LIMA, OH (WLIO) — The 176th Allen County Fair is underway, and while fair officials work hard to introduce new attractions each year, some longstanding traditions remain a favorite among attendees.
One of those traditions is the free concerts at the Gospel Singing Tent, which has been a staple of the fair for nearly half a century.
Organizers showcase a mix of local talent and national acts, all with the same goal of sharing the love of God.
On Monday, After Grace, a duo from Nashville, shared an inspirational message through their music.
While the message remains the same, the genre of music varies from Christian pop and country to Christian hip-hop for younger audiences.
“I think bringing the variety in just lets everybody know that it's for everybody, and we wanted to appease everybody and we want everybody to have a good time. So, that's why we try to give it the variety as well because Jesus is here, the love of Jesus is here. So, we just want to show you love and let our light shine and just it's a very happy, joyous time,” says Debbie Burrell, with the Allen County Fair Gospel Tent.
The Christian concerts begin at 7 p.m. every night at the fair.
Over at the grandstand, another staple of the Allen County Fair and other local fairs is harness racing.
Drivers come from across Ohio and beyond to compete in one-mile pace or trot races. In addition to watching the horses compete on the track, attendees also had the chance to place a couple of dollars on who they thought would win, place or show.
Allen County harness racing wraps up Tuesday night with another slate of races beginning at 6 p.m.
