Allen County Gearing Up for 'Too Big To Miss' Fair Thursday, August 07, 2014 8:35 PM
BY NANCY SPENCER
DHI Media Editor
LIMA — The Allen County Fairgrounds were abuzz with activity Thursday evening for the “Too Big To Miss” Allen County Fair public relations dinner. The event was held in the newly-renovated Youth Activities Building. Fair Manager David Grimm welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the 2014 edition of the county fair.
Along with hundreds of 4-H and FFA members participating in dozens of events and free offerings from open to close, the fair will close with one of the most successful songwriter/artists of all time, Toby Keith.
“We’ve really got something special with Keith closing out our fair this year. This is an opportunity for people to see Toby in his only appearance in northwestern Ohio and eastern Indiana,” he said. “I expect to see people from surrounding states on our fairgrounds for this concert.
“This event will be a major undertaking and we’re also planning a special military send-off for those in the county who will be entering our armed forces. Keith’s people are working with us on that and it’s going to take everyone to make this happen. We are extremely grateful for all our directors, officers, staff and volunteers who give their time to make this one of the best county fairs in the state.”
Keith will take the grandstand stage after special guest John Pardi performs at 7 p.m. Aug. 23. Tickets are priced from $42 for grandstand and bleachers, $52 for track, and $65 for Toby’s Party Zone Pit area (standing), which is the closest to the stage and features a special runway in front of the stage. Ticket holders may buy gate admission tickets at the time of purchasing Keith tickets, which are necessary to enter the fairgrounds.
The grandstand will also offer the annual Kewpee Showcase of Bands on Aug. 16; the Demolition Derby at 6 p.m. Aug. 17; the Truck, Tractor Semi Sled Pull at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 (preceded by the Golf Car Pull at 6 p.m.); the Truck Tug Pull at 7 p.m. Aug. 19; harness racing at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 and 21; and Nashville Crush at 8 p.m Aug. 22.
Fair royalty was crowned with Elizabeth Goedde and Tyler Begg named queen and king and Maddison Rex and Forrest Hager princess and prince.
Goedde is the daughter of Jan and Russ Goedde and a Lima Central Catholic graduate. She is involved in the Luck of the Irish 4-H Club and plans to attend Rhodes State College to major in radiographic imaging.
Begg is the son of Alan and Janet Begg, Bluffton Cattle 4-H Club member and a Bluffton High School graduate. He plans to attend Wittenberg University, majoring in psychology.
Rex is the daughter of Kreg and Joanne Rex and will be a senior at Allen East High School. She is a member of the Allen County Feather Fanciers. She plans to seek a degree in biology after high school.
Hager is the son of Candy and Matt Hager and will be a senior at Allen East High School. He is active in the LaFayette Boys and Girls 4-H Club and after high school, plans to attend college and major in pharmacy.