By STEPHANIE LONEY
Staff Writer

Pogo, the baby red kangaroo, loves attention. As in the past, Hat Trick Exotic Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will bring many adorable animals for all ages to enjoy.

With all of the excitement over rides, games and traditional fair food, it can be easy to forget about the entertainment happening in the Kosciusko County Community Fair’s Event Center. But the Event Center promises to provide something for all ages and interests. And all attractions at the Event Center are free with paid fair admission.

All week long the whole family can enjoy Hat Trick Exotic Petting Zoo and Pony Rides. In the past, this event has included camels, alpacas, miniature goats, miniature donkeys and other small animals. Fair-goers may both pet and feed the animals.

Aside from the petting zoo, each day of the fair has special events for residents to look forward to, starting Sunday, July 7. At 11 a.m. that day, the Event Center will host a church service, and beginning at 7 p.m. Satellites and Sirens, a Nashville-based Christian rock group, will perform at Christian Sing.

On Monday, July 8, the 4-H Dog Showmanship competition will take place in the Event Center. Guests can also enjoy a Tribute to Roy Rogers, the “King of the Cowboys,” from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Following, Talent show registration for those 12 and younger beings at 6:30 p.m. The Youth Talent Concert will start at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 9, offers a wide variety of events, starting with the Science Central hands-on all day event. This starts at 9 a.m. Also starting at 9 a.m., but concluding at 1 p.m., is face painting.

Tuesday’s events occur on nearly every hour and include a 10 a.m. Lake City Coin Hunt, an 11 a.m. city of Warsaw Storm Water Event, at noon is Deb Collier’s School of Dance performance. Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic for Children is set to start at 1 p.m. and Silly Safari will give two performances, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 4 p.m.

Between all of the Silly Safari events will be the bike giveaway at 3 p.m. Finally, the Youth Talent Contest, for ages 13 to 21, wraps up the night with registration at 6:30  p.m. and the competition starting at 7 p.m.

This year’s Senior Day takes place Wednesday, July 10. Those 65 years and older can start their fair day with $1 admission and continue it with various events that cater to seniors.

At 8 a.m. Miller’s Merry Manor will welcome seniors with the Free Senior Breakfast sponsored by Miller Senior Living. Free blood pressure checks also begin at 8 a.m. with senior programs and entertainment at 9 a.m. Bingo and Euchre starts at 10 a.m.; at 1 p.m. there is a free senior ice cream social and entertainment, and then to wrap up, a senior door prize give-away starts at 3 p.m.

Three firefighter shows take place at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, July 11. Additionally, Almost Gone Band will play at 7 p.m.

On Friday, July 12, two more firefighter shows will occur at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. At 5 p.m. is “The Circus Comes to Town,” featuring James Reeve, and Karaoke with Chris Cage starts at 7:30 p.m. with registration at 7 p.m.

Once again, three firefighters shows will take place at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m on Saturday, July 13. Registration for the 3rd Annual Hotdog Eating Contest will start at 2 p.m. with the contest to follow at 2:30 p.m. As well, the 3rd Annual Pie Baking Contest will take place at 3 p.m. Those who wish to submit a pie for this contest must do so between 10 a.m. and noon at the Fair Office.

Kerlin Trailers and Motorsports of Warsaw sponsors these events, in part.