Randy Shepherd, the fair board president, stands at the track at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. A larger track was completed this spring to accommodate shows, such as the demolition derby Friday, July 14. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

WARSAW — Randy Shepherd, fair board president, is in his second year in leadership and is excited for the changes at this year’s 101st annual Kosciusko County Community Fair.

Shepherd, who joined the fair board in 2006, said the new changes are a reflection of what the community wanted.

A larger track was renovated in the spring. Called the Warsaw Motorsports Complex, the track opened last year and was enlarged this spring to an eighth of a mile. “It’s more than just racing,” he said about the larger track.

Shepherd said dirt drag racing is really popular. Back by popular demand, there are one or two drag races a month. During fair week, the drag racing will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

“We improved the monster truck show,” he said. “We have six this year with a clown act. I expect it to be a good event.”

The Monster Truck Bash is Tuesday, July 11.

“We opened up the pits for a pit party, so people can meet the drivers,” said Shepherd, who was also fair board president eight years ago.

A rodeo, which is Monday, July 10, is a nationally known rodeo, the event draws a large participation. Top bull riders from all over the U.S. attend the popular rodeo.

“We’ve done it the last three years,” he said of the rodeo.

Other events include the Shaggy Memorial Demo Derby, Friday, July 14, which is “a good time for the whole family,” he said.

Animal acts are twice a day, during fair week, and includes reptiles, and also the Wild World of Animals Show will be featured.

The parade of lights is Saturday, July 15. “It’s a family event,” he said. Semi-trucks parade through the grandstand at night with their lights on.

“Our fair opening ceremonies will be all new this year,” he said. “We changed it from the posted date and time to 6 p.m. Sunday and moved it to the 4-H horse and pony arena. This will include the Horse and Pony flag presentation on horseback.”

Shepherd said during the fair he is more like a “team leader.” Shepherd and the 13-member fair board all share responsibilities. Shepherd primarily takes care of the motorized events.

“We are all stewards of the fair,” said Shepherd, who has been a 4-H leader in the Horse and Pony Club for 20-plus years.

During this year’s fair, Shepherd said, “We are striving for more of our motorsports.”

He added, “We are trying to get more family-friendly activities. We’re here for the community. We’re trying to draw in the community.”

Thus, this year’s fair theme is “Family, Friends and Fun at the Fair.” The Kosciusko County Fair is July 10-15.

He said 4-H is a big important part of the fair, too, with decades of 4-H members attending the annual event each year.

“It’s a family event. The fair is family. It’s time to have fun with family and friends,” he smiled.