2016 Highland County Fair, August 27 & 31st – September 3rd

It’s almost time for Highland’s annual homecoming and end of summer celebration, the Highland County Fair. The event will take place August 27^th, and 31^st through September 3^rd. Fair Board secretary Kathy Beverage talked about some of the new activities and entertainment for this year.

“This year, for the first time ever, the Highland County Fair will have pig-racing, and that should be a fun event. It’s going to be held various times during the fair, and I understand they make sneak in a few geese and some fainting goats.

“We will have a Cruise In for the first time. The participants can participate in the fair parade – if you have a vehicle or a motorcycle, 25 years and older, they can be in the parade, and right from the parade, go right onto the fairgrounds. And if you don’t want to be in the parade, you can come right on in the front gate, and participate in the Cruise In, which will be from 7:00 to 8:30. They will be judged – there’s no entry fee, and it should be a good time.

“Speaking of the Cruise In, we’re going to have two young men that have some bluegrass background, they’re going to play during the Cruise In; Thursday night is Brinn Black, she’s a country pop singer; and then we’ll have three different bluegrass bands playing on Saturday; and The Crestmen will perform on Saturday night, that’s a gospel show. So there’s some music for everybody.

“Our amusement rides are provided by Valley Amusements. They will have rides Wednesday through Saturday, and Wednesday night, the fair picks up half of the fee of that, so the rides are half price, so they’re going to be $6.00 for ride all night. So bring your family on Wednesday, because that’s the deal to have.

She talked about changes to entrance prices.

“Admission rates are new this year. Daily admission stayed the same – for people 15 years and older, it’s $10.00. Season tickets went up a little bit, but they’re $20.00, they’re still the best deal, and that’s for 15 years and older, and then anybody under 15 years gets in free. We want to make this a family event, so we want families to be willing to come because it doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg.

“A lot of people don’t realize the Highland County Fair is a non-profit organization. We’re not out to make a lot of money. The money we collect at the ticket booth goes right back into upkeep and improvements on the ground, and we continue to try and offer a fun educational event. Sometimes we get feedback from people that have to work at the fair, and they don’t want to pay that admission rate. Consider it a donation to keep the  event going for others, because it is a great event for Highland, and the only way we can keep it going is basically through those admission tickets.”

This also holds true for local celebrities, as I found out when I asked about the possibility of a press pass.

“You’re radio, you’re not television. We don’t get to see you.” (laughter)

“The Fair Board encourages everyone to stop by and enjoy the activities, and come hungry. The candy apples are not the only thing that’s sweet. All the local vendors offer great food choices at reasonable prices. These non-profit vendors also work hard to provide as many food choices as we can, and it’s a win-win, because the money goes right back into the community, so please support them.

“if you have any questions about the fair before fair week, call (540) 468-2225, or during fair week, it’s (540) 468-2639. Find any information on the Highland County fair website at highlandcountyfairva.com, and this year, for the first time, we are on Facebook, so check us out there.”

A full schedule of fair activities is posted with this story on our website, www.alleghenymountainradio.org.