Othello Fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby set for this week

OTHELLO — The Othello Fair is bigger than ever. No, really – Othello Fair Committee member Becky Flint said the number of entries has surged to record levels. 

She estimated about 7,000 entries between the livestock, arts and crafts, horticulture, photography and fine arts departments, among others.  

"We have tons of exhibits," Flint said. "That's the most ever." 

The crowd has spilled over the fairgrounds campground. 

"I have 40 more campers than usual. No, I bet I have 50 campers more than usual," she said.  

The fair begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday. The annual Othello Demolition Derby is scheduled for Wednesday, with the Othello PRCA Rodeo Friday and Saturday. 

The fairgrounds is located at 1997 Fairgrounds Road, with the rodeo arena directly behind it at 940 Bulldogger Lane. The street address is 821 South Reynolds Road.  

Volunteers have been working to prepare the rodeo grounds, according to the rodeo association, and Flint said there have been improvements at the fairgounds. 

"We've doubled the rabbit barn. We have a brand-new beef office," she said.  

Money for fairgrounds improvements is raised through a donation drive during the annual livestock sale, she said.  

The fairgrounds and rodeo grounds will be bustling throughout fair week, starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday with livestock market classes. Judging for non-livestock entries is scheduled for Wednesday morning; exhibit buildings open at 9 a.m. each day.  

The carnival opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Carnival rides open a little earlier, at 3 p.m., the rest of the week. It's open until the fairgrounds close each night. Entertainers, ranging from jugglers and balloonists to local performers, will be walking the fairgrounds each day and singing on the CBHA Stage each afternoon and evening.  

The Kids Zone is stocked with attractions for children and is open each day.  

The annual Demolition Derby begins with the driver's meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. There's a full schedule of racing, with trophy dashes, heat races, powder puff race, and the annual Bill Bagwell Memorial prior to the finale. 

The Othello Fair has been around for decades, and traditions have grown up around it, especially at the food court – the chicken dinners at the Othello Rotary booth, the spoon tacos from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the elephant ears from the Othello ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The elephant ears are such a hit, there's always a line, Flint said. 

"There's always a line. I always wait until 10 at night, right before I go to bed, and there's still a long line," she said.  

The annual Rascal Rodeo is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the rodeo arena. Its organizers partner with the rodeo association and the Othello Walmart. Admission is free.  

People of all ages who have physical or developmental challenges are invited to meet horses and cattle up close, along with participating in games and races. The Adams County Sheriff's Posse assists with the horses. 

The first rodeo performance begins at 9 p.m. Friday. It features classic rodeo events, including bronc and bull riding and barrel racing.  

The annual Othello Fair parade rolls and walks down Main Street at 10 a.m. Parade participants assemble on 13th street, just behind Othello Community Hospital. 

A beanbag toss tournament is scheduled for Saturday morning at the fairgrounds, which will be open all day. 

Flint said she's looking forward to it.  

"The barns are very full, and we're getting very excited," she said. 

    A mosaic made from local crops catches the attention of Lacy Roylance at the 2025 Othello Fair. The fair opens its 2026 run Wednesday.
  

    The annual Othello Demolition Derby fills the rodeo arena Wednesday.
  

    Wacey Schalla fights to hang on for eight seconds during the 2025 Othello Rodeo. The 2026 rodeo is Friday and Saturday.