Between petting zoos, talent contests, dog shows and euchre games, the Event Center, also known as the activity tent, will be bustling during fair week.

Event Center happenings for the 96th annual Kosciusko County Community Fair officially kick off Monday, July 9, with the opening of the Hat Trick Petting Zoo at 9 a.m. The zoo will be open all week in the center and will feature baby animals, including camels, alpacas, miniature goats, miniature donkeys and an assortment of other small animals to pet and feed.

A 4-H dog showmanship contest is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Showmanship is concerned with how well the dog is shown by the handler and dog breed is of no importance.

At 7 p.m., there will be a youth talent contest for ages 12 or younger. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to the petting zoo, Science Central will also set up in the Event Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. The exhibit provides hands-on science education for people of all ages.

Because July 10 is also Kiddies Day at the fair, there will be plenty of other entertainment for children, including face painting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., a Lake City Bank coin hunt at 10 a.m., a Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic at 1 p.m. and an appearance from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo at 2 p.m.

There will also be a performance from Debra Collier’s School of Dance at noon and a bike giveaway at 3:30 p.m.

A youth talent contest for ages 13 to 21 will begin at 7 p.m., with registration opening at 6:30 p.m.

The Event Center has plenty of senior-related activities planned to coincide with the fair’s Senior Day Wednesday, July 11.

Miller’s Merry Manor will be on site beginning at 8 a.m. to welcome seniors to a free breakfast sponsored by Miller Senior Living. Beginning at 9 a.m., the tent will host a variety of senior programs and entertainment, including bingo and euchre at 10 a.m.

Free ice cream will be served to seniors at a social at 1 p.m. and there will be door prizes given away at 3 p.m.

Entertainment at the center resumes Friday, July 13, with a cheerleading demonstration at 1 p.m. and karaoke with Chris Cage at 7:30 p.m. Registration to participate in the karaoke contest is required and begins at 7 p.m.

The Event Center is expected to be magical on the final day of the fair, Saturday, July 14, with magic shows at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

There will also be plenty of food, with registration for the second annual hotdog eating contest beginning at 2 p.m. and the contest scheduled for 2:30 p.m. In addition, the second annual pie baking contest will be judged at 3 p.m.