Entertainment
There is plenty of fun and entertainment at the Allen County Fair
During the 9 day fair, there are many events and shows that will be fun for the whole family. These include grandstand events, some of which are free, the plaza stage, and the gospel singing tent, which will feature concerts every night.
Extreme Raptors Show
A boyhood spent growing up in the National Seashore wilderness of New York’s Fire Island nurtured Jonathan Wood’s fascination with birds and birding. A chance encounter with a young falcon stranded on the beach lured him into the ancient art of falconry. He started training falcons at age 12 and by age 16 was a recognized ornithologist, write and wildlife photographer with his own weekly bird column.
In 1996, Wood founded Raptor Project Inc., training and caring for the largest traveling collection of birds of prey in the world, with raptors from a wide variety of habitats and countries. Jonathan is one of the few professional master falconers in America delivering over 700 lectures, shows and large exhibits across the US annually affecting millions of fans.
Wood is a federally licensed Master Falconer, Wildlife Rehabilitator, Raptor Propagator and is also licensed to handle eagles and endangered species for educational purposes. His expertise has placed him in demand as a consultant to national zoos and he works regularly on movies, documentaries, commercials, theatrical productions and books. In 2003 he was awarded the National Conservation Medal at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
Jonathan Wood is the inspiration for the character Jon Wood in the popular novel Frightful’s Mountain by award winning author Jean Craighead George.
His frequent road tours take him to many major events, fairs and festivals, as well as a variety of colleges, schools, museums and wildlife centers. Along with his feathered friends, he is regularly highlighted on national television including Animal Planet, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic Explorer, The Learning Channel, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show, Regis and Kelly, Fox and Friends, CNN, ESPN, PBS, CBN and TBN. In 2011, Jonathan Wood produced Extreme Raptors – the world’s largest birds of prey show for Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.
Between busy road tours, Jonathan, his wife Susan and daughter Rachel reside in the heart of New York’s Catskill mountains and winters are spent at their home on North Padre Island on the Texas Gulf coast. Currently Wood is a sponsored member of Nikon’s Birding Prostaff.
Extreme Raptors Show will be located in Roschman Park, daily, from Friday, August 16 through Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Magician, Comedian Michael Misko
Part magician. Part actor. All entertainer.
Michael is an internationally award-winning magician whose performances have literally taken him around the world!
With an education in theatre, Michael’s greatest asset is the ability to combine sleight of hand technique and theatrical motivation to form a seamless evening of inspired, skilled, and entertaining magic.
Come see Michael Misko at the Nutrien Plaza Stage from August 20th through August 24th.
Jungle Island Zoo
Jungle Island Zoo is an “extremely entertaining and excitingly educational exotic animal encounter!” They feature numerous rare and unusual animals from around the world. Visitors can observe, pet and feed the animals at their leisure and, unlike scheduled shows, “everyone gets a front row seat”! Young and old alike are fascinated with the hands on exposure to animals most have only seen on television or in distant zoo enclosures. The zoo is family operated; the staff is clean, friendly and knowledgeable. Attendants are always available to provide interesting and fun facts or to answer questions one-on-one.
Jungle Island Zoo’s mobile bird encounter is a delightful experience for the entire family. Imagine the fun and excitement of hand-feeding hundreds of brightly colored parakeets as they utter about. Hear the children’s squeals and laughter of adults amid the chirping songs and swishing of countless wings. Hold tightly to your feed “stix” as dozens of these feathered jewels scramble for the best perch. Truly a close encounter of the “bird” kind!
Photos with the babies are offered (at an additional cost) for those wanting a memento of their visit. Special feed is available (for a small fee) at the entrance. Hand sanitizing stations are provided as well. Colorful and attractive pens, informative signs, spacious walkways and clean surroundings lend to the petting zoo’s overall magnetism.
Jungle Island Zoo will be located in Roschman Park, daily, from Friday, August 16 through Saturday, August 24, 2024. Admission is free to the zoo.
Be sure to visit our new mobile bird encounter located next to the petting zoo!
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers bring the excitement of the full-throttle art form to events across the Nation. Their shows are performed by the top carvers in the country and the audience gets a front row seat as the carvers transform a log into an amazing sculpture. As a log is selected, the chain saw starts and everyone will watch in amazement while the artist creates a beautiful work of art.
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers are from French Lick, IN and their carvers have performed for Nascar, Professional Bull Riders Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Extreme Home Makeover, Daytona Bike Week, Harley Davidson and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Bear Hollow’s chainsaw carver will be returning to the Allen County Fair Roschman Park from Monday, August 19 through Saturday, August 24, 2024. The carvings will be auctioned off on Saturday, August 24 at 2:30 p.m. on the Nutrien Plaza Stage.
Karaoke By Lynette
In 2005 Lynette started running open mic Karaoke shows in the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach area. Within a very short time Lynette was working 6 nights a week and was in demand in a very competitive market. This included a 13 year run at a local venue in Pompano Beach and Other notable venues in surrounding areas as well..
Lynette also booked private parties including multiple New Years Eve events where she and her husband entertained New Years Eve party goers.
Since moving to Lima in 2015 Lynette primarily plays in local clubs such as Lima Fraternal Order of Eagles, Delphos Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Lima Elks Club, and the Lima Moose as well as occasionally playing some of the same clubs at Indian Lake.
Lynette is very happy to have the opportunity to provide her services for the Allen County Fair and looks forward to the event.
Karaoke by Lynette will be at the Nutrien Plaza Stage on August 18, 20 and 24 from 8PM to 11PM.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation – 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit
Since 2013, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit has traveled the country educating Americans about what happened that day. The exhibit features artifacts from the World Trade Center and guided tours from FDNY Firefighters who responded to Ground Zero on September 11th.
Tours are conducted by retired New York City Firefighters who responded on September 11, 2001. They share stories of what happened that day and the days after, bringing history to life for those who were born after September 11th or are too young to remember it.
The 83-foot tractor-trailer transforms into a 1,100 square foot exhibit which features World Trade Center Steel, aluminum facade from the buildings, radio transmissions from first responders and items found in the rubble after the Twin Towers collapsed.
This mobile exhibit will be open daily: August 16th 4PM-9PM and August 17th-24th 1PM-9PM
The Farmer Travis Show
The Magic of Farming with Farmer Travis is a combination of stand-up comedy, magic tricks and education. Most of the show is interactive, with many of the stunts requiring a helper from the audience.
While agriculture-themed entertainment is becoming more common at the fairs, Farmer Travis says he’s one of the few performers who was raised in an agriculture family and has another career in the field. He hopes to show kids around the state that there’s a future in farming for everyone.
Join Farmer Travis August 16th through August 19th at the Nutrien Plaza Stage!
