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Fifteen-year-old Madison Kitcoff and her 2-year-old German shorthaired pointer, Gretta, were patiently waiting in the wings during Friday night's 4-H Dog Agility Show.

Last year, the duo were Grand Champions of the event, and Madison said she was feeling some pressure to repeat.

"It's going to be harder this year, because I'm not using a leash like I did last year," she said. "I'll be using only verbal commands."

Madison, as well as her 12-year-old sister, Cheyenne, and her dog, Bear (Gretta's brother), were competing in the Intermediate A division. There is also an Intermediate B division and two beginner divisions -- all based on experience rather than age -- plus an age-based division for kindergartners through second-graders.

"Last year, we had the fastest time but the most penalty points," Cheyenne said. "This year, I hope we do better. I'd like to beat my sister."

The Kitcoffs were just two of 32 entries in the competition, attended by well over 100 enthusiastic onlookers in the Livestock Arena. The crowd cheered for dogs named Rascal, Buddy and Otis as they ran through tunnels, hopped over hurdles, scaled ramps and scampered over a teeter-totter.

The dogs were judged by how quickly they completed the obstacle course and how many penalty points they were assessed for going around an obstacle, knocking over a hurdle bar or leaping off a ramp too soon.

"It's a friendly competition," said Tia Self, one of the event's co-leader. "We try to make it a fun event for the kids." She added that in 4-H dog training, obedience is stressed first, with agility and showmanship taking on lesser importance.

Madison said she and Gretta -- and her sister and Bear -- spend three to four hours a week practicing on an agility course at their home near Lake Monroe. The girls give the dogs Beggin' Strips or Cesar Treats when they successfully conquer an obstacle.

But they also have plenty of fun. The pooches love to leap off a dock into Lake Monroe, explore trails on their property and fetch balls. After a full day of play, the two dogs sleep on their respective humans beds.

"They're spoiled," Madison admitted.

Talent show

Not far from the Dog Agility Show, in the Draper-Earles Auditorium, 29 two-legged contestants were competing in the Monroe County Talent Show. There were 11 in the 12-and-under division and 18 in the 13-to-21 division. The vast majority were female.

Youngsters competed in different categories -- such as dance solo, vocal group or vocal male solo. In the younger division, four of the six categories had only one entry. In the older division, 8 of the 9 categories had a single entrant.

In each age division, the largest number of competitors was in the female solo vocal category, which together drew a total of 14 entrants.

"All our first-place winners can enter the state fair's talent show next week if they want to," said Amber Ragle, the show's coordinator.

Diet? What diet?

Rebecca Howell and Brittany Levato, college roommates at Indiana University, were among many who -- despite the 95-degree heat -- were munching on roasted corn on the cob.

Howell admitted she always leaves her dietary concerns at the fair entrance gate.

"They roast the corn and then dip it in a big vat of melted butter," she said. "After this, I'm going to get a corn dog and a deep-fried Snickers. I've always wanted to try one."

Kevin Stegemoller was with his wife, Kelly, and their three young children. The family was strolling through the animal barn, but Kevin's mind was elsewhere.

"I'm looking forward to a pork tenderloin," he said. "Food is a big part of the fair experience."

Final day Saturday

Saturday is the last day of the Monroe County Fair, at 5700 W. Airport Road. General admission is $5 per car.

Activities include an open dairy show at 10 a.m. in the livestock arena, and a 4-H Parade of Champions at noon in the auditorium. The big show of the night is the demolition derby at 7 p.m. in the grandstand. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for those 12 and younger.

The carnival and its rides will open at 5 p.m., with all rides requiring a $1 ticket.