Fall is almost here, and the Pike County Fair will be in full swing Sept. 9 to 12.
But patrons who are accustomed to going to the fair on Tuesday night will have to wait another day
Because of scheduling problems with the midway ride provider, the fair will begin on Wednesday, the 9th.
Even though it’s a day short, fair organizers have made sure plenty of action is stuffed into the four days of fun — lots of rides, exhibits, a talent show, the annual pet show, the Lil’ Miss Pike County Fair Beauty Pageant, and entertainment ranging from contemporary Christian and gospel, to blues and patriotic music.
Of course, no county fair in the South would be complete without exhibits from entrants hoping for blue ribbons.
Exhibit categories are art, clothing, food preserves, ceramics, household furnishings, flower show, holiday novelties/decorations and other items.
Exhibits and booth displays are needed. The Brock Building on the fairgrounds off Wardlaw Road will house adult exhibits, which will be admitted on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Horticulture exhibits should be brought on the 8th from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Call the Pike County Extension Service at 783-5321 for rule information and entry forms. These forms must be completed before bringing exhibits to the fair.
Also on display are 25 booths, for promotion of an organization or business, not for judging. Booths must set up by 5 p.m. Sept. 8. Work is allowed on the booths this weekend if needed. Booths will be assigned on a first-call basis.
To reserve a booth, call the Extension office at 783-5321.
Exhibits will be judged on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and the building will be opened that afternoon at 5 for viewing. Exhibits may be picked up, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14. All exhibits are open from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Armbands are $15, which allow wearers to ride as many rides as they like until 10 p.m. On Saturday, gates open at noon, with armbands good from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $1, and free for kids 12 and younger on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free for all on Wednesday and Thursday. Secured parking is $2 per vehicle each day.
The children’s barnyard is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday.
The pet show, a longtime favorite that usually kicks off the fair on a Tuesday, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the show arena.
On Friday, the kiddie tractor pull will kick off at 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Southern Tractor. Also at 6:30 is a miniature horse demonstration in the show arena.
Saturday will be a full day of events, with the open goat show opening at 10 a.m. and the beef open show at 1 p.m., both in the livestock arena. The Lil’ Miss Pike County Fair Beauty Pageant will run from 2 to 7 p.m.
Here’s a rundown of entertainment, all of which will be held on the McComb Coca-Cola Stage:
Wednesday — 6 p.m., the fifth annual Radical Youth night, featuring Matthew Causey’s Long Haired Friends of Jesus, Fovea Tree and Paradigm Shift.
Thursday — 5:30 p.m., talent show.
Friday — 6 p.m., “Lest We Forget,” a patriotic program featuring Brandon Andrews, Shelby Price and Anissa Brumfield. In addition, Judge Keith Starrett will give a special address, and a salute to all armed forces will be held. Other Friday entertainers are Amy Giacone at 7:30 and NOx at 8.
Saturday — 3 p.m., talent showcase winners; 4 p.m., Sonny Cain Project; 6 p.m. Nelsen Adelard; and 8 p.m., CoopDBelle AKA 24/7. For details on activities call 248-6931 or visit www.myspace.com/pikecountyfair.
