Activities abound at 2012 Nobles County Fair

WORTHINGTON -- The National Tractor Pullers Association Nationals will return to Worthington Wednesday night to kick off the 2012 Nobles County Fair, which officially gets under way Thursday and continues through Sunday.

This year's fair features a Senior Day (Thursday) with four musical acts set to perform; and Kids Day (Saturday) with opportunities for children to earn prizes and learn about 4-H. Watch the Daily Globe for more information about these two special days in upcoming editions this week.

Other highlights of the Nobles County Fair are McDermott Shows on the Midway Thursday through Sunday, and grandstand events that include a talent show, Enduro race and Sunday night racing featuring the B-Mod Special.

The fourth annual MK5K has moved to Thursday evening this year, with registration continuing prior to the 7 p.m. race for those who have not preregistered.

The 3.1-mile race will start and finish on the fairgrounds, with awards presented to first-, second- and third-place runners in both the men's and women's divisions. The fun run benefits the Mary Kay Foundation in support of its mission to eliminate cancer and end domestic violence. For more information, contact Teresa Widboom at 370-0669 or email teresawidboom@gmail.com .

The Nobles County Talent Show takes to the grandstand stage Friday night, featuring entertainers of all ages. With paid admission, attendees will receive a free hamburger courtesy of the Rock-Nobles Cattlemen.

This year's fair should have something for everyone, from midway fun to 4-H shows and lots of fair food choices. Following is a complete schedule of events:

Wednesday

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Pre-fair judging of all 4-H non-livestock exhibits in 4-H buildings

Entry of all Open Class: Foods, fine arts, fancy work, fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers

7 p.m.: Tractor Pull in the grandstand

Thursday (Senior Day)

8 to 11 a.m.: Entry of 4-H livestock

10 a.m.: 4-H Exhibit buildings open

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Free entertainment in the grandstand; educational programs for seniors. Goody bags will be presented to the first 200 seniors older than age 50 who stop by the grandstand for Senior Day activities.

Noon: 4-H Dairy Show followed by Open Class Dairy Show

Noon: Commercial buildings open

1:30 p.m.: 4-H Rabbit Show (Rabbit building)

5 p.m.: 4-H Sheep Show

7 p.m.: Fourth Annual MK 5K Run and Family Fun Walk

Friday

8 a.m.: 4-H Swine Show

9 a.m.: 4-H Horse Show

10 a.m.: Commercial and 4-H exhibit buildings open

3 to 5 p.m.: 4-H Demonstrations in Benton Hall

3 p.m.: 4-H Cloverbud Pet Show in Olson Arena

3:30 p.m.: 4-H Pet Show in Olson Arena

4:30 p.m.: 4-H Goat show in Olson Arena

5 p.m.: 4-H Poultry Show (Poultry Building)

7 p.m.: Talent Show in the grandstand with a free burger for paid admission.

Beer Garden will be open and serving ribs, pork loin and free entertainment west of the grandstand.

Saturday (Kid's Day)

8 a.m.: 4-H Beef Show

10 a.m.: Commercial & 4-H Exhibit Buildings open

1 to 4 p.m.: "Family Fun with 4-H" Passport adventure for children

5 p.m.: Kids Pedal Pull, trophies sponsored by the Worthington Optimists Club

6 p.m.: 4-H Ribbon Sale in Olson Arena

7 p.m.: Endurance Race in the grandstand

Beer Garden will be open and serving ribs and free entertainment.

Sunday

9 a.m.: Worthington Saddle Club Horse Show

10 a.m.: Inspirational Service in Olson Arena

Noon: Commercial and 4-H exhibit buildings open

Noon: Horseshoe tournament

3 p.m.: 4-H Premier Showmanship Contest

4 p.m.: 4-H Market Animal Load-out

5 p.m.: All Exhibits released

4:30 p.m.: Hot Laps in the grandstand

6 p.m.: Racing