Horses to highlight the Outdoor Arena

Horses once again highlight the events at the Outdoor Arena during the 2017 Clay County Fair, Sept. 9-17.

However, another species of animals will return to the Arena on Sunday, Sept. 10 when bull riding returns to the Fair.

“Whether it’s to enjoy a horse show or rodeo events, the Outdoor Arena will provide something for everyone at the 2017 Fair,” said Fair Manager Jeremy Parsons.

The Arena will host daily open class shows, as well as 4-H and FFA horse shows. In addition, special events and activities will occur throughout the Fair.

Open Class Paint, Quarter Horse and Pony Performance shows will be Sept. 9-11 before changing to 4-H and FFA shows Sept. 12-14. The second weekend of the Fair (Sept. 15-17) will feature open class Pony, Appaloosa and Miniatures, Antique Buggies and Pony Hitches.

The Arena will be packed the final weekend when the Fair concludes with Draft Horse Hitches on Sept. 16-17.  The North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series will feature $10,000 in prize money for the beautiful hitches. New in 2017, the hitch classes will begin at 1:30pm giving fairgoers two afternoons to watch the draft horses.

Besides daily horse shows, special events will also take center stage in the Arena.

NBHA Barrel Racing will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9 attracting cowgirls from across the upper Midwest as they compete for $1,500 in added prize money.

Bull riding will be making its much anticipated return to the Fair this year courtesy of Barnes PRCA Rodeo out of Peterson, Iowa. This award-winning company has been going strong since 1950 and the Fair will be just one of 30 events they will participate in throughout 2017. This event will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Back by popular demand, Cowboy Mounted Shooting will be on Friday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. In this event, horses and riders will go through a path as quickly as possible while shooting at balloons on top of stakes. Also on Friday will be the classic event, Team Roping, at a new time of 10 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16 is the Ranch Rodeo which includes various ranch activities for exhibitors to compete in such as roping a calf and sorting cattle. This event will begin at 6 p.m.

All Outdoor Arena events are free with gate admission.