BAZETTA Trumbull County Fair plans variety of events

This year there will be a day honoring veterans.
BAZETTA -- Livestock, tigers and bands will overtake the Trumbull County Fairgrounds here for the 157th annual county fair July 8-15.
In addition to acres of animals and 4-H displays, midway rides and lemon shakes, this year the fair will also feature a performance by country group Rascal Flatts, trick motorcycle riding and a live animal show with Bengal tigers.
"We have something for people of all ages," said Bob Cebula, fair board first vice president.
The first two days of the fair will feature harness racing and gardening demonstrations from the county Ohio State University extension office.
The annual festival kicks off in earnest July 10, with the opening ceremonies and weigh-ins for 4-H project animals. That day will also feature the finals in the firefighters water battle competition at 4 p.m. in the grandstands.
Honoring veterans: For the first time, the fair board has set aside a day to recognize veterans. Veterans can get into the fair free on July 10. Veterans groups will be invited to set up informational displays and take part in the annual parade of colors at 10 a.m.
Magician, juggler and comedian Mark Woods will perform July 10-11 on the historical village stage.
Starting July 11, and continuing through the end of the fair, endangered Bengal tigers will perform four or five times a day for the Bengal Tiger Educational Show.
Livestock shows also begin July 11. Grandstand entertainment begins at 7 p.m. July 12 with the demolition derby.
Rascal Flatts, described by event promoter Bill Magann as "today's version of Alabama," will be on the grandstand stage July 13. An opening act, the Linesville, Pa.-based band The Earthquakers, will take to the stage at 8 p.m.
Motor sports: The events on July 14 will feature tractor and truck pulls in the grandstand arena. The final grandstand event will be the International Motorcycle Rodeo at 6 p.m. July 15, featuring trick and fancy riding by both professionals and local competitors.
Admission to the fair is free July 8-9. Daily passes for adults and children are $6 for July 10-12 and then $7 a day July 13-15. Daily admission for senior citizens is $2. Children younger than 2 get in free.