Annual Linn County Fair opens Wednesday in Central City

CENTRAL CITY - The Linn County Fair drew roughly 36,000 people last year and organizers hope for an even bigger turnout this year as the fair returns to Central City Wednesday through Monday.

The weeklong event includes 4-H presentations, food vendors and a variety of events and performances. The fairgrounds are located at 201 Central City Rd., just South of Central City on the east side of Highway 13.

The fair aims to bring together the community through its different events and attractions.

'It's an awesome opportunity and I think I would say for our whole Linn County Fair Association this is why we do it,” said Heidi Steffen, marketing manager for the fair. 'We provide an opportunity for young and old to come out and showcase their talents and passions and we provide a space for others to come out and see those. I don't think you really get that anywhere else except at county fairs and the state fair.”

Steffen said the fair is an event in which everybody can partake.

'There is so much going on that everyone in the family could find something that they enjoy,” Steffen said.

Here are five things not to miss at this year's fair. For a full schedule of events, visit the fair's website at thelinncountyfair.com.

1. Mutton Bustin'

Rice Bull Riding Co. puts on this popular event at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the grandstand. Gates open at 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Mutton Bustin' is an event similar to bull riding in which children ride sheep.

Up to 100 kids will be allowed to compete. Children must be between 2 and 7 years old and weigh 55 pounds or less. Registration is available on the fair's website or the day of the event. Riders should bring a helmet (no racing-style helmets with a point in front) and wear tennis shoes or boots, jeans or pants and a comfortable top.

2. Hill and Hole Mud Race

Get ready for some rip-roaring action at the Sperry Engines Hill and Hole Mud Race at 7 p.m. Thursday in the grandstand. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for kids 5 and younger. Pit tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased at the grandstand ticket booth or on the fair's website.

3. Professional Bull Riding & Bellamy Brothers Concert

Known for hits like 'If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)” and 'Let Your Love Flow,” the Bellamy Brothers are set to perform in conjunction with a professional bull riding show from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday in the grandstand. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the fair's website.

4. Inaugural Bags Tournament

Get a team together and compete in the fair's inaugural Bags Tournament at noon Saturday. Register at the fair's website or starting at 11 a.m. the day of the event. Cost is $20 per team. The event is open to all ages and the top three teams take home $200, $150 and $100, respectively. The event takes place behind the beer tent on the track.

5. Animal Judging

Cheer on area youth as they show the animals they've been working hard to raise this past year. Showtimes are as follows: Thursday - Dairy goats and rabbits, 10 a.m.; meat goats, 2 p.m. Friday - Sheep, 2:30 p.m. Saturday - Beef cattle and poultry, 9 a.m. Sunday - Swine, 9 a.m.; dairy cattle, 1 p.m.

This year's fair also features a daily carnival with rides, tractor and truck pulls, chuckwagon races, a beer tent and a variety of other contests and activities for the whole family.

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