Once again it is that time of year when 4-H and FFA youth prepare for fall competitions. Among the first events will be the Collinsville Tri-County Fair, August 22-24. In 2018, 4-H and FFA youth from forty-seven communities exhibited over 470 animals. Expectations are that the numbers will be even higher in 2019.

The Dog Show will be opening event on Thurs, Aug 22, 7 p.m. in the fair barn arena. Swine entries will be accepted Friday evening with a show time of 6:30. Saturday the fairgrounds will be busy with a full day of activities. The Beef Show begins at 8:30 a.m. The Sheep Show will begin at 1 p.m. The Meat Goat Show will follow at approximately 5 p.m. The Rabbit Show, 8:30 a.m., will move to the Veterans building this year. We anticipate more participants this year as we hold the event indoors for the first time.

As in the past, an animal show supply business will be set up to assist exhibitors with last minute needs. Food trucks will be available Friday evening and all day Saturday west of the fair barn (behind the caboose/Depot Museum). Additional truck/trailer parking will be available east of the fair barn this year.

Tuesday, August 20, area FFA and 4-H groups along with their leaders will help set up pens. As our way of saying ‘thanks’, the Fair Board will provide a meal for all participants. The Fair Board appreciates the City of Collinsville for stepping in to make the needed repairs to our recently vandalized restrooms. A big ‘thank you’ to other volunteers for repairs to the damaged arena seating area.

For further fair information, check out cvilleok.com - Tri-County Fair. We are also on facebook.com/pages/Collinsville Tri-County Fair. Come support our area agriculture exhibitors!

Susan Worstell