Salt Lake County Fair returning Aug. 11-14

The Fair is on.

For the 74th year, the Salt Lake County Fair will commence, this year on Aug. 11-14 at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park in South Jordan.

County Mayor Peter Corroon held a short press conference on June 23 at Wheeler Farm in Murray to issue that assurance. There had been speculation that because of serious budget shortfalls in the county, the fair could fall victim and perhaps be cancelled this year. Corroon said that is not the case.

"The fair is very important to Salt Lake County and a wonderful tradition to be preserved," he said. "There is great agricultural and artistic history among our residents, and the fair gives everyone an opportunity to come out and enjoy them."

Flanked by his wife Amy, their daughter Sophie, and Wheeler's own Cowboy Rick and his cow Bonnie, Corroon also announced a new contest to be held in conjunction with this year's fair, called "Take Your Best Shot."

"It is a photography contest where we're asking entrants to submit their best photographs of two wonderful county landmarks—here at Historic Wheeler Farm, or the Salt Lake City-County Building downtown," Corroon said. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 7, and judges will review the photos and announce the winner during the fair, with a gift certificate as grand prize.

With the theme "Follow Me to the Fair," this year's event will once again feature lots of free entertainment, including an opening night concert on Aug. 11 from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Though that concert is free, the public will still need tickets to attend. Those tickets will become available on July 14 on the fair website at www.countyfair.slco.org.

In addition to lots of free booths and demonstrations, there will be numerous competitions. This year's pie-making contest will be judged on Key Lime pie, one of the mayor's favorites. Amy Corroon said she has a special recipe she wants to try this year for the pie.

"It's actually a recipe I got from a friend of mine who's also named Amy," she said.

Corey Bullock, who oversees the fair each year, said there was never any serious discussion about not holding the event.

"Somehow there were rumors out there that we might not hold it, so we wanted to reassure everyone that the fair is returning again and we're very excited about this year's event."

Admission to the fair is free once again, though there is a small charge for parking at the fairgrounds. Food booths and carnival rides cost as well. The equestrian park is located at 2100 West 11400 South in South Jordan.

CAPTION: Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, daughter Sophie and wife Amy visit with Cowboy Rick and Bonnie the cow, along with two young friends, during the announcement of this year's Salt Lake County Fair. The annual event returns Aug. 11-14 in South Jordan.