The Ogema Agricultural Society Summer Fair has been a staple for the community of Ogema for over a century. According to Ogema’s website, the agricultural society was formed in 1914 and four years later, the summer fair was born. Since then, there has only been one year that a summer fair or a sports day was not held.
This year, they are keeping the tradition alive with their 109th annual Summer Fair this coming weekend on Saturday, July 12th. It’s a jam-packed day with a parade, sports hall of fame, petting zoo, beach volleyball, live entertainment and fireworks and so much more.
Another one of the entertaining activities joining alongside the fair this year is the Ogema Classic Show and Shine. Keith Bacon, one of the organizers of the car show, talks about the full weekend of fun upcoming.
“Well, we're excited this year. We're doing it a little differently. We're having the Ogema Show & Shine in conjunction with the Ogema fair this coming Saturday, July 12th. So not only will it provide a day full of activities besides the car show but it will give car enthusiasts the chance to drive their vehicle in the parade if they desire and yeah, just looking forward to a great day.”
For those interested in participating in the show and shine, registration is at the R.M. shop at 9:45 A.M. with the parade starting at 10:00 and the show and shine will run afterwards until 3:30 P.M. at the Ogema Regional Park.
This year proceeds from the event will go towards the Ogema’s Grandstand Restoration Project. Bacon explains the work that they’ve done to the grandstand over the last little while to help restore it to its original glory.
“We have a grandstand in front of our ball diamond at the park in Ogema. It's over 100 years or about 100 years old now and over the last 8-10 months I guess, we've been rebuilding it back to its original form (and) nearly complete. It was a big project and yeah, like every small town, we didn't get a lot of grants to help with rebuild. So, lots of donations to cover the cost.”
Bacon explains there is nearly an endless number of activities going on during the Ogema Summer Fair; including men’s fastball, Filipino dancers, kids rodeo barrel racing, the swimming pool, the tourist train with the Southern Prairie Railway, and more.
For more information surrounding the Ogema Agricultural Society’s 109th annual summer fair, check out their Facebook page. Check out the Ogema’s Grandstand Restoration Project’s Facebook page to see their progress and contact Keith Bacon by calling or texting 306-459-7779.