Mercer County Fair President Highlights New Grand Event Center, Entertainment and Fair Growth

Mercer County Fair Board President Bart Leininger says years of planning and continued investment have helped transform the fairgrounds while keeping the traditions that bring families back each year.

Leininger joined Spectrum during the opening day of the Mercer County Fair and reflected on his own history with the event. He has served as fair board president for about three years and has been on the board for roughly a decade. He grew up showing swine at the fair, while his children later became involved with hogs and steers.

One of the biggest additions this year is the Grand Event Center, which was formally dedicated during the fair’s opening day.

Leininger said planning for the building dates back to 2019 and involved years of fundraising, planning and adjustments before construction was completed.

“We’ve been working on that since 2019,” Leininger said, adding that the goal throughout the process was to make the best use of the money available while creating a quality facility.

The fairgrounds also include a chapel that can be used for quiet reflection and rented for events, including weddings. Leininger said some groups rent Market Hall or the Junior Fair Building along with the chapel, allowing an entire event to be held on the grounds.

This year’s fair includes major grandstand events throughout the week, including the Forever Seger tribute show on opening night, Jake Owen, the demolition derby, harness racing, tractor pulls and the high school band show to close the fair Wednesday.

Special days are also part of the schedule, including recognition for senior citizens and veterans and Kids Day on Wednesday. Businesses also serve as daily sponsors throughout the fair.

Leininger encouraged longtime fairgoers who have not visited recently to return and see how much the grounds have changed. Mobility scooters are also available to rent for visitors who need assistance getting around the grounds.

He also encouraged visitors not to overlook the final day of the fair. Wednesday’s Kids Day includes several activities, while the annual wood carving auction traditionally draws a large crowd and raises money to help others.

Fair food remains another major attraction. Leininger mentioned everything from the Unity Grange and FFA stands to the Cattlemen and Pork Producers, along with ribbon fries, onion rings, fried vegetables, sirloin tips, homemade ice cream, funnel cakes, sugar waffles, cotton candy and caramel corn.

Planning for the fair begins well before the previous year’s event is finished. Leininger said work was already underway earlier this year on the 2027 fair, and some entertainment acts must be booked as much as two years in advance.

This year’s grounds entertainment also includes Bruno’s Tigers, Aim High Canines, stunt bikes and roaming performers.

Junior Fair remains a major part of the week as well. Leininger said livestock participants spend months preparing their projects, and this year the traditional livestock auction has transitioned to a new Champion Showcase recognizing grand champions, reserve champions and herdsman award winners.

Leininger said the goal is to give those young exhibitors additional recognition for the work they put into their animals throughout the year.