It's hard to believe it's already fair time. Last year during the Marion County Fair, my niece won a rabbit. Then we missed the shuttle back to our truck, which meant that I got to wrangle a live rabbit all the way across the fairgrounds, then through the enormous parking area. I'm happy to report that I did not drop the rabbit, and both of us arrived relatively unharmed. It's amazing to me that a year has already gone by. Here are some good things to know ahead of the 2014 Marion County Fair in Palmyra, which is scheduled for July 26 - August 2.

The Marion County Fair is old. The first recorded Marion County Fair dates all the way back to 1853! This year, admission is still just 50¢ per person. A $3 weekly pass is also available in advance at Flower City Florist, Exchange Bank and from the 4-H Club.

The Fair kicks off with the parade at 10 a.m. on July 26. Opening day activities also include the KC's BBQ at the courthouse lawn, car & motorcycle show, and the queen pageants. The Tate Shade Memorail Bull Bash - Arena Cowboy Shoot Out begins at 7 p.m. in the Arena.

There are special days at the fair. For example, Kids Day at the Fair is Thursday, July 31. Kids get on the grounds free during Kids Day. Church Day at the Fair, featuring performances by local church groups, is July 27.

The Carnival begins on July 29, and will operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through August 2. Armbands for rides are $20 at the fair, but can be purchased in advance for $18 through July 28 at Exchange Bank, Flower City Florist Mercantile, Nearly New, HomeBank, Abels Quick Stop and County Market, all in Palmyra. The Hannibal County Market is also selling advance armbands.

Live entertainment for 2014 includes a July 30 performance from Clockwork, a band made of up of local musicians who have performed throughout the area. The boys in Clockwork are students at Vancil Performing Arts Center. Rock-N-Roll Revival will take the stage on July 31, and play music from Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Creedance Clearwater Revival, and many others.

There's big money at stake in the demolition derby. The Palmyra Jaycees' 35th annual Demolition Derby on Friday, August 1 will award over $12,000 in prize money. The admission for the derby is $8 for adults and $4 for kids 6 - 12. Pit passes are available to those 16 and older for an additional $10 per person.

There are a ton of other activities planned for this year's fair, including an art show, supercross & 4 wheeler race, tractor games, truck & tractor pulls, a horseshoe tournament with cash prizes, and several more. The Palmyra Chamber of Commerce has posted a PDF of the full fair schedule online at ShowMePalmyra.com.

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