By Natalie Morales
Enquirer staff writer

From corn dogs to cattle, a Ferris wheel to concerts, the 72nd annual Boone County 4-H and Utopia Fair, which started Monday afternoon, has something everyone can enjoy.

The fair is one of only a few in the area that is centered around 4-H activities, said Christy Eastwood, Boone County 4-H youth development agent.

The pig in the girls pig scramble at the Boone County Fair, Burlington, changes direction, leaving her pursuers in the dust on the first full day of the fair. (Enquirer photo/PATRICK REDDY)

"It's a big family thing," said Kayla Rouse, 17, of Union. "We're up here all week, pretty much from morning till night."

Rouse is in the Boone County 4-H Club and is showing chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits and a dairy steer at the fair. She said her brother is showing animals, too.

More horses are shown than any other animal at the fair. A different horse show takes place each evening, with a championship closing out the week Saturday night, said Daisy Fryman, a Boone County 4-H Council member of Burlington.

Younger fairgoers can test their pig-catching skills at the Youth Pig Scramble at the main show ring. Girls 9 younger competed Monday evening, and boys can compete Thursday at 6:45 p.m.

The kids who can catch and hold onto the slippery, greased little pigs win $25.

Kids also can register for a rock race at 6 p.m. today - bring your own rock and roll it down a ramp. And just about anyone can join in the bubblegum-blowing or watermelon-seed spitting contests today, with registration also at 6 p.m.

Some other favorites:

• A demolition derby, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

• A youth talent contest, noon Friday.

• ATV pull at 7 p.m. today.

• Tractor pull at 7 p.m. Saturday.

If you go

What: Boone County 4-H and Utopia Fair

When: Through Saturday

Where: Boone County Fairgrounds, Idlewild Road, Burlington

Cost: $7 per person, age 3 and older

Information: Call (859)-568-9968 or visit www.boonecountyfair.org

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E-mail nmorales@enquirer.com