By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
EL RENO – Canadian County residents have renewed a “love a-fair” this week.
Huge crowds have gathered “Under the Big Top” at the Canadian County Expo & Event Center, 3001 Jensen Road East.
The 69th Annual Canadian County Free Fair kicked off Wednesday and will wind down Saturday with a full slate of fun-filled, family-oriented activities hosted by the county’s spacious fairgrounds’ complex.
“We have a jam-packed schedule of exciting events planned with fun for the whole family!” Canadian County Fair Board Chairman Kelly Beck said.
“With a tradition of celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of both 4-H and FFA youth and community members, we provide educational and enjoyable opportunities for all while meeting the interests and challenges of a changing world.”
Highlight of the fair’s final day will be an inaugural “Ice Cream Freeze-off” sponsored by Canadian County Fair Board Member Ken Carpenter, of Ken Carpenter Auction & Realty.
Entries are accepted from 10-11 a.m. with judging at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the expo center.
Ice cream must be made with cooked custard or pasteurized eggs (no raw eggs) used in the preparation. And only pasteurized milk products may be used.
The recipe must accompany the exhibit, which must be brought on ice or in an ice cream maker.
Other featured Saturday fair activities are youth livestock shows inside the arena, and a kids’ pedal pull and magic show in the expo center.
Family night awards will be presented at 8 p.m. with live entertainment by fourth generation rancher Quin Peterson to follow.
ALL AGES PARTICIPATE
Canadian County residents of all ages have exhibited a wide range of homemade items – from pies and flowers to crafts and artwork – at the 2023 county fair.
Everyone from young children to senior citizens are displaying their skills while competing for ribbons and prizes at the Canadian County Expo & Event Center.
A popular annual attraction, the Canadian County Fair Pie Contest, was Friday morning. The Yukon red dirt/southern rock group Smokin’ Oaks provides Friday night’s entertainment.
Other Canadian County Fair highlights have been the 4-H and FFA quiz bowl, workshops, demonstrations, a bread baking contest, tractor driving contest, trap shoot, horse show, farmhand Olympics, dunk tank, and barrel racing.
Of course, there are plenty of vendor booths and food trucks for county fairgoers to visit.
The ever-popular carnival opened Wednesday evening and will conclude from noon to 4 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. Saturday.
“Free gate admission and parking provide an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy everything your fair as to offer,” Fair Board Chairman Beck said.
“So, come one and all, and join us under the big top for what has become a must-attend extravaganza in Canadian County.”
For more information about the 2023 Canadian County Free Fair, visit www.canadiancountyexpo.org.
