Johnson County Fair returns to Iowa City July 24-27

IOWA CITY - For Charlie Isaacs, the Johnson County Fair is more than a week of festivities. It is about family tradition and hard work.

'It runs in my family. My grandfather was on the fair board for 30 years so it's a great tradition to follow,” Isaacs said. 'That's what makes it very special for me.”

Isaacs is serving as the entertainment coordinator for this year's fair that begins Monday and runs through Thursday, July 27, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd. SE in Iowa City. He has been involved with the fair for nine years.

'I just like watching it grow every year and seeing it all come together,” Isaacs said.

The free four-day event includes 4-H presentations, contests and a variety of events and performances.

'There's just a little bit of everything,” said Brenda Christner, business manager. 'There are just so many different things you can come and enjoy.”

Christner said that around 40,000 people are expected to visit the fair this year.

'There's always something happening,” she said.

Here are seven things not to miss at this year's fair. For a full schedule of events, go to johnsoncofair.com.

1. Truck and Tractor Pull

A Truck and Tractor Pull takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday in the Grandstand. Admission is free.

2. Laura Ernst

'America's Got Talent” season five contestant Laura Ernst preforms her juggling act from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Grandstand. Admission to both shows is free.

3. BMX Stunt Show

A BMX Stunt Show is scheduled from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Grandstand. Admission is free.

4. Family Rodeo

A Family Rodeo takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Grandstand. Admission is free.

5. Fireworks

A fireworks show by the Stumptown Shooters ends this year's fair with the show to be shot off at 9:30 p.m. Thursday in the Grandstand.

6. Crazy contests

A handful of unique contests open to the public are featured at this year's fair, including, on Monday, the Ugly Cake Contest at noon and the Rubber Chicken Throwing Contest at 4 p.m. A Hula-Hoop Contest takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the Mr. Legs Contest at 4 p.m. and Hog Calling at 5 p.m. Wednesday features Sunflower Seed Spitting at 3 p.m. and a Buffalo Wing Eating Contest is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

7. Jones & Co. Carnival

Carnival hours are from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday. All-ride wristbands are available for $20 each from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday. From 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, a buy-one, get-one special is offered. Individual ride tickets are $1 each or 30 for $20. Rides typically cost three to four tickets each.

The fun at the fairgrounds doesn't end once the fair is over.

The sixth annual Friday Night Main Event takes place July 28 and features the Jones & Co. Carnival from 5 to 10 p.m., the Sandburr Rodeo from 7 to 9 p.m. and a performance by Jake Dodds from 9 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gates. The price includes all three events. Tickets are on sale at Theisen's in Cedar Rapids and Coralville and online at johnsoncofair.com.

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com

Uf you go

What: 2017 Johnson County Fair

When: July 24 to 27 Where: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd SE, Iowa City

Info: johnsoncofair.com or (319) 337-5865