photo by: Mike Yoder

Carnival rides draw a crowd on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair. The carnival will operate daily through Saturday, July 31.

Bike races, livestock contests and the Moore’s Greater Shows Carnival were in full swing at the Douglas County Fair on Wednesday and Thursday. The fair runs through the weekend at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. Record crowds are expected after the fair last year was forced to go largely virtual. Photographer Mike Yoder has been on hand to capture the week’s events.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Bicyclists compete in the Heartland BMX competition in the outdoor arena on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Guests enjoy a carnival ride on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A crowd watches the swine show on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Participants show their hogs in the open pavilion during the 4-H swine show on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A crowd of participants in the Heartland BMX competition gather near the starting line in the outdoor arena on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Young bicyclists compete in the Heartland BMX competition on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Lindsey Grist, Topeka, talks to her son, Connor, 3, before a BMX race on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Nicollette Haskell, top left, spins in a teacup ride with her children, Walker Parkhurst, 2, left, and Leila Parkhurst, 4, on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A young girl points out a stuffed toy she would like to win at Moore’s Greater Shows Carnival on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Carter Watson, 12, a member of the Eudora 4-H club, listens to judge Dan Daniels during the rabbit show on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Aftyn Willis, 13, with the Vinland Valley 4-H club, holds one of her rabbits on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair. Willis took home the grand champion and reserve champion honors in the meat pen rabbits category.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Clinton Eagles 4-H club members listen to veterinarian Marilyn Colgan, of Clinton, talk about what to look for in judging livestock on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at the Douglas County Fair.