Youth help get fairgrounds ready for ’14 fair
The Fayette Faces this week are those of the youth in the 4-H clubs and Girl Scouts. They were on the fairgrounds at this time, not to ride the carnival tides or enjoy the treats at the concession stands, but to work at cleaning up their fairgrounds for their county fair, with the supervision of their leaders and other adults interested in putting their best foot forward for the fair.
The number and quality of the smaller hometown style of county fairs seem to be dwindling, probably a lot due to the economy. However, if the zest and willingness to work demonstrated by the young people of Fayette County – and several interested adults – is any indication, the annual Fayette County Fair will not succumb.
Fayette Board member Carrie Tomlinson is enthusiastic about this year’s Fayette County Fair and, although she was busy preparing for the work day at the fairgrounds Saturday, she shared some of highlights we can expect this year.
“We have a great carnival coming this year, H & H Amusements, the same one that is at Herrick every year,” she said. The carnival runs Monday through Saturday of fair week, July 13-19.
“There will be armbands for the rides, and there will be something for everyone in the schedule of events. There will be a Barnyard Scramble for kids in four age groups.
“It begins on Sunday, with one of the favorites, the tractor and truck pull,” Tomlinson said.
“On Monday, there is the Fayette County Fair queen and Little Miss pageants, which is always a popular event. On Tuesday, the Jr. Miss and Mr. Fayette County pageants will be held.
“On Wednesday in the always-popular Fayette County Speedway stock car races, on Thursday, the C-Bar Rodeo will bring thrills and action, plus the beauty of the animals.
“Friday’s grandstand attraction is the Clayton Anderson Concert, with Cedar Ridge and Twisted Road, and on Saturday, we have the Talent Show and the YMCA Kids performing.”
The Work Day Turnout …
… was good, with workers of all ages on hand to sweep, rake, scoop, clean, and wheelbarrow the refuse away. Many, again, of all ages, were painting buildings, posts and gates. Men were also hard at work, repairing and replacing the seats in the grandstand.
Girl Scout leaders Heather Kingston and Teresa Tate were there with Girl Scout Troop #8392. The Scouts ranged from 5-7 years old, but worked as hard and diligently (in proportion to size) as anyone.
Fayette County 4-H clubs were also on hand helping, including the Ramsey Seniors & Senioritis, Loudon Bunch, Caprines Kids and Southside Kids.
Tomlinson had prepared sandwiches and cold drinks in coolers for the kids to enjoy and Sefton Unit HCE ladies (LaVonne Kramer and Panzi Blackwell) served the food and drinks as needed.
The Fayette County Fair Barnyard Scramble …
… will begin at 3 p.m. on the first day of the fair, Sunday, July 13, at the 4-H Show Arena., with the chance to win a duck, $5, a rabbit or a chicken. The cost to enter is $1.
The four age groups are: 4-6, 7-10, 11-15 and 16 years and over. Those under 16 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver.
Fair Information
• Parking is free.
• Campers are welcome, in designated areas, and people may not pull their campers onto the grounds prior to noon on Friday, July 11. The camping fee is $20 per day. Campfires are not allowed.
• Price of Admission-Children (12 and under) Free; Adults (13 & over) $2.00.
• The phone number at the fair office is 427-5285. More is available online at www.fayettecofair.org.
Summing Up
We should encourage the young people and show our appreciation for their hard work by attending the fair.
The fair is an opportunity to visit with friends, enjoy the Knights of Columbus fish sandwiches, support our students by enjoying a lemon shake-up and enjoy the special events.
Mackena Duke helps with the painting at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in Brownstown on Saturday morning.
Working in the 4-H show ring on Saturday morning were, from left, Gage Hall and Kyle Eddy of the Ramsey Seniors and Senoritas, and Jacob Doedtman of the Loudon Bunch.
