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The fair officially opened to the public Wednesday, July 16, with a prayer from Pastor Josh Rendulic of Hope Fellowship Church, honoring the late Pastor Bill Carroll of Still Pond United Methodist Church.

The ceremony introduced the county’s 4-H clubs, including Bits and Bridles, Kent Clover Calf, Fuzzy Tales and Shiny Scales, Kent Puppy Pals and Kent 4-H Triple Shots.

The fair is a time for 4-H members to present the hard work they’ve invested throughout the year, judged by experts across a variety of categories. Livestock competitions — featuring cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, horses, ducks, dogs and chickens — continued into the weekend.

“It’s hard work,� said Beth Hill, principal agent associate for 4-H Youth Development in Kent County, “but it’s also fun for participants and spectators alike. Our 4-H really shined in their project work and in all the other things we look for: teamwork, cooperation, responsibility, sportsmanship, character — even empathy and joy for others.�

The 2025 fair theme was “Blue Jeans and 4-H Dreams.� New to the lineup this year was a 4-H alumni showmanship event hosted by Kent County Young Farmers, along with the return of the lawn tractor contest.

Animals were a major highlight. Livestock were shown in the main staging arena, while rabbits and poultry had their own exhibition space. Glossy coats, straight backs, brushed fur — even moody horses — were on display as handlers aimed to show their animals in peak form.

Thursday afternoon brought out tractor enthusiasts for the lawn tractor obstacle course. Under the direction of instructors Mitch and Drew Debnam, youth demonstrated their ability to maneuver a tractor pulling a two-wheel trailer through a series of challenges. The event even drew a visit from a vintage tractor puller and former winner.

“I took off work just to come out and support these young fellas,� he said.

On Friday, volunteer Jaime Orndorff hosted the fourth Youth Goose and Duck Call competition, judged by bird outfitter Steve Goss. Plaques for winners were provided by Mark Kwiatkowski of All For A Bird. Orndorff expressed gratitude for the support of her sponsors and contributors.

Inside the exhibit hall, judges evaluated everything from cakes to houseplants, herb arrangements, artwork, photography and even corn stalks. Select baked goods were auctioned off Saturday evening, with proceeds benefiting Kent County 4-H and the Kent Ag Center.

Throughout the week, fairgoers enjoyed police K-9 demonstrations, archery, turkey call contests, a cornhole tournament, fashion shows and a carnival of rides and games. Youth from programs like Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, as well as local parks and recreation camps, attended as part of their summer activities.

Each night featured live music from performers including Robert MacFarland, Quinn Arnold, Kevin Kemp and the Del-Mar Band. Wednesday night brought out dancers for a session led by local line dance instructor Minnie Maloney.

Food and refreshments were a big draw, with vendors offering fried treats, funnel cake, kettle corn and ice cream. Each evening featured a full meal sponsored by local businesses, including crab cakes, barbecue beef and grilled chicken.

One of the most anticipated events came Friday night: the greased pig contest. About 200 people surrounded the fence to watch children — from toddlers to teens — chase and try to catch squirming piglets sponsored by local businesses. Master of ceremonies Sherrie Spray kept the crowd entertained with lively commentary.

Saturday featured the return of the Power Wheels Demolition Derby for children ages 3 to 5. Toddlers, seated in 12-volt toy cars, delighted the crowd as they popped balloons in a playful smash-up competition.

“As always, we ended with the tug-of-war,� Orndorff said. “It really is something for everyone.�

Hill said the fair went smoothly overall.

“I will say we have the highest 4-H membership in over a decade, and it’s very exciting going forward,� she said.

Volunteer coordinator Valerie Mason estimated attendance at over 3,000 — slightly down from last year, likely due to the heat. She noted that gate proceeds support the Kent Ag Center and help reinvest in the fairgrounds.