State Fair Hound awakens from a nap with a sense of anticipation as there are now two months to go until opening day, Aug 20.

Announcements should be coming soon on entertainment, exhibits and performances scheduled for this year. We’re hoping for some good new ones to complement the established favorites. The rest of the concert slate is also in the offing and they will have to go quite a distance to compensate for the dismal agenda already announced. A new concert promoter hasn’t done anything to distinguished itself from the ineptitude of the previous agency. But there’s still time.

A new sheep barn and wool center is partially completed and a new horse barn is also opening this year as the emphasis continues on paying tribute to the agricultural roots of the Fair. Admission prices are unchanged from last year, but vendors are facing challenges that could affect the cost of Fair food indulgence.

The Hound has a pile of great photos which will run through Labor Day for your enjoyment. Stay tuned.