The 2008 Mighty Howard County Fair will introduce several new contests and new headlining bands, in addition to bringing back some favorite activities and performances from previous year’s fairs.
    This summer’s fair, to be held June 25-29, promises to offer more contests that will appeal to both youth and adults alike.
    A two-night karaoke contest is tentatively scheduled to take place in the fair pavillion on Friday and Saturday during the fair. Finalists will sing sometime Saturday night, according to Tom Barnes, executive secretary of Howard County Agricultural Society.
    Another new contest may excite fans of the popular video game Guitar Hero. Contestants will have the chance to show off their Guitar Hero skills during the fair.
    A Homemade Soup Contest will premiere at this summer’s fair. The tentative schedule says entries will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday of the fair. Judging will take place at that time and a tasting party will be held after the judging.
    Old favorites like the Times Plain Dealer’s “My World” Photo Contest, kids’ pedal pull, various taste-testing contests, the cookout contest and the annual baby contest. Other contests include: Popcorn Creations, Decorated Raw Potato, Rock Creations, Strawberry Dessert, Apple Pie, Hot Dips & Cold Dips, Favorite Cupcake, Taste of Honey, Chocolate Chip Cookie and Best Kolache Maker.
    The Ag Art Contest, featuring art made from materials like straw, hay, nuts and grain, will once again take place at the fair. Fairgoers will vote for their favorite entry and winners will be announced Sunday.
    “We’ll have the most contests of any fair in Iowa, besides the state fair,” Barnes said.
    The dates and times of the contests have not yet been finalized. The official fair schedule will be released at www.mhcfair.com soon.
    Another kid-friendly activity new to the fair this year will be an old car that kids can paint on throughout the five-day event. A unique coloring contest is also being planned.
    Classic rock band Head East will headline the grandstand at 8 p.m.  Friday evening of the fair.
    The five-member band, which has been together since the 1970s, consists of Roger Boyd (keyboards and vocals), Greg Manahan (bass, lead guitar and vocals), Glen Bridger (lead guitar and vocals), Eddy Jones (drums and vocals), and Darrin Walker (lead vocals and bass). Head East will play several original songs during their set list, along with covers of classic rock favorites.
    Country rock singer/songwriter Candy Coburn will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 28.
    The rising Nashville star plays high energy shows. Coburn has opened for entertainers like Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Tammy Cochran, Joe Nichols, Blake Shelton, Reba McIntire and Brad Paisley.   
    Other grandstand entertainment will   include the Truck & Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. June 25, stock car races starting with hot laps at 6 p.m. June 29 and the T&C Rodeo starting with Mutton Bustin’ at 7 p.m. and the opening service and ceremony at 8 p.m. June 26.
    The Kenya Safari Acrobats will be back by popular demand at the 2008 county fair. The acrobats, who also performed last year, will perform all five days of the fair. They will put on three shows on each day from Wednesday through Friday and four shows on both Saturday and Sunday.
    Other events of note include a polka dance on June 29, Master Gardener activities, 4-H and FFA entries and shows and the fair queen crowning.