Wednesday at the 185th Champaign County Fair is all about celebrating the next generation during Youth Day, featuring special activities, youth competitions, livestock shows and family entertainment throughout the day.
Wednesday’s schedule also includes rescheduled entertainment from Tuesday, after severe storms caused power and weather-related issues at the fairgrounds.
The Wiener Dog Races, originally scheduled for Tuesday, have been postponed due to ongoing storm cleanup. They are now scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Harness Horse Racing, which was canceled Tuesday because of weather and power-related issues, has also been rescheduled for Wednesday. Racing will take place at noon and 6 p.m., with officials noting that all of Wednesday’s races will be Stakes Races only.
Youth Day offers plenty of opportunities for young fairgoers to enjoy the fair, including the Pepsi Cola Youth Day Activities at 1 p.m. in the Grandstand. Families can also enjoy the Traveling Mime from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the performer brings entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.
The day begins early with Market Poultry Projects and Egg check-in and weighing starting at 5:30 a.m. Livestock competition continues at 8 a.m. with the Open Class Barrow Show, Junior Fair Market Poultry Show and a full lineup of goat competitions, including the Jackpot Goat Show, Open Class Wether Dam and Open Class Goat Show.
At 9 a.m., cavy exhibitors take part in the Junior Fair Cavy Breed Show, followed by Showmanship and Optional Projects. Horse exhibitors will also compete in Open Class Junior Division Halter and Performance Classes.
Fairgoers can explore the Ag Innovation Series from 10 to 11 a.m. and again from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Activities Building. Other daytime highlights include the 4-H Cook-Off at noon in the Activities Modeling Pavilion and the placement of Open Class Flower Exhibits.
The evening features more livestock action with the Junior Fair Beef Heifer Show followed by the Junior Fair Market Beef Show at 6 p.m. in the Woodruff Show Arena. The Junior Fair Rabbit Sale and Junior Fair Poultry Sale will also take place, along with a Local Foods Presentation in the OSU Garden Area.
Wednesday night entertainment continues with the rescheduled Harness Racing at noon and 6 p.m., followed by Big Time Wrestling from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on the Free Stage. The rescheduled Wiener Dog Races will take place at 5 p.m.
With Youth Day activities, livestock competitions and rescheduled entertainment following Tuesday’s storms, Wednesday promises to be another busy day at the 185th Champaign County Fair.
