Johnson County residents are invited to the family fun at the Johnson County Fair in Gardner from July 27 through Aug. 1. The 2021 theme is “Hero’s Unite.”

Admission to the fairgrounds is free and includes entry into many exhibits and events. The county fairgrounds are located just north of downtown Gardner.

This annual event offers a wide variety of family entertainment, including amateur flat track races, demolition derby, carnival rides and an assortment of exhibits, booths and foods that one can only get at a county fair. Admission tickets for main grandstand events may be purchased onsite.

The youth organization 4-H has long partnered with the Johnson County Fair Association. Kids compete at the county level for a chance to go on to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Categories range from livestock to cake decoration, robotics to rocketry. Some 4-H activities begin Sunday, July 25, with the arrival of 4-H projects, open class entries and the rabbit and dog shows.

The fair kicks into full gear Tuesday, July 27. The county fair is the culmination of the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension 4-H program’s year. Fair is the time for youth and families to not only compete, but to celebrate another year’s work and accomplishment. Market Animals arrive in the morning. Carnival rides open at 4 p.m.

Key events scheduled on Wednesday are the poultry and livestock show. The Open Jackpot Barrel Race starts at 6 p.m. at the Main event arena. KC Dixieland Band plays at the Midway Stage at 8 p.m.

On Friday, it is Senior Day! Johnson County Extension Silver Clovers will be hosting an event for people 55 and older from 9 a.m. to noon. Come and learn about gardening, cooking and volunteer opportunities. There will be free coffee, donuts and giveaways!

Also, on Friday, beef judging begins at 8 a.m., followed by livestock skill-a-thon at 1 p.m. The Flat Tracks Amateur Races are at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 4-H Project auction starts at 8 p.m. The auction is a time-honored tradition where 4-H’ers can sell their projects that they have worked so hard on.

The annual Johnson County Fair Parade is Saturday at 10 a.m. through downtown Gardner, featuring floats, riders on horseback, marching bands, clowns and antique vehicles. The 4-H/FFA market animal sale is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. The ever-popular demolition derby starts at 7 p.m.

For a detailed listing of events, schedules, fees and directions visit jocokansasfair.com or call the Fair Information Line at 913-856-8860, or the Extension Office at 913-715-7000, johnson.ksu.edu.