The 15^th annual Merritt Barbeque will kick off the Crook County Fair at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 10. The barbeque is a benefit for the Greg Merritt Community Scholarship Fund which assists Crook County High School graduates with college expenses. This year’s scholarship recipients are Blake Bartels, Connor Chaney, Cole Ovens, Alexa Pepper and Madeline Woodward.

The scholarship fund was established in 2001 by family and friends to honor the life of Greg Merritt, a prominent local farmer and agri-businessman who strongly believed in education and community service. Greg and his wife Gail were involved in the fair and the 4-H and FFA auction for many years. Greg was a candidate for Crook County judge when he died of cancer at age 54.

The public is invited to the barbecue at the Crook County Fairgrounds. Cost for the dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and includes tri-tip beef, crowd-pleasing-always-ask-for-second-helping cheesy potatoes, salad, rolls, drinks and dessert. All proceeds support scholarships for graduating CCHS seniors.

June Bug, a high energy folk-rock trio that rocks and rolls until the cows come home, will perform on the outdoor stage after the barbeque.