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Getting ready for the fair

Lyon County Fair is Wednesday through Sunday in Marshall

By Deb Gau 4 min read
udging for 4-H general projects was underway Monday afternoon at the Lyon County fairgrounds in Marshall. Boden Carlson, at left, talked with a judge about the different Cloverbud projects he completed this summer. The 2023 Lyon County Fair opens its gates on Wednesday afternoon.

MARSHALL -- The Lyon County fairgrounds are already bustling this week, as the start of the county fair approaches. On Monday afternoon, 4-H project judging was getting underway and performers for this year's fair were getting set up.

Members of the Lyon County Fair Board said they're anticipating good crowd for the events and entertainment planned this week.

"We're very, very excited for this fair," said Fair Board President Mark Sleiter.

The fair officially kicks off Wednesday afternoon in Marshall, and continues through Sunday. There will be a mix of new attractions and returning favorites this year, Sleiter said.

"We're privileged to have the Merriam carnival back this year," he said.

Another returning event this year will be the steak fry, which starts Wednesday evening at the fairgrounds. The steak fry will also feature a guest speaker, Dan Lemke of the Linder Farm Network. After the steak feed, the Whitesidewalls will bring back some 1950s and 60s rock and roll in a musical performance.

Fair organizers said visitors can look forward to plenty of action at grandstand events, as well as lots of musical entertainment this week. The PRCA Rodeo returns to the Lyon County Fair on Thursday and Friday. "The numbers are up from last year, so it should be a good crowd," Sleiter said. A total of 364 entrants are signed up to compete in the rodeo arena, he said.

On Saturday another popular event, the demolition derby, will also return to the grandstands, Sleiter said.

A wide range of musical talent will perform at the fair this year. On Thursday, the rock band IV play will take to the stage. On Friday, fair visitors can catch Hicktown Mafia opening for Nashville country music artist Ashley Barron.

"We're very excited to have her," Sleiter said.

The music continues on Saturday night, as Roxbury opens for THE HYPE!, a high-energy rock act featuring hits from classic 1980's performers.

A new attraction at the fair this year will be the Aquatic Acrobatic Show, Sleiter said. The performers and acrobats in the show will feature everything from springboard maneuvers and other stunts, to a jet ski.

One of the important things about the fair, organizers said, is that a lot of the fun is free to the public. The live music at the hoop barn, fair admission and parking are all free.

"We're here for the community," Sleiter said.

Schedule of events

Wednesday

Rolle bolle

4 p.m. – Free bus rides to the fair begin

4:30-6 p.m. – Disability Awareness Day

5 p.m. – Merriam Carnival opens

5 p.m. – Steak fry

7 p.m. – The Whitesidewalls

Thursday

Rolle bolle

11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Disability Awareness Day

3 p.m. – Merriam Carnival opens

3 p.m. – Free bus rides to the fair begin

4 p.m., 7 p.m. – Aquatic Acrobatic Show

6 p.m. – KayKo baton twirlers

7 p.m. – PRCA Rodeo

8:30-11:30 p.m. – Live music by IV Play

Friday

Daycare Day

Rolle Bolle

1 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. - Aquatic Acrobatic Show

2:30-6 p.m. – Disability Awareness Day

3 p.m. – Free bus rides to the fair begin

3 p.m. – Merriam Carnival opens

7 p.m. – PRCA Rodeo

7-9:30 p.m. – Live music by Hicktown Mafia

10 p.m.-Midnight - Live music by Ashley Barron

Saturday

Senior Citizens Day

Rolle bolle

7:30-9:30 a.m. – Pancake breakfast, featuring Century Farms program

8:30 a.m. – Free bus rides for Senior Citizens Day begin

1 p.m. – Merriam Carnival opens

1 p.m. – Lego contest

3 p.m. – Free bus rides to fair begin

3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. – Aquatic Acrobatic Show

7 p.m. – Demolition Derby

7-8:30 p.m. – Live music by Roxbury

9 p.m.-Midnight - Live music by The Hype

Sunday

Rolle Bolle

10 a.m.-Noon - Pedal Pull

10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Lyon County Master Gardeners plant sale

11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Dad's Belgian Waffle breakfast

11 a.m. – Sherwin Linton Country Gospel Show

Noon - Merriam Carnival opens

Noon, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. – Aquatic Acrobatic Show

1 p.m. – Bingo

1 p.m. – Sherwin Linton Grand Ole Opry show

3 p.m. – Sherwin Linton tribute to Johnny Cash

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