Purr-fect start to Saline County Fair

Mckinlie Bethel, 4, cuddles a kitten at the Saline County Fair petting zoo Sunday, July 9. [Click to enlarge]

The Saline County Fair commenced over the weekend under mostly fair skies and mild temperatures, getting off to a fine start, according to Sam Igo, president of the Saline County Fair Association.

"On the whole it's off to a good start. The weather was perfect," Igo said. "It's been unseasonably reasonable."

The weather helped, but the fair offered some good events for people to enjoy in any case, he said.

Morgan Beeler, right, is amazed by a card trick performed by Professor Farquar, who bills himself as "The Last American Minstrel." The professor's show at the Saline County Fair Sunday, July 9, included songs, jokes and magic tricks. [Click to enlarge]

"The magic show was really great," he said. "People sure had some laughs."

He said more people seemed to attend the chain saw sculpting demonstrations than last year. The sculptors have already created a goat, a frog, a pig and a turkey, he said, and there are more demonstrations scheduled for Monday, July 10.

Following the first big event, the demolition derby Saturday, July 8, family day on Sunday, July 9, included a variety of events and entertainment, from a flea market to the Professor Farquar, "The Last American Minstrel," and even Santa Claus.

Cortney Leimkuhler, 16 months, left, helps her big sister, Samantha Leimkuhler, model pajamas during the 4-H fashion revue Sunday, July 9, at the Saline County Fair. The pajamas were Samantha's entry in the junior level "Clothes You Make" category. [Click to enlarge]

Igo estimated that attendance at the demolition derby was up to 1,500, which is even more than usually attend the popular event.

The 4-H fashion revue gave fair-goers a chance to see the sewing and selection skills of girls from area clubs. Winners were announced following the show.

The petting zoo during the afternoon was popular, as always, with children. Sponsored by the Fairview Reynolds 4-H Club, the petting zoo included animals big and small, from Payton Beeler's quarter horse, Cheyenne, which she will ride Wednesday evening during the 4-H/FFA Horse Show, to a handful of fuzzy baby chicks.

Senior Saline County Fair Queen Kali Hedrick describes a magic trick performed by comedian and magician Dustin McCrickard during a break in the Denim and Diamonds performance Sunday, July 9. [Click to enlarge]

But the loudest, by far, was the calf who had more than one youngster mimicking a hearty "Moo!"

At the flea market the familiar face of the local Santa Claus was on hand, though not attired in his traditional red Christmas garb. Instead, Santa wore overalls and strummed a few tunes on his banjo.

"I'm not the best banjo player in the world," he said. "But I think it adds a country flare to the fair."

TLC, which includes, from left, Brianna LaRose, 12, Abbi Durnen, 8, and Karli Durnen, 10, perform a song during the Denim and Diamonds show Sunday, July 9, at the Saline County Fair. Members of Denim and Diamonds are in the background. [Click to enlarge]

He played and sang a number of old time favorites, including "I'll Fly Away" and "Amazing Grace."

In the evening the country music continued with a performance at 7:30 p.m. by Denim and Diamonds, joined for occasional songs by TLC, a group of three talented girls, Brianna LaRose and Abbi and Karli Durnen.

During the band's breaks the crowd was entertained by magician and comedian Dustin McCrickard, whose disappearing water trick amazed the fair queens, senior Kali Hedrick and junior Jennifer Vogelsmeier.

"I don't know where the water went," Hedrick said. "It was right here, then it was gone."

The queens were also impressed by the music, especially the performance of TLC.

"They are good," Hedrick said. "They put their heart and soul in it. You can tell."

Sunday event results

The 4-H fashion results were announced at the end of the fashion revue.

In the senior level event, Kim Deutsch was named reserve champion for a robe she made and grand champion for a skirt and jacket she made in the "Clothes You Make" category. She also earned grand champion honors for slippers she made to go with the robe in the "Knitting and Crocheting" category and won recognition in the "Special" category, an opportunity for the girls to model something fun or unusual, with her blue jeans, boots and vest outfit.

In the "Clothes You Buy" category, Meredith Thornton was named reserve champion and Hannah Boyer was named grand champion. Both selected blue formal gowns for the event.

In the junior level event, grand champion in the "Clothes You Make" category was Jessie Gorrell, who modeled a dress she made, and the reserve champion was Alyssa Chastine, who modeled a blouse and capri pants she made.

In the "Clothes You Buy" category, grand champion was Phelicia Knox for her ornate white fairy princess dress and reserve champion was Alex Howery for her floral top and capri pants.

In the "Knitting and Crocheting" category, Sylvia Knox won for her scarf and belt ensemble. Alyssa Chastine won the "Special" category for her blouse and capri pants outfit.

The 4-H fashion revue committee included Karen Deutsch, Ina Dysart, Theresa Pfizenmaier and Wanda Thornton.

The pedal tractor pull event for children included three categories.

In the event for kids who weigh up to 50 pounds, Cole Igo took first place, Preston Knox took second and Colton Green took third.

Of kids from 50 to 75 pounds, Kyle Root placed first, Jordan Root placed second and Hunter King placed third.

In the 75 pounds or more class, Caleb Willis took first place, Dakota Adcock took second place and Jordan Townsend took third.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshallfaith@socket.net