Douglas County Fair board member Tara Flory takes reader questions about the Douglas County Fair.

useta

do you ever find the demolition derby drivers intoxicated?

Moderator

Good afternoon. I’m Dennis Anderson, managing editor of the Lawrence Journal-World. I will be moderating today’s chat with Tara Flory, a member of the Douglas County Fair board. The Douglas County Fair starts today and runs through Aug. 5, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Tara Flory

Good afternoon. I hope to answer all of your questions. The Fair is off to a great start and will run through August 5th. I am a former 4-Her have enjoyed reconnecting with Douglas County 4-H through serving on the Fair Board.

Katie180

I was wondering if we will be able to bring water into the Demolition Derby since it will be so hot?

Tara Flory

Great question. Yes, you will be able to bring a bottle of water with you. However, coolers are not allowed. Hopefully, the weather will be a little cooler by Friday evening.

OldEnuf2BYurDad

Is the demolition derby going to be totally awesome this year, or just awesome?

Tara Flory

Beyond totally awesome! It’s always a favorite among fair goers. Make sure to come early for parking and prime seating. Tickets go on sale Wednesday at noon at the fair office. Remeber to bring your cash, because no credit cards or checks are accepted.

Kookamooka

Would you ever consider not doing the Carnival? The rides seem really old and unstable and they are getting really expensive.

Tara Flory

We are excited to have a new carnival company this year – Moore’s Greater Shows Carnival. The carnival is a huge part of the fair. We have confidence that safety is a priority. You will probably even find some of the Fair Board members on a ride or two.

treflo

Anything unique about this year’s fair, compared to recent years?

Tara Flory

Absolutely! This is the 100 year celebration of 4-H in Kansas. We are having a big birthday party on Saturday at 3pm. We are especially encouraging alumni of 4-H to come.

We are elated to have Lawrence’s own Kelley Hunt, Internationally known blues musician, for a free concert Thursday night.

It’s always amazing to see the creativity and incredible quality of the projects exhibited by the 4-Hers and community members through open class.

Moderator

I have a question. Back to the carnival, does the fair have any special nights for rides.

Tara Flory

Glad you asked. Thursday night is bracelet night. From 6-11pm you can ride all the rides you like as many times as you want for $20 with a bracelet. Also, Saturday from 1-5, you can buy a bracelet for $15 for unlimited rides.

momof2

Why do they have the fair during the hottest time of the summer every year?

Tara Flory

Great thought. Much of the timing has to do with the livestock and crop projects entered at the fair. Most of them are at their finished stage at this time of year.

Moderator

I’m a city boy who still gets excited when I see a cow grazing in a pasture along the interstate. What should I look for at the fair?

Tara Flory

Its fun to see how unique each animal is. You will see a variety of animals including sheep, llamas, rabbits, maybe a unique species of birds. I know it’s tempting to touch the animals that are exhibited, but not a good idea. Instead, you can find the petting zoo just off of the black top area where you can feed and pet the animals to your heart’s content.

Moderator

As times and interests change, how does 4-H continue to reach out to Douglas County youngsters?

Tara Flory

Most folks think of 4-H as serving the rural youth, but the Douglas County Extension Services has really worked hard to keep in tune with the needs in Douglas County including recognizing the needs of the urban population. There are now after-school 4-H programs at 10 different schools in Lawrence and the Lawrence Detention Center serving about 1000 kids. The after school students display projects at the fair that they have worked on during the year. The Lawrence Detention Center youth grow their own vegetables to eat and enter at the fair as well as complete various other projects. The money that the detention center youth make on the fair premiums goes back to the center. We are excited about what these young people are learning through the 4-H experience.

Moderator

Tara, I want to thank you for stopping by today and answering readers’ questions about the Douglas County Fair. I wish you luck and good weather.

Tara Flory

Thanks for the opportunity to answer questions. It’s great to be able to offer free entertainment for the whole family at the Douglas County Fair. The free concert series includes Cubby Lane and the Secrets Wednesday night, Kelley Hunt Thursday night, Lawrence Letterday Friday night and Joey Glenn Saturday night. It takes a lot of folks to put on the fair and we’re thankful for all the volunteers that make it happen. See you at the fair!