It's shaping up to be a fun fair

Now is when it all pays off. All that hard work and preparation, we mean. Actually, it's already beginning to pay off for the hundreds of 4-H'ers who have been preparing for this week, almost since last July.

Across the paper from this page are photos and results from some of the earliest events for the Red Willow County Fair, the Fashion Review and the BB Gun/Air Rifle contests, held last week. Earlier, the 4-H Horse Show and Dog Show were held at the Kiplinger Arena.

But the fair shifts into high gear this week, with check-in of open class and more 4-H exhibits and judging today.

Wednesday is the first official day of the fair, with 4-H showmanship throughout the day, the merchant and 4-H buildings open at 5 p.m., and church entertainment at 5 p.m. in the Kiplinger Arena.

"Simple Grace" features Jim and Kathy Hitt and their eight children performing a variety of Christian music, including bluegrass, traditional, gospel and original music.

The Colgate Country Showdown starts at 7 p.m., featuring local talent and professionals Pete Schlegal and Brooks Atwood, sponsored by Coyote Country and The Prairie radio stations.

Come back 7 p.m. Thursday for the stock car races, sponsored by the McCook Radio Group, and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. each night for the NSRA Rodeo.

Sunday highlights include the Tri-State Livestock Draft Horse Competition at 1 p.m. in the Kiplinger Arena, and the Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m.

Monday wraps up a busy week, with team penning at 8 p.m. in the Kiplinger Arena.

Of course, those events are only the tip of the iceberg. A walk around the fairgrounds will reveal a huge variety of sights, sounds and tastes. A new cooler will help make the merchants building more hospitable -- if that's even needed this year.

And, of course, Moore's Greater Shows opens nightly at 5:30 p.m.

Over the last few years, we have had to get used to sweltering, 100-plus temperatures come fair time, but this year promises to be a pleasant break. The forecast calls for temperatures in the 70s and 80s for most of the week, and 90 Sunday, with a chance of rain nearly any night.

Sure, rain would be inconvenient, but we're betting that most exhibitors and fair-goers would gladly swap a little discomfort for continuing "pennies from heaven" after a long drought. So come on out, enjoy the pleasant weather and a fun time at the fair.

More information is available at http://redwillowcountyfair.com/