Join KDAT for ‘Youth Day’ at the Linn County Fair

As the annual Linn County Fair gets rolling, we get really excited about Thursday, as it's always Youth Day, meaning lots of fun for the kids, all for FREE!

Heading to the fair is part of the summer tradition for families, especially if you're in 4H (as my wife was).  Needless to say, I spent many a summer days at the fair.  It's just something else to do over the summer, and there's always plenty going on.  One of the best parts of the Linn County Fair, is that parking and gate entry is completely FREE.  It makes for an easy, affordable family outing.  And one of the best days for family is Thursday, as it's Youth Day from 9a-1p, meaning a bunch of stuff for kids.

First off, there will be a bunch of service vehicles on display, like a fire truck, ambulance, police car, and even the St. Luke helicopter, that kids will be able to get tours of.  McGruff the crime dog will also be on hand for the kids to meet.

There's also shows and demonstrations.  I know my son in really excited about the Tae Kwon Do demonstration, while both my kids can't wait to see the "Majic" show. Your kids might also enjoy the Big Bear Puppet show. There's also the competitions going on, including the "edible bug" and cookie stacking contest they can observe, if not participate in.   For the "edible bug" contest, children 10 and younger make "bugs" out of whatever foods they wish ahead of time, then bring them to the Science tent on Thursday. Registration starts at 10, with judging starting at 11, and winners will be selected from three age groups.  The Cookie stacking contest requires no pre-planning. Starting at 1p, children will try to create the tallest single stack of sandwich cookies in 30 seconds. Again, winners will be divided into 3 age groups.  Registration starts at noon for that one. The hardest part is not the stacking, but keeping yourself from eating the cookies.

While the kids are playing, they can also learn things with the many hands on science and education activities, like the Ag display with "Franny the Farmer", the Cock-a-doodle Zoo, the Cargill Starch Pool, FIRST Robots with the FRC & FTC Teams, the ever popular Rockwell Road Show, Quaker Oats demonstration of how they make different products from corn, the KCRG weather Unit, an interactive, organic garden and compost education service from New Pioneer, and more.  Plus there's the free book giveaway.

As every parent knows though, you can't go to the fair without riding the rides.  You do have some options, like the Free train rides. There's also inflatables and the full on carnival which doesn't open till 11am. Thankfully, during Youth Day, it's just a buck per ride until 1p, so it won't be breaking the bank. Can't forget there's also FREE face painting too.

Long and short, it's going to be a fun day at the fair Thursday, and I'll be right there with you from 9a-noon broadcasting live.  Be sure to stop by and say hello.