The 157th annual Crawford County Fair hosted its first western-clad, crowd-pleasing Buckeye Rodeo on Monday evening. Attendees enjoyed six events: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, barrel racing, and, of course, bull riding.
These events were punctuated with antics from barrelman Craig Miller, ranging from throwing frisbees into the audience to getting crowd participation in a game of dizzy bat to a five-man costumed dance routine to “YMCA” and “Wop” that even included a cartwheel and got viewers on their feet.
The rodeo came to the fair courtesy of Buckeye Rodeo Company out of Lakeville. As a family business, started by a young couple with a love for “the roughest playing field around,” the employees implemented considerable preparation to put on a show. This includes year-round care of the animals and collaboration with rodeo associations such as the MSRA and APRA.
Alan Weilnau of Loudonville is one such caretaker as both a pickup man for Buckeye Rodeo and a contestant himself in team roping. Weilnau says that he pushed for a rodeo in Crawford County because he came as a contestant to the area a few years ago and saw that the crowd really enjoyed it.
Out of the arena, fair visitors enjoyed their day despite the rain, and the fair continues until Saturday, July 19. Barns filled with animals 4-H and FFA cows, rabbits, goats and fowl are open along with animal showings and displays by 4-H as well. Fairgoers can also stop by the various vendors and sales representatives that have tables and view the prize winning treats and art on display.
Of course, there is plenty of food, featuring all of the classics like vinegar drenched fries, funnel cake, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and more.
Nine rides and attractions are also running for families to enjoy this year. Tuesday is Family Appreciation Day with $5 ride session, so tonight is a great night for the fair. And Thursday is Dollar Rides Day. All other days are $10 per session or $16 for both session. Rides are available by the ticket as well.
If you missed the rodeo there are more fun events for the family this week: Wambold’s Amazing Animals two shows daily except Sunday; Figure 8 Racing with school busses, trucks and cars at 7 p.m. on Tuesday; Harness Racing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and OSTPA Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. on Friday
Friday night Steel Creek Band performs at the stage in the park. On Saturday the music performers include Paul Landis and Sonic Sound DJ.
For more events, check out the full schedule for the Crawford County Fair.
