also reminds everyone of the horseshoes contest, which begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday. “It’s been around for many years, but people seem to forget about it,” she said. “It’s a great tradition at the Osage County Fair, which led to the washer tournament, and now the cornhole tournament. We hope people will take advantage of all our contests.”

Call Bob Duncan (897-3703) or Richard Dudenhoeffer (897-2912) for more information.

The fair will open at 8 a.m. on Thursday with livestock shows, and the food stand and beer garden will open at 5 p.m. A new element this year at the main food stand is a point-of-sale system to allow for the use of debit or credit cards. “It’s a great option for people who don’t have cash,” said Cleveland.

Hot Wheels races return for the second year from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Registration is $1 for kids up to 14 and includes a car. The action starts at 7 at the food pavilion, but the event is limited to 32 participants.

The livestock auction will begin at 6:30, and opening ceremonies start at 6:45 with a Linn Fire Protection District Honor Guard presentation, followed by an invocation by retired First Baptist Church pastor Rev. David Krueger, who returns to perform this annual tradition. A National Anthem performance by Missouri National Guard Maj. Amy Bowden will be followed by a tribute to veterans and recognition and appreciation of first responders, frontline health care workers, and law enforcement officials.

Following opening comments by Activities Director Mark Loethen, the Little Miss and Mister Contest with “A Day at the Beach” theme will be held at 7 p.m. The contest is open only to Osage County residents ages 4 and 5 by July 1. There is no registration fee, and forms are available at Linn Thriftway and Joe’s Market in Westphalia. Contact Nicki Bax with questions at 573-301-6944.

Motorsports fans can enjoy the Linn Lions garden tractor pull at the same time. It begins with youth, followed by stock, stock altered, super stock, modified, pro garden, and outlaw.

One significant change is that the farm tractor pull will be held on Friday, starting at 7 p.m. “We wanted to make it easier for people to attend the event because it normally goes pretty late with garden and farm pulls on the same night,” said Cleveland. “We think this will also give each pull more space to operate.”

The farm tractor pull classes begin with the 3500 weight class, followed by 4000, 4500, 5000, 5500, 6200, 6500, 7,000, 7500, 8000, 8500, 9000, 9500, 10,000, 10,500, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000.

The Show Me Clowns will make the rounds starting at about 7:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, “Steve the Reptile Man” will present his live show at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the main stage area. Be sure to check out this informative session that will feature lizards, snakes, and many other reptiles. “The kids love his show, and we’re thrilled to have him back at the fair,” said Summers.

Osage Angels will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. on the State Tech stage, but depending on crowd participation and interest, they may stay later (up to midnight).

There will be plenty of kids’ games, including a water balloon toss, bubble-gum blowing contest, turtle races, and best-decorated turtle (bring your own decked-out turtle), starting at 9 p.m.

Friday starts with Kids’ Morning Out at the 4-H Exhibit Pavilion from 9 to 11:30 a.m., when children can enjoy a variety of activities.

Livestock shows begin at 11 in the arena.

Food stands and beer gardens open at 5 p.m., and the beef show will take place in the arena at the same time.

Registration for the Kids’ Tractor Pull opens at 6:30, with the contest starting at 7 at the main stage for children 4-8 in three classes (under 45, 45-65, and over 65 pounds). This event is open only to Osage County residents.

And on the main stage, the Parent-Child Look-Alike Contest will be held at 8 p.m., followed by a hula-hoop and twist contest at 8:30.

Also, at 8:30, the greased-pig-catching contest will be held on the west end of the track. There will be four groups: Div. 1 (up to 4 years of age), Div. 2 (5-7 years of age), Div. 3 (8-11 years of age), and Div. 4 (12-14 years of age). Registration will begin at 6 p.m.

There will be three pigs relative to each division’s age group, with the animals and the competitors’ hands greased with soap. While there is no danger for participants, poor sportsmanship or cruelty to the animals will not be permitted. For rules, regulations, and entry forms, contact Event Chair Paul Brandt at 573-291-2141 or Jason Backes at 573-897-4936.

Cassie Twehus will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight on the State Tech stage.

On Saturday, livestock shows begin in the arena. Registration for the washer tournament will be from noon to 12:30, and the event starts at 1 p.m. at the beer garden. The entry fee is $20 per team, with a top-three payout. Contact Ryan Parkhurst with questions at 573-680-9940.

After the beer garden opens at 1 p.m., the food stands will begin serving at 3 p.m.

This year’s 3-on-3 basketball tournament and free-throw contest will be held again at the State Tech Activity Center. Call Tom Klebba at 573-897-2204 for details or pick up an entry form at the Legends main bank in Linn.

The Power Wheels Mud Run, sponsored by Parts City, will begin on the track at 4 p.m. Bring your own power wheels and helmet. Contact Mitch Branson for more info at 573-690-4205.

Mud Bowl XXXIV will begin at 5 p.m. Contact Kevin Hoeft with questions at 314-220-7875.

The Linn Parents as Teachers “Day at the Beach” Baby Baby Show starts at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage. This event is open only to Osage County residents in the following categories: birth to 12 months, 12-24 months, 24-36 months, and 36-48 months. There is no fee for those registered by Friday, July 12; a $2 registration fee will be assessed on Saturday. Those registering on the day of the event need to be at the main stage by 5 p.m., and those with pre-registration are asked to arrive at the main stage by 5:15 p.m. Registration forms are available at Linn Thriftway, Legends Bank in Linn, and the Osage County Library. For more information, contact Cassie Sneller at 573-298-2997 or Abigail Duke at 573-694-2575.

The Mint Hill Kids Choir will perform at 6 p.m. at the food pavilion.

“Old Time Country Music” with the Osage County Drifters, showcasing fiddle, bass, and waltzes, will perform from 7-8:30 p.m.

Big Missouri Karaoke Stars (Ross Entertainment) will host a kids’ (16 & under) karaoke contest from 8 to 9 p.m. with a solo category only for male and female singers, with a plaque awarded to the top two in each division.

From 9 p.m. to midnight, the adults will have a turn, with trophies presented to the top two best male, best female, and best group (two or more) vocalists.

There is no entry fee, and registration will be available at the picnic pavilion on Saturday before each event.

From 9 p.m. to midnight, Better Than Bad will perform on the State Tech stage.

“We are delighted to have three quality musical groups at the fair, along with the great music played by the Osage County Drifters,” said Summers.

A perennial favorite, the fireworks show, sponsored by Jim Butler Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram, Mid America Bank, Osage County Concrete, and the Unterrified Democrat, will begin at about 10 p.m. Saturday.

OTHER DETAILS

Admission to the fair is $5 on Thursday and $15 on Friday and Saturday. A season pass is $20 and may be purchased through Thursday at the fair gate. Season tickets may also be purchased at Legends Bank in Linn, Loose Creek, and Westphalia, Linn Thriftway, and Mid America Bank in Linn. There is no charge for children 15 and under.

“There’s a lot to do and see, and we hope everyone will come out and support the fair,” said Cleveland. “It’s a neat experience for the community, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Emergency personnel, including members of the Osage Ambulance District and Linn Fire Protection District, will be on standby at the fair.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office will also be on hand, along with caution signs.

For fair updates, follow Linn Lions Club on Facebook or www.osagecountyfair.com.