ALLAMAKEE ANNUAL SUMMER EVENT PROMISES TO BE A FAMILY "AF-FAIR"

Get ready to coach kids from too much cotton candy, steer Dad past the pie booth without seconds, and watch Grandma's expert eyes examine countless jars of jam. This year's 147th annual Allamakee County Fair is planned July 19-23 and promises to be what coordinators call "A Family Affair."
According to Chad Oldenburger, Fair Board president, this year's midway will feature for the second consecutive year American Beauty Shows. As has been the case in past summers, a variety of carnival rides and games will be on site for people of all ages.
Other fair attractions that may interest a younger generation of fair-goers include Joe's Pony Rides and both child and adult pedal tractor pulls. A free entertainment tent will feature a variety of shows daily, including Mr. Nick, child entertainer; 4-H "Fun at the Fair"; Dog Skillathon; The Smartypants Game Show; a sampling of tastes and products of Allamakee County; Karate demonstration; and music by Roadhouse and the Toe Tappers.
New to this year's line-up will be a wood carver and sculptor, demonstrating his skills on site throughout the weekend, as well as basket weaving demonstrations to take place Friday of the fair. An Ugliest Truck Contest will be held Sunday morning, with trophies to be awarded to the top two finishers.
Opening night of the fiveday event, Wednesday, July 19, The Whitesidewalls will entertain audiences with a mix of "oldies, but goodies" renditions originally sung by popular stars Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, and many others. During an intermission of the performance, the 2000 Allamakee County Fair Queen will be announced and crowned.
The following night, concert-goers can join in the grandstands once again for Trouble Shooter, a popular country/rock band that tours SE Minnesota and NE Iowa.
Friday, July 21, will feature fun for all as parents and children join for an action-packed family night - so much so that participants are advised to bring plenty of clean clothes. Scheduled events will include, but are not limited to, a gold rush for children ages four and under, with a second category for kids ages 5-6; water ball fights for three age categories ranging from seven through 16; and a rope pull, hay stacking race and human tractor pull, during which the Allamakee County Volunteer Fire Department will compete against each other for cash prizes.
Saturday evening, local drivers will engage in a car smashing, dirt-flinging demolition derby sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Sunday afternoon, then, local drivers can enter their two- or four-wheel drive tough trucks in a timed obstacle course event. Trophies will be awarded to the top two finishers in each event.
On display throughout the fair in the numerous exposition buildings will be entries for judging in the categories of flowers, agricultural products, home-grown produce, fruits, canned goods, baked goods, textiles and fabrics, and arts and crafts.
In addition, local 4-H youth groups will participate and be judged in a number of events including Fashion Revue, communications, working exhibits, and Share the Fun. Youth projects on display throughout the weekend will deal with agriculture and natural resources, expressive art, family and consumer sciences, home improvement, and a number of other categories.
And as always, animal barns will feature dairy and beef cattle, sheep and lambs, swine, and other livestock from some of the county's most successful producers. Small animal exhibits will include rabbits; chickens, turkeys, ducks, and other foul; guinea pigs; birds; fish; and more. A dog show will be held late Saturday afternoon.
For more information regarding this year's event or on competition guidelines, pick up a copy of the 2000 fair booklet at the local ISU Extension office in Waukon; (319) 568-6345.