Traditions continue at Otsego Fair

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July 30, 2012

Traditions continue at Otsego Fair

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Mon Jul 30, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

Everything is in place for a successful Otsego County Fair in Morris, organizers said Sunday. The event runs Tuesday through Sunday.

For some of those involved, it is a family tradition. That includes entry clerk Peg Dutcher, who said she starting showing cattle and sheep there in 1965, when she first got married.

"I've been here ever since," she said. "My children grew up on the fairgrounds" and now her grandchildren are participating. Her late husband was on the fair board for many years.

"I think its a great tradition," Dutcher said. "It's one of the things that makes the fair special."

A good place to see several generations in action is in the animal barns.

That is where Dutcher's grandson, Connor Kane, 11, of Mount Vision, will be found for much of the event. He is showing a calf, pig and sheep through the 4-H program.

Connor said he has been showing animals for six years. "It's fun" to see friends and work with the animals, he said. "It's nice to follow in my parents' _ and grandparents' _ footsteps."

While Connor will spend much of the fair with the animals, when he can get away, he said, he likes things such as going on rides _ his favorite is the hang glider, he said.

Dutcher, who has been entry clerk since 1984, said there are about the same number of entries overall as there were last year. Judging of more than 1,500 items _ from photographs and sewing, to fruit and vegetables _ is taking place today, so when fairgoers arrive Tuesday they will see how everything is ranked.

Fair manager Judy Harris said that, with a mostly seasoned board, "everyone knows what has to be done and they are taking care of it."

Whether that is entertainment, the midway or a variety of local talent, it's all coming together, and will be ready Tuesday, she said last week.

Harris said her favorite aspect of the show is the agricultural exhibits and events. "That's where my roots are," she said, having started about 50 years ago showing horses and cattle, as well as sewing through 4-H.

"That's what keeps me coming back," she said.

A hymn sing will kick off the fair at 6:30 p.m. today.

Highlights Tuesday, a free day, include state Sire Stakes Harness Racing at noon and at 7 p.m., the fire service and school band parade, and fireworks. For the rest of the week, parking is $2. Admissions the rest of week is $5 for those 16 and older; $2.50 for children 8 to 15; and free for those younger than 8.

Wednesday's events include an open tractor pull at 7 p.m. Friday is Youth Day, with 100 bicycles due to be given away. Walmart provides helmets to go with each bike, donated by a local sponsor. New this year will be a 9 a.m. Saturday 5k run and one-mile walk for Lou Gehrig's Disease.