115th Stephens County Free Fair opens Aug. 17-20
Aug. 7—The 115th annual Stephens County Free Fair is less than two weeks away from bringing tasty food, fun contests, extraordinary exhibits, numerous shows and a carnival to the area.
This year's Free Fair is scheduled for Aug. 17-20 at the Stephens County Fairgrounds and follows the crowning of this year's Free Fair Queens, who received their crowns on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Schedule of Events
—Wednesday, Aug. 17 will allow for entrance of O.H.C.E, 4-H, horticulture, textile and sciences from 4 to 7 p.m.
—Thursday, Aug. 18 from 8 a.m to noon will open for judging of exhibits, closed to the public.
—On Friday, Aug. 19, exhibits and trade show will last all day, spanning from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The carnival will open for the second night at 5 p.m. The same night will feature the poultry show, which will kick off at 6 p.m.
—The Fair exhibits and trade show will last from 1-9 p.m Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by the carnival, which opens to the public at 6 p.m. on Thursday, at 5 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m on Saturday.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, the livestock shows and other events are as follows:
—8 a.m., swine show
—9:30 a.m., exhibits and trade show
—10 a.m., antique tractor show
—10 a.m., pedal tractor pull
—10 a.m., cattle show
—10 a.m., goat show, immediately followed by the sheep show
—3-5 p.m., free gospel singing
—1 p.m., carnival opens
Food at the Fair
The lingering smell of amazing fair food is on its way for community enjoyment.
This year, food at the fair will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and supper from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, all while also providing homemade pie by the slice from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday evening will feature beans and cornbread by the Comanche Ag Boosters.
Friday's lunch will feature loaded spuds by Comanche Homemakers and the dinner will feature hamburgers by the Stephens County Livestock Growers.
Saturday's lunch will feature Indian tacos by Stephens County 4-H and dinner will feature chicken spaghetti and garlic bread from the Empire Ag Boosters.
Compete for Ribbons and Prizes
Entries are open to any Stephens County resident. There will be exhibits on everything from honey to photography, household science, crafts and horticulture. Community members are encouraged to take part in the competitions, showcase talent and college award ribbons.
—Artists of all ages can share their talents by showcasing their paintings with classes for oil, acrylic and watercolor. Drawings with pen and ink as well as graphite pencil and pastel are exhibited as well. The Mixed Media class is open to works in charcoal, collage, string art, scissor art, etc.
—Photographers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are invited to enter their best single images into the open completion. The photography contest has grown to be one of the most popular contests at the County Fair. Photos are judged on their artistic perspectives of composition and design. Check out all the classes to enter on Pages 19-20 of the 2022 Stephens County Free Fair book
—The annual Pie Show continues with sweet treats up for judging. "Best Pie and Best Pie Baker" are the most exciting titles awarded during the Stephens County Fair Pie Show. The homemade pie contest is hosted on Friday, Aug. 19. Judging begins promptly at 3 p.m. Entries accepted between 2-2:45 p.m. Pies are judged on flavor, texture of crust and filling, and general appearance. A copy of each recipe is required for judging. See page 28 of the 2022 Stephens County Free Fair book for classes and more information. Aprons are awarded to Best Pie and Best Pie Maker in both youth and adult divisions. The judging of the pie competition is open to the public and all are invited to watch and hear the judge's comments.
For more information about the Stephens County Free Fair, contact the Extension office at 580-255-0510 or view the Free Fair book online at http://stephenscountyfairandexpocenter.com/Files/Fair_Book_2022.pdf.
