Cherokee County Fair

The American county fair has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Its origins can be traced to a combination of agricultural traditions, social gatherings, and economic development. Having been to several county fairs in my area, I can tell you that each one of them are different in their own way. Each little community has its own pocket of people who come together and represent their local businesses and area farmers.

I have been to Cherokee in the past to experience their planetarium, and check out a few local establishments, but this time I was on a mission to see and do as much of the Cherokee County Fair as possible. I looked up their events schedule, and made it my mission to attend as many shows as I could. I even had my cousin Rosie, from Rock Valley, meet me to ensure that we had the best time ever!

Dog Show

Starting off our escapades is a dog show! I caught the very end of it, but from what I saw, the actors and the dogs put on a very interactive show. Drawing crowds who were there to watch the talent, the handlers showcased what their trained k-9’s could do. From jumping through hoops to dancing the mambo and even diving from a 20-foot platform into a pool of water, the audience was continuously engaged and enthralled. I just wish I would have gotten there earlier to see the full performance.

Glass Blowing

Next, I sat in on the glass-blowing class, where Devon was all too eager to showcase his talent. While he was preparing and molding various pieces of colorful glass he talked us through what he was doing. I learned that the hot box where he places his finished products is kept at 960 degrees. Much cooler than the 2000 degree furnace, but also allows the end product to cool slowly, thus preventing cracking. While molding and shaping his piece of art, Devon uses a blow torch which keeps the product at a steady temp, and allows him to keep making adjustment without it hardening and rendering it unusable. After the class we admired his many finished masterpieces which he had been working on during his downtime. Rosie and I had difficulty choosing which trinket to get, but we each settled on a miniature pumpkin.

Dinosaurs!

On to our next show, where we meet Sparky the velociraptor! Narrated by her handler, this highly interactive performance tells the story of Sparky, and teaches the audience some interesting facts about the velociraptor species, along with the period time Sparky and her comrades walked the earth. Aptly named “Jurassic Lockdown”, this show is kid-friendly, educational and entertaining. Rosie and I found ourselves laughing at the antics while getting a refresher on dinosaur paleontology.

A Camel Show

On our way to grab a snack at the food trucks, we stopped by to say hi to the camels. Not wanting to get spit at, we kept our distance, but read up a little on camel facts. This specific species is the Arabian Camel found throughout desert areas in North Africa and the Middle East, with a feral population residing in Australia. Capable of living up to 50 years, they stand over seven feet tall and weigh nearly 1600 pounds! And finally, they travel in groups called a “flock” or a “caravan”, which is why I now automatically correlate a traffic caravan to the iconic image of camels following each other across the Sahara desert horizon.

Fair Food

Realizing we hadn’t ate anything yet that day it was time for a treat! We walked over to the food trucks, and Rosie and I decided on what else, Mexican food! We decided to share some carne asada loaded nachos and indulge a little with a refreshing mangonada. We knew the magic show was coming up next, so we strategically sat ourselves at the picnic tables under the canopy where we could enjoy our meal while watching the next show.

Magic Show

Behold the spectacle! Jay Mattioli, an accomplished performer who auditioned for the fourth season of America’s Got Talent and is presently affiliated with a prominent talent agency touring across the United States, captivated a diverse audience encompassing various age groups. Demonstrating his adeptness in sleight of hand and an electrifying lightning display, Mr. Mattioli enthralled his spectators throughout the performance.

His presentation was not only skillful but also engaging, prompting hearty amusement and active involvement from the audience. Moreover, attendees universally acknowledged Mr. Mattioli’s charismatic stage presence, complemented by his distinctive hairstyle, which one could humorously attribute to the vigorous power supply fueling his impressive array of equipment.

Donut Eating Contest!

Recognizing the advantageous seating we held for the forthcoming event, we opted to capitalize on this prime vantage point to witness an anticipated spectacle: a competitive donut eating contest. While initially not slated in our plans, the unexpected proximity of the event intrigued us.

Engrossed in the contest, we became enthusiastic spectators, lending our support to the competitors we believed would emerge victorious. Our encouragement extended to those who found themselves lagging behind in the spirited competition. Ultimately, the triumphant participant secured a prize package comprising a complimentary box of Casey’s glazed cake donuts and an exclusive Cherokee County t-shirt.

Barrel Racing

But the fun doesn’t stop here. Next up the Barrel Racing! On our way to the stadium we walked through the 4-H display of flowers and table tapestry, while enjoying an amazingly pleasant summer breeze. As the sun was beginning to set we grabbed our seats and watched as the ladies paraded their horses around the arena. Learning earlier this year that barrel racing is primarily a woman’s sport, I was right there cheering on these talented gals. The two worked as a team, sprinting out of the gate, mud and gravel flying everywhere, all while maneuvering the course in perfect sync. It was a high-speed dance between the riders and their trusty steeds, and the energy in the air was absolutely electric!

Carnival

As the evening drew to a close, Rosie and I explored the carnival grounds, immersing ourselves in the vibrant spectacle of twinkling lights and the allure of classic attractions such as the carousel, tea-cup ride, duck pond, and my personal favorite, skee-ball.

The ambiance was enriched by the symphony of sounds—joyful laughter from children, the lively chatter of the crowd, and the melodious tunes wafting through the air. Nightfall seemingly breathed new life into the fairgrounds, transforming it into a bustling hub of activity and vivacity.

This nocturnal atmosphere served as a final surge of vitality following a day brimming with entertainment. Families relished the opportunity to unwind in each other’s company, indulging in wholesome fun and creating lasting memories amidst the cheerful ambiance of the fairgrounds.

Plan your visit

With its heartwarming community spirit, numerous attractions and entertainment options, the Cherokee County Fair has become one of my most favorite of fairs I’ve attended thus far! Mark your calendars and join us for another unforgettable celebration of fun, family, and festivities at next year’s Cherokee County Fair. Whether you’re drawn by the carnival rides, the camaraderie of community events, or the delectable array of treats, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to create new memories and cherish timeless traditions. We’ll see you next year at the Cherokee County Fair, where the magic continues!