JC Jaycees to host 67th annual Cole County Fair

Adyison Wykes, 5, reaches up to grab a cup of cool, sweet relief after stopping by the Dippin'
Dots trailer during last year's Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.
Adyison Wykes, 5, reaches up to grab a cup of cool, sweet relief after stopping by the Dippin' Dots trailer during last year's Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.

After nearly a year of planning, the Jefferson City Jaycees will host the 67th annual installment of the Cole County Fair next week.

The fair runs Monday through Aug. 5, with the fairgrounds open 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. each night.

This year's schedule of events shows an assortment of family-oriented activities and entertainment that respects tradition - hence this year's fair theme, "Goin' Old School."

"The theme is to pay tribute to our longtime Jaycees who are out here always helping us out," fair Chairman Eric Brandt said. "They don't get enough recognition. Without them the fair wouldn't happen."

In keeping with tradition, livestock shows featuring members of Cole County's 4-H clubs and FFA organizations will be held throughout the week.

A complete schedule will be included in a special fair section in Sunday's edition of the News Tribune.

As in recent years, admission will be $2 for all ages on opening night and $10 for ages 10 and up the rest of the week. Fair organizers said it's been a popular way to start the fair and they recognize many people, especially those with large families, can't afford the $10 entry the rest of the week. Also Monday, the ever popular Little Mr. and Miss contest will be at 7 p.m. on the main stage.

A fair isn't a fair without rides, and Miller Spectacular Shows will fill the Jefferson City Coca-Cola Midway with a variety of attractions this year. On opening night it's $1 for all rides. Then it's $15 arm band nights 5:30-11:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, weather permitting.

Miller Lite Arena shows include the Highway 65 MX Motorcross on Monday, Glory Days Rodeo on Tuesday and Wednesday, Mid-America Tractor Puller Association pull Thursday, Mid-America Truck and Tractor Pullers Association pull Friday, and J&B Promotions Figure 8 Scramble on Saturday.

An assortment of musicians and bands will perform on the beer garden stage and main stage.

The beer garden will be open 7:30 p.m.-midnight Monday and 6 p.m.-1 a.m. each night after.

All shows at the main stage start at 9:30 p.m.

The first concert is Monday featuring Mitch Rossell, followed by Michael Tyler on Tuesday, Thompson Square on Wednesday, Dylan Scott on Thursday, Uncle Kracker on Friday and Head East on Saturday.

For more information, read the Jefferson City Jaycees Fair special section in Sunday's News Tribune or visit jeffcityjaycees.org.