Ag Olympics return at O’Brien County Fair

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SHELDON, Iowa — The Ag Olympics are returning to the O’Brien County Fair this year, and the regular slew of 4-H activities will also be in full swing.

“We used to have an Ag Olympics a few years ago and switched to mud volleyball,” explained Kris Keene, a county youth coordinator with Iowa State University Extension. “Those 4-H’ers need a little bit of time to get away from the livestock and 4-H projects and get out and have some fun.”

The Share-the-Fun talent show slated for Monday evening will also be a highlight, with a record 27 entries. During the show, 4-H staffers will introduce the just-created O’Brien County 4-H Foundation, which aims to fund out-of-county activities, workshops and camp for local 4-H participants.

“We have lots and lots of communications exhibits this year,” Keene continued, referring to this year’s 4-H projects. “What I mean by ‘communications’ is we have educational presentations, and we have a working exhibit category and extemporaneous speaking where they just get a topic and have to get up and give a speech. They get a lot out of the communications activities.”

In addition to 4-H shows and exhibits scheduled through Wednesday, there will be children’s entertainment and auto races.

Here’s a look at the full schedule of events:

Saturday

9:30 a.m, fourth annual antique/classic tractor ride, registration at the fairgrounds

7:30 p.m., auto races

Sunday

1 p.m., horse show

Monday

9 a.m, rabbit show

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., educational presentations

10 a.m., 4-H exhibit building opens

1 p.m., sheep show

5 p.m., dairy show

5:30 p.m., Sheltered Reality Drumline

7:30 p.m., 4-H Fashion Revue/clothing selection style show; O’Brien County Fair Queen and King coronation; Share-The-Fun

Tuesday

8 a.m., beef show

10 a.m., 4-H exhibit building opens

2 p.m., children’s entertainment by O’Brien County Library Association

4 p.m., bottle/bucket calf show

5 to 7:30 p.m., ice cream social

6 p.m., pedal pull

7:30 p.m., entertainment by Danika Portz

Wednesday

8 a.m., swine show

9 a.m., 4-H pet show

2 p.m., goat show

4 p.m., dog show

5 to 7 p.m., watermelon feed

5 p.m., Ag Olympics

7:30 p.m., auto races

Thursday

9 a.m. awards, announcements and livestock sale

9 p.m. to midnight, teen dance

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