Another successful year for Marion Fair

Story and Photos
by Steve Landon

All the key elements needed to have a perfect hometown fair, great weather, a nice midway, grandstand entertainment and the all important livestock shows and competitions came together last week for the 2024 edition of the Marion Fair.
The first official fair of summer in the region officially got underway June 10th at the historic Marion Fairgrounds/Veterans Memorial Park before wrapping up for Saturday June 15.
Traditionally people tend to look at a fair as a place to go to hit some rides on the midway and take in a few events like a concert, tractor pull or a demolition derby, however the Marion Fair and others like it are so much more! The fair is where some of the finest young people you’ll ever meet go to show their livestock, Home Arts and more.
Often unsung heroes of the fair, youth of all ages work long hours caring for and working with their animals or other projects almost from the minute the current fair ends. Between school and various activities these responsible young people are on the go meeting all their obligations. Show time is go time! when all that hard work takes center stage before the judge. Thanks to a good turnout in most divisions this year’s livestock competition was top notch in all age groups from start to finish. The Livestock sale Friday also went over very well again this year.
Today the barns set silent with the exception of a few small animals and birds running around looking for a temporary home. Youngsters have headed for home taking with them memories of an unforgettable week at the fair. In the back of their minds they are already thinking about next year’s projects and dreaming of someday winning a grand championship.