County fair to begin day earlier
Although school has started back and football season has begun, the feeling of fall won't truly arrive until the Faulkner County Fair begins Tuesday at the YBMA Fairgrounds.
Although last year's attendance was low the week after the Sept. 11 attacks, fair planners are hoping county residents will bring their newfound patriotism to this year's fair and parade. In order to allow everyone plenty of time to enjoy the fair, the fair board voted to start the fair on Tuesday, one day earlier than normal.
The fair parade at 4 p.m. Wednesday is also expected to be highly attended. This is the first year in recent memory that candidates in the November general election will be allowed to campaign around or in the parade. Gubernatorial candidate Jimmie Lou Fisher is expected to ride in the parade, as is Lt. Gov. Winthrop Paul Rockefeller III.
The parade customarily kicks off the first day of the fair, however this year the fair will begin Tuesday at the YBMA Fairgrounds. The midway will open at 6 p.m. on weekdays and noon on the weekend. The fair will conclude Saturday.
All the favorite fair activities from past years will be back, including rides, livestock and a variety of food for sale. Spring Hill Concessions will be on hand selling typical "fair-style" food and the Lions Club will be selling soft drinks in the central area of the midway. St. Joseph Catholic Church will also be running the bingo tables again at the fair.
The fair board has decided to sell books of ride tickets instead of individual tickets and believe the ticket books will drastically reduce the cost of riding a particular ride.
Local entertainers will showcase the main stage throughout the week. Talent from local beauty pageants will perform Tuesday, the Second Baptist Church Choir will perform Wednesday, Denise Winkleman will sing on Thursday, Terry Fiddler and Yesteryear will perform Friday, and the Toad Suck Symphony Orchestra will perform Saturday night.
Livestock judging and contests will be held every day, leading up to a junior livestock auction for the Grand Champions. Youngsters will auction off their Grand Champions for charity, the profit from the auction will go to charity and the animal will be returned to its young owner. The junior livestock auction will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Admission to the fair is free and plenty of parking has been allocated.
There will also be on- and off-duty police officers working at the fair.