A brave bullfighter eggs on his contender, only to dart away at the last second at the 2016 Phillips County Fair “Bulls Gone Wild” event. —Johnson Publications
Bulls and stock cars featured for ‘A Barn-Raising Good Time’
“Bulls Gone Wild” is back again as featured entertainment for the 2017 Phillips County Fair, July 25-30 at the Phillips County Fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “A Barn-Raising Good Time.”
Saturday, July 29, at 7 p.m., the spotlight will be on bull riding, bullfighting, mutton busting and more as the popular event returns to the arena.
The event follows more action Friday, July 28, when stock cars will be out in full force. These races will be preceded by the barbecue at Homesteaders Park with entertainment by Equally Delinquent and Colby Purkeypile. In addition, Braydon Zink will be playing live in the beer garden both Friday and Saturday nights.
Fair queen for 2017 is Kaitlyn Kent, and grand marshals are Clark and Laverne Starkebaum. The parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday.
This year’s fair will offer both new and familiar events. A notable addition to the lineup is an open class in the vo-ag farm mechanics. Open class exhibitors must be 18 years of age and older, and the divisions are small, medium and large wood projects; small, medium and large metal projects; small, medium and large wood/metal combination projects; reconditioned projects; and recreation projects.
Another new event is the Thrashers 5K Color Run/Walk Wednesday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. — an event that is much more than just running. “We decided to make an evening of it,” said Kendra Schlachter, head of the Thrashers softball league sponsoring the event.
Kids activities will take place Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. alongside a meal of Rocky Mountain oysters and chicken strips beginning at 5:30 p.m. The beer garden will also be open during the 5K and into the evening.
Other new events include a Dutch Oven Cook-Off Thursday, July 27, a Parade of Champions Friday, July 28, and an age 13 and younger baked and preserved goods show.
Familiar events at the fair will include the Orphan Grain Train brat feed, various large and small animal shows, a gymkhana, horseshoe pitching, rabbit bingo, cow patty bingo, livestock judging, a Planet Bounce carnival and open classes for garden, floriculture, baked and preserved goods, crafts, quilts, special theme contest and pre-K through grade-3 art and craft shows.