There are plenty of opportunities for youths to take part in the Douglas County Free Fair. You don’t need to be a 4-H’er to join in the fun and win prizes.

“Everybody should come out to the fair,” said Margaret Kalb, executive secretary of the fair board. “It’s great family entertainment. You can spend the whole evening and be entertained at no cost.”

Children won’t want to miss the petting zoo or carnival.

The carnival will be running: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 1-3; 6 p.m.-midnight, Aug. 4; and 1 p.m.-11 p.m., Aug. 5. Bracelet night is Aug. 3. For $20, persons can ride all the rides as many times as they want. Family Day is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and bracelets cost $15.

The petting zoo and pony rides will be from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 2-4 and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 5.

Here are some other highlights:

Aug. 2

¢ Chubby Lane & the Secrets, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., Stage area. The Lawrence band will play tunes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Aug. 3

¢ Kelley Hunt, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., stage area. She is a rhythm-and-blues singer and keyboardist from Lawrence.

¢ “Chicken Little,” G-rated movie, 8:30 p.m., north side of the Extension office. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blanket. Popcorn will be furnished.

Aug. 4

¢ Douglas County Farm Bureau YF&R Bale Throwing Contest, register at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. contest, blacktop area. Classes will be divided by ages for men and women. Prizes will be awarded. Kalb said the contest draws a big crowd and that Kansas University athletes like to compete in the event.

¢ Lawrence Letterday, 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m., stage area. This rock band of West Junior High School students has played at The Bottleneck.

¢ Demolition Derby, 7:30 p.m., Rodeo Arena. Tickets cost $10 and go on sale at noon Aug. 2 in Building 21.

Aug. 5

¢ Turtle race, 9 a.m., stage area on blacktop. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Contest is open to all youths, who must supply their own turtle. All participants will win a prize, and the winner will receive a trophy.

¢ Children’s activities, 10 a.m., blacktop area. Kalb said children would be able to make crafts and take them home.

¢ Pedal tractor pull, 1 p.m., Community Building. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. There will be nine classes divided by age. The contest is open to children ages 4-12. Prizes will be given for first, second and third places. First- and second-place winners will qualify for state competition.

¢ Joey Glenn, 6 p.m. to dusk, stage area. She is an up-and-coming country music singer from Tonganoxie.

¢ Missouri State Tractor Pullers Assn. Hot Rod Tractor and Truck Pull, 7 p.m., Rodeo Arena. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old. Tickets are available in Building 21. Kalb said the “souped-up” tractors provide a fun event.