County fair kicks off next week
By JENNIFER WILSON
News editor
For some local 4-Hers, the county fair is about cows, pigs, and rabbits.
For Hillsboro's Lora Andrews, it's about cargo pants.
Andrews is a town girl, but she's still a part of the South Cottonwood 4-H Club. And Monday morning she was finishing a pair of camouflage cargo pants, which she'll enter in this year's Marion County Fair.
The fun kicks off Wednesday, with the annual parade at 6:30 p.m. in Hillsboro.
Andrews has been involved in 4-H for at least eight years — "maybe more," she said. She's been sewing even longer, and in addition to this year's pants she's also entering a matching tank top.
"It's not all about the animals," she said.
Outside the Andrews' house, more 4-Hers were knee-deep in white paint as they worked on cardboard panels for this year's float.
South Cottonwood's theme this year is "Gilligan's Island," Sally Andrews said, complete with the entire cast of characters in costume and a boat.
"My dad said he'll be the Skipper," said Jessica Vannocker, who was busy painting alongside Cheryl Prieb and Tiffany and Brandon Rooker.
But if you're one of the faithful parade-goers who stake out the same viewing spot every year, take note: The parade has moved.
Because of construction on downtown Main Street, this year's parade will take place on Ash. It was moved there so that the "lining-up" process will still take place at the former AMPI building.
That's according to Megan Kilgore, executive director of the Hillsboro Management Board and co-director of this year's fair with her husband, Tim.
The parade will begin at the old AMPI and end at the fairgrounds just like usual, Kilgore said.
Another new aspect of this year's fair is the decision to move some 4-H judging into the evenings.
For 2003, judging of sheep and bucket calves will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30, she said.
Last year's big newcomer, the women's ranch rodeo, is back again — and this time, a team from New Mexico will be in the mix, Kilgore said.
And a new food vendor will be at the fair this year: Knackie's, out of Inman. They'll serve barbecue from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in the foods building, she said.
