With ‘no restrictions,’ Chase County Fair is in full swing

    If you’re not aware the “No Restrictions” Chase County Fair is underway, you’re likely not in Imperial this week.
    With several 4-H events already in the books, activity at the fairgrounds was evident Sunday during the day-long 4-H horse show, and picked up Monday as more 4-H events took place—the dog and companion animal shows, along with poultry and rabbits.
    After animal and building exhibits were entered Tuesday, the swine, sheep and goat shows take the spotlight Wednesday, with Pepsi Funday events Wednesday afternoon, capped off with the 5 p.m. cornhole tournament and rescheduled 6 p.m. Christian Family Show. Imperial Lions Club bingo also kicks off Wednesday afternoon.
    Wednesday also includes opening of the expo, the carnival and exhibit buildings, the latter featuring 4-H/FFA and open class exhibits that were judged on Tuesday.  
    But more lies ahead Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday events
    Forty-five market beef entries are expected for Thursday morning’s 4-H/FFA beef show in the exhibit arena. Clover Kids will demonstrate their showmanship skills as events kicks off at 8:30 a.m.
    Two other big events that day include the Critter Close-Ups free shows and the Heartland Pulling Series Tractor Pull.
    The Critter Close-Ups shows are set for 1:30, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the open air pavilion. Check the attached schedule for Friday and Saturday times.
    Two years ago, the fair board moved the tractor pull from Sunday to Thursday night, and kept it on that schedule this year. It starts at 6 p.m. in Allo Arena.
Friday events
    After morning 4-H events including the rocket launch and round robin showmanship, 4-H events will conclude at the 2 p.m. livestock sale in the show barn arena.
    Kids ages 4-12 will be the focus as the pedal tractor pull returns after a year off in 2020. Registration starts at 11 a.m. in the open air pavilion, with the competition at noon. There’s an adult division, too.
    The first of two horseshoe tournaments—Friday’s is the open tourney— starts at 1 p.m. just south of the show barn arena. Organizer Janiel Kimble said Tuesday she still has three openings in the 12-team competition. Call her at 308-883-1985 to register.
    Three more Critter Close-Ups shows are on tap Friday (10 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.), and the day hits a high crescendo when Hairball performs with special guest Romero at 7:30 p.m.  
Saturday events
    Runners will be up early for the 42nd annual Chase County Fair Run. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. with the 5K and mile races  starting at 7:30 a.m. in front of Chase County Schools.
    There is no 10K race this year, but a kids half-mile on the track will follow the 5K and mile, said co-sponsor Jill Moline.
    There are no T-shirts this year, but a runner’s entry will earn them a piece of racing gear, Moline said. Drawings for other prizes are planned, too.
    Get a seat anywhere on Broadway between 10th and 3rd Streets, or along West 10th, for the 10:30 a.m. fair parade which also has a “No Restrictions” theme this year.
    The Imperial Chamber of Commerce coordinates the parade for the fair board.
    After the parade, the Young Farmers & Ranchers will host its BBQ at 7th and Wellington Sts., west of the fairgrounds.

    Sponsor Jason Speck said the menu includes a brisket sandwich, beans, baked potato and drink. Also on site will be the Knights of Columbus members serving pie and ice cream.
    After a full stomach, fairgoers can then visit the ABATE motorcycle show on the fairgrounds midway and the CarNutz “Cruize-in” car show along Wellington Street.
    Both shows run from noon to 4 p.m.
    Saturday’s horseshoe contest is for Chase County residents only, starting at 1 p.m. Organizer Kimble said nine spots for teams remained open early this week. Call her to sign up, 308-883-1985.
    The dance crew contest, featuring area school dance teams, starts at 1:30 p.m. in the open air pavilion, with three more Critter Close-Ups shows at 3, 5 and 7 p.m.
    The grandstand show featuring country stars Granger Smith and the Josh Abbott Band will start the music at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday events
    The Imperial Jaycees’ demolition derby will take center stage on Sunday when it kicks off for the 32nd annual run at 2 p.m. in Allo Arena.
    Release of all livestock starts at 7 a.m. Sunday, with an 11:30 a.m. start for releasing open class and 4-H/FFA exhibits.
    All 4-H families are asked to be at the exhibit hall at noon for cleanup.
Ticket booth now open
    Tickets for the mega ride pass, Friday and Saturday’s grandstand shows, the tractor pull and demo derby are all available at the ticket booth on the grounds.
    The ticket booth opened on Tuesday, with these hours the rest of fair week:
    Aug. 11  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Aug. 12  9 a.m. to 9 p.m
    Aug. 13  9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    Aug. 14  11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    Aug. 15  11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Tickets can still be purchased online, as well, at: chasecountyfair.com.