The 2026 version of the East Perry Community Fair is now complete, and in retrospect, I think the Fair Board would agree that the weather for this year’s event could not have been better. As a result, it sure looked to me that it was very well attended. It was truly two great days of community celebration.

I will attempt once again to give but a glimpse of what I witnessed at this year’s fair. I know that I did not see it all. After all, at my advancing age, I have transitioned into becoming a daylight fair attender. When the lights come on at night, it’s time for me to head to bed. The part of the fair happening later at night has not been documented by me.

The first event I witnessed yesterday was the Pedal Tractor Pull for the youngsters. The kiddos try so hard to get their pedal tractor as far as they can, while their moms and dads, grandparents, and friends cheer them on. It is a real treat to watch.

Here’s a video that gives more of an idea of the audience.

Several buildings on the fairgrounds are dedicated to displaying the products of hard work done by local folks. There are plenty of handcrafted items, photographs, garden produce, and small farm animals to be viewed by fairgoers.

Larger animals are also on display in other sheds. Some of these animals can be seen at various times out with their owners as they are being judged by their appearance and abilities.

A midway is another place where a crowd can always be found. It especially appeals to the younger ones, but the adults certainly enjoy watching the young ones having fun.

The East Perry Community Fair may be one of the only such gatherings that features a Mule Jumping Contest. It is an event that already has a long history. I am told that it represents the fact that back in the days, locals would go coon hunting, taking with them a hound and a mule. The mules would be required to jump fences on occasion. Those skills have morphed into holding a contest at a fair to demonstrate how high of a fence a mule could jump. There are different categories of mules, depending on size. I will display several still shots of different mules jumping, followed by a few videos.

Here are a couple videos.

I am going to leave you with this photo I think tells a little bit about what kind of a fair we have here in East Perry County.

A mom…her son…enjoying their time operating one of the beer stands…also raising funds for a local gentleman with medical issues. There is true joy in their smiles.

That’s a wrap…till next year.