An interesting combination for sure, but those are two of the new attractions for this year’s Leavenworth County Fair, set for July 29-Aug. 2 in Tonganoxie.

The monster truck exhibition will take place during the demolition derby Aug. 2.

Children 12 and younger also can buy raffle tickets for a chance to ride in the monster truck. Tickets — $1 each or six for $5 — will be sold from the fair office throughout fair week with proceeds going to the fair association.

“We’re trying to give them a little more entertainment,” said Mike Johnson, Leavenworth County Fair Board president.

The pony rides are a new attraction that will be available throughout fair week east of the grandstand. Rides are $5. Youths also can get their photos with the ponies for $12.

And though they didn’t take place during the fair last year, the open horse show will be July 31 in the 4-H Horse Arena and the mud run will make its return Aug. 1 near the north ball fields at the fairgrounds.

The carnival and food stands always are popular with fairgoers. The food court will have its regular vendors, along with other food stands situated throughout the fairgrounds.

The carnival, meanwhile, will have all of its regular games and rides. Organizers also are offering two armband discount nights for rides. Visitors can purchase the armbands for $22 each night July 30 and 31. The armbands allow them admission all night to the rides.

Food, carnival rides and mud runs bring in the crowds, but the exhibits shouldn’t be overlooked, Johnson said.

After all, the exhibits are what first got the annual event started nearly 90 years ago.

“It used to be one of the largest in the state of Kansas and might still be,” Johnson said, referring to the number of entries the fair has each year. “Our entries for livestock, cattle were just as good this year as last year, as far as entries.”

Other highlights of the Leavenworth County Fair include the parade, which starts at 6:30 p.m. July 29 in downtown Tonganoxie. This year’s theme is “Sew It, Grow It, Show It.”

The Al Dyer Memorial Draft Horse Pull is 8 p.m. July 29, the Hot Rod Garden Tractors event 7 p.m. July 30 in the grandstand and the 49th annual livestock auction Aug. 1 in the livestock show arena.

Senior day at the fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1, always is a popular event for senior citizens and the pie baking contest, also scheduled that day, was popular in its debut last year. The Fairmounters, a local bluegrass band, will perform at 8 p.m. that night.

The fair’s final day always seems to bring out the youths during the day, with turtle races and the youth pedal tractor pull that afternoon.

“I’m just looking forward to an adventurous fair with a few more things,” Johnson said.