From Staff Reports

Nothing beats the good old fashioned entertainment of a county fair.

And the Central Kansas Free Fair in Abilene delivers seven solid days of fun things to do.

From music to demo derbies to chainsaw artists to farm activities, there’s entertainment for all at the fair in Abilene August 4-10.

Grandstand entertainment is featured each night. The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo runs August 4-7. The auto demo derby is Sunday, August 8, and on August 9 is a combine demo derby and compact figure 8 race. On August 10, the last night of the fair, a second auto demo derby is held with a new team derby.

Other activities include a Country Showdown Run-off and Finals on August 5, magic shows August 6-9, and farm fun activity booths sponsored by Dickinson County FFA Chapters. At the booths, kids (and adults) can learn about agriculture by milking wooden cows, checking corn, riding a pedal tractor, and watching hens sit on eggs.

Throughout the day, the stilt walker will stroll through the grounds and the chain saw artist will carve trees into art. The wooden artworks will be auctioned off on August 8 at 2 pm, with proceeds going towards fair activities. Jacque Karl, fair secretary, said the proceeds are helpful. “It gives us extra money to add to the (fair’s) entertainment without having to go out and hit up sponsors.” A free watermelon feed is held during the auction.

The fair features something new this year: a banana derby. Similar to pig races, a banana derby is monkeys trained to ride dogs. These monkey jockeys love fan participation! The banana derbies will be held three to four times a day. A new carnival company, Pride Amusements, will also be on hand. Karl said fan-goers requested a change. “The public wanted more state fair type rides and more games. We’ll still have plenty for the small kids, but more big, big rides.” Carnival tickets are available at a discount with a nightly wristband for sale in advance for $15. During the fair, the wristband will cost $25. The carnival “dollar day” will take place from noon to 4 pm on Sat., August 7, where all ages and all rides are $1.

Tickets for the grandstand entertainment are available through the fair office or online. Rodeo packages are $28 and admit the bearer to all four nights of rodeo August 4-7. Demo derby packages are $21 and admit the bearer to all three nights of derbies August 8-10. Individual tickets for grandstand entertainment are $8 per night in advance and $10 at the gate. The Central Kansas Free Fair office is located at 619 N. Rogers Street in Abilene; 785.263.4570. The fair’s website is www.ckff.net.