By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
The Ellis County Fair is set to return this week, bringing a whole week of entertainment, livestock shows, food and family activities to the Ellis County Fairgrounds.
While attractions such as ATV aerial performances, pig races and expanded animal exhibits are expected to draw crowds, Ellis County Fair President Justin Scheck said the heart of the fair remains the young people who spend months preparing for the event.
"I think they need to come out and take a look at all the kids' 4-H exhibits," Scheck said during an interview on the KAYS Morning Show. "These kids spend a lot of time with their exhibits and their cattle, so they need to come out and support that."
One of the biggest additions this year is the return of the petting zoo, which will feature a variety of animals, including monkeys, along with pony rides. The attraction also includes the return of the popular pig races.
Scheck said they are always looking for ways to create an experience that encourages families to return throughout the week.
"I am hoping they come out and their experience would be, 'Hey, we want to come back tomorrow night,'" Scheck said. "That is kind of what we are shooting for."
Beyond the livestock barns, visitors can enjoy several nightly attractions. Free concerts will be Tuesday through Friday, giving fairgoers an opportunity to enjoy live music while visiting food vendors.
Scheck also said returning family activities include turtle races and minnow races after both proved popular during last year's fair. Children are asked to bring their own turtles, while minnows will be provided for participants.
Scheck said one event he is especially looking forward to is the new ATV aerial show, which will make its Ellis County Fair debut.
"We have never had anything like that around this area," Scheck said. "We are hoping it goes over well."
Scheck also said families will find the inflatable carnival returning, providing younger children with another activity while parents explore the fair.
The fair begins Saturday evening with sprint car races before the main fair officially opens Tuesday. Activities continue through Friday at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Road.
A hot dog eating contest also returns, and Scheck said anyone is welcome to participate.
Tickets for grandstand events are available online or can be purchased at the gate.
The week concludes Friday evening with the annual 4-H livestock auction, which has been moved from Saturday to coincide with the fair's final day. Scheck encouraged residents to attend, saying the auction highlights the hard work local youth invest in raising their animals throughout the year.
For Scheck, the fair is about more than entertainment. He hopes residents come together to support local youth, spend time with family and celebrate one of Ellis County's longest-standing traditions.