MOUNT VERNON — When Jim Ruhl answered the phone, he was in middle of painting a starting gate for a wiener dog race. This can only mean one thing: the Knox County Fair is fast approaching.
The 177th fair will take place July 26 to Aug. 1. The opening ceremonies kick off Sunday at 5 p.m.
Ruhl has been president of the Knox County Fair for 13 years. He has seen many changes occur, and although this year may only bring a few, here’s what fairgoers should be aware of going into next week:
Gate changes and parking
Gates open daily at 8 a.m. and all parking at the Knox County Fair is free.
The walk-up gate located at the southeast end of the fairgrounds is closed indefinitely. Instead, a new pedestrian and golf cart entrance will be located at the Ramser 4-H Activity Center.
Gates 1 through 4 will be open for public entry. Gate 1 will accept only cash or pass while Gates 2, 3 and 4 will accept credit cards.
“Moving further in the next 5 or 6 years, I think the state’s going to basically push us to no cash. Everything will be a card. (We are) trying to take small steps, so it’s not too big of a adjustment for everybody,” Ruhl said.
Gate 5 is for camping access only, vehicles without a camping area parking pass will not be permitted.
Fairgoers should enter from Fairgrounds Road and Perimeter Drive or McKenzie Road and Perimeter Drive.
Other changes
Construction on the new Midway Stage was officially complete Monday night, according to Ruhl. It is located between the 4-H Booth Barn and the Cafeteria.
Events will take place there nearly every night. Eddie and the Getaway will perform July 31 at 7:30 p.m. with special guest The Roads Below.
The old stage is still in place, but will no longer be used. New blacktop has also been installed around the fairgrounds.
The caretaker’s house has been demolished. Plans are in motion to repurpose the lot, but nothing has been made official, Ruhl said.
Fairgoers are encouraged to check out the Knox County Fair website ahead of the festivities.
