When the Warren County Fair opens next week, Board President Paul Owenby hopes for two things: pleasant temperatures and a strong turnout.Organizers are forecasting another successful year with the Fair, as long as the rainy weather that has plagued the region in recent weeks stays away.“I think everybody is ready for some sunshine and 80-degree weather,” Owenby said. “Nice weather will bring people out.”The Fair opens Tuesday, June 30, and ends Saturday, July 4, at the Warren County Fairgrounds, located on North Highway 47 in Warrenton.The Fair parade will take place this Sunday, June 28, beginning at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Country Flair at the Warren County Fair.”The daily lineup features carnival rides, kids activities and nightly featured entertainment, including BMX races, rodeo, motocross, demolition derby, livestock auction and truck and tractor pull. This year’s schedule also features the return of live music to the main stage.The Rough Ryders, a seven-piece country cover band, will perform Friday, July 3, from 8 to 11 p.m. The opening musical act is Borderline at 6 p.m. The city of Warrenton will sponsor the live music, along with a fireworks show Saturday, July 4.“We hope it’s an enjoyable experience for everybody,” Owenby said.A few changes have been made to this year’s Fair schedule compared to last year, but the most noticeable difference is the parade route.Sunday’s parade, which serves as the kick off for the week, will return to Main Street in Warrenton. The route will begin near the Warren County Courthouse and end near Truesdale City Hall. Lineup for entries begins at 2 p.m.There is no cost to be in the parade and preregistration is not required.The last time the parade was on Main Street was in 2009. Since then, the parade has started on Kuhl Avenue near Black Hawk Middle School and ended at Warrenton High School.Owenby said the route change has been well received.“A lot of people have said it is a good thing,” he remarked.The queen contest will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m., with the BMX racing on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, the livestock auction and truck and tractor pull will start at 7 p.m. The following night, the motocross races start at 7 p.m.Saturday’s activities include a baby show at 10 a.m., a washer tournament at noon, kids games at 12:30 p.m., pedal tractor pull at 2 p.m., greased pig scramble at 6 p.m., demolition derby and goat costume show at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks at 9 a.m.The Ozark Rodeo Association also will host two shows Saturday at noon and 7 p.m.“Saturday will be a pretty busy day,” Owenby said.Live music will be in the beer garden every night except Friday. A number of vendors also will be present, Owenby said.Season passes can be purchased for $35 and are available at local banks or from any queen contestant.Once again, carnival rides are included in the paid admission. The fee for the opening day June 30 is $5 for all attendees. It increases to $10 Wednesday and $15 Thursday through Saturday for attendees 13 and older.Senior Citizen Day will be celebrated Thursday with half-price admission between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.For children ages 7 to 12, admission is $5 Wednesday and $10 Thursday through Saturday.“If you’re planning on coming two to three days, the season pass is the best route,” Owenby noted.Over the past couple of weeks, volunteers have spent time painting a couple of the exhibit halls and pavilions at the fairgrounds getting ready for what they hope is a week full of fun.“We are thankful for the support from the city to the volunteers,” Owenby said. “A lot of volunteers give their time to make this successful.”For more information or to see a full schedule of next week’s Fair events, visit www.wcmofair.com.

QUEEN CONTESTANTS — Eight contestants are vying for Warren County Fair queen this year. The coronation ceremony will be held Tuesday, June 30, at 7 p.m. Pictured, front row from left, are Danielle Wiltsch (Martin Funeral Home), Lauren Potthast (Merten's Trucking), Karrie Roseman (Gastorf Chevrolet) and Kalee Kelly (Rebecca Chapman Photography). Back row, from left, are Candice Edwards (Edwards Brothers and Sisters), Shayann Terry (Fireside Bar & Grill), 2014 Fair Queen Jennah Garrison and Kaitlyn LaRue (Town & Country Garage). Not pictured is Katlyn Branson (Owenby Trucking). The Fair kicks off with a parade June 28 at 4 p.m. The Fair concludes Saturday, July 4.

Tim Schmidt photo.