Rides, food, prizes and more. The Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair returns with a packed schedule with many returning and new events for the whole family.
During fair week, temperatures will range from high 80 to high 90 degrees, with a chance of rain on Sunday and Monday, according to National Weather Service.
Will COVID-19 cases low and local restrictions non-existent, the fair is just as it was before the pandemic.
This year the fair gets off to an early start with 2nd annual Johnson County Fair Grand National Championship Truck and Tractor Pull on Friday at 7 p.m., which is a two-day event continuing Saturday evening. There will be three different classes, pro-stock tractors, super farm tractors, and two wheel drive trucks.
Per tradition, the fair parade at 1 p.m. The parade will start at Franklin Community Middle School and head downtown from Banta Street to Walnut Street to Jefferson Street. This year’s parade and fair theme is “Measuring the success of tomorrow with the character built today.” The theme signifies the character growth 4-H participants realize through the work they put into their projects.
On Sunday night at 7 p.m., 10 young women will compete for the Johnson County fair queen crown. The queen and her court will be a fixture for the fair, handing out winning ribbons, meeting residents, and making appearances at different stands all week long.
Kids and families can learn more about animals and agriculture, each morning when 4-Hers will participate in different grooming and showing contests for cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and more. Non-animal projects will be displayed all week long as well.
Brian Young, fair board president, said he is looking forward to seeing all the residents enjoying the rides, stands and contests.
“I don’t really have a favorite, I enjoy the fair … 1,200 kids signed up for the 4-H program and many kids are coming back and I’ve noticed many kids that attend the fair years ago have returned with their own family,” Young said.
Pre-fair set-up is underway and so is early project judging. Young said appreciates all the different families who have come out to help with setting up the fair with the different rides, and tents.
For rides, there are several ride bracelet deals each day. The fan-favorite “Kiddies Day” bracelets are available on Tuesday and July 23, when kids get unlimited rides from 1-5 p.m.
“Poor Jack Amusements brought everything this year, they are making sure to make it full capacity with rides on the grounds, giving kids the chance to ride more,” Young said.
There are a couple of new events residents will have the chance to attend like Micro Wrestling and laser tag.
The Micro Wrestling Federation (MWF) is a WWE type event, the entire cast is under five feet tall. MWF is an organization from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that has performed shows from coast-to-coast according to the MWF website. The professional wrestling organization will be performing Tuesday night at 7 p.m., residents will get to watch two single matches, micro brawl, and the micro royal rumble.
Laser tag is will be Monday to Wednesday 3-9 p.m., next to the shooting sports building.
Returning events like the Little Miss and Mister Johnson County contest, pet parade, straw scramble, watermelon seed spitting contest, Celebrity Goat Milking and baby contest will again draw crowds of competitors and viewers alike.
For a detailed schedule and more information about the 2022 Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair visit johnsoncountyfairin.com.
IF YOU GO
The Johnson County 4-H and Agriculture Fair kicks off this weekend in Franklin. Here is a look at some of this weekend’s highlights:
Johnson County Grand National Championship Truck and Tractor Pull
When: 7 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grandstands at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 100 Fairground St.
Cost: $20 admission, free parking
Johnson County Fair Parade
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: The parade starts at Franklin Community Middle School and winds around downtown Franklin, ending at the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office at 1 Caisson Drive.
Truck Show
When: 12-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Grandstands
Cost: Free
Pet Parade
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Indoor arena
Registration: Children up to 10 years old can take part for free.
Little Miss and Mr. Johnson County
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Indoor arena at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.
Cost: Free
Flat/Dirt Drags
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Grandstands
Cost: $10
Fair Queen Pageant
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Indoor arena
Cost: Free
