You don’t have to be a 4-H member to enter some events at the Douglas County Fair, and Sunday’s open horse show is one that has been growing in popularity the last few years.

“We have a wide range of ages,” said Gretchen Brumm, who organizes the open horse show with her husband, C.B.

The open horse show starts at 9 a.m. Sunday in the fairgrounds’ community building arena. Last year’s show drew more than 80 riders, which was double the number of participants in 2004, Brumm said. The free show attracted a standing-room-only crowd of a few hundred people.

Riders participate in the show’s 32 events, which include judging in classifications such as halter, English and western performances, and the popular barrel races.

In addition to the serious contests, there are fun events featuring riders trying to guide their horses while holding onto a spoon with an egg and a contest based on musical chairs.

“That sometimes gets a little wild,” Brumm said. “It’s a way for riders to relax and let their hair down.”

A stick-horse contest lets children have some fun. They can bring their own stick horse or use one of those available at the show.

“They get to ride and lead their horses just like the real ones,” Brumm said. “They are so cute. We say it is for 6 and under, but we don’t check IDs.”

The stick horse event will start about 11 a.m.