MOUNT VERNON — A Christmas in July special was in full effect at the Knox County Fair, as Santa traded in his sleigh for a monster truck while toting a lasso.
Just kidding. That would be cool, though. In reality, the fair hosted Santa, a roping competition, a monster truck show, and other events on Friday.
Those not participating or observing the junior fair sale may have seen Santa on the fair’s main stage, fresh off his vacation from Hawaii. Parents can rest easy, as they no longer have to worry about taking their kids to get a picture with a department store Santa come December.
The Christmas in July joy didn’t stop there, as a Junior Fair Equine Fun/Open show rolled on throughout the day. Young riders dressed in costumes to match their horses as cheering parents and bystanders decided the winner.
Various barrel activities also took place, with young riders performing a variety of skills while on horseback.
Later on, the festivities continued with a few riders trying their hand at roping. Future cowboys and cowgirls traded in their reins for lassos while a makeshift bull went through several rounds of rope tosses.
The night wrapped up under rainy and muddy conditions as monster trucks made their return to the fair’s track. Four monster trucks sprayed mud all over the harness track while a fifth gave fans rides around the infield.
Check out all the photos from the day below.
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