59th Annual Highland County Fair Is Right Around The Corner

Monterey, VA – It’s fair time again in Highland County. The 59th Highland county fair will get underway on Saturday August 28th with the horseshow starting at noon at the grandstand. This year’s Fair Association board includes President Jerry Rexrode, vice-president Fred Frye, secretary Kathy Beverage, treasurer Terry Rexrode and managers R.C. Pullin and Mike Isles. Secretary Kathy Beverage describes the planning and theme for this year’s fair. She says planning for the next fair begins almost as soon as the previous fair ends.

“The board helps to organize the fair, but it takes a community to hold the fair” says Beverage. “We truly appreciate each person who volunteers to work or make contributions so the Highland County Fair can continue. This years’ theme is Bushels of Fun.”

Ticket Prices

Season pass – $15.00
Daily admission – $10.00 for adults, children under 10 are free
Midway Rides – $13.00 per night for unlimited rides

Mrs. Beverage discusses two major projects the fair board completed this year in preparation for the fair.

“The fair board voted to do two major projects this year; build a new sheep barn and design a new website” she says.

The board decided to demolish the half century old barn that sustained significant weather damage this past winter. Stoneburners of Harrisonburg did the work, with some assistance from local volunteers who helped in the demolition process. Local businesses also helped with the new barn.

Highlights of this year’s fair include the demolition derby Thursday evening, the bull riding contest Friday evening and the truck and tractor pulling contest on Saturday afternoon.

“New this year the Fair board is asking that no dogs be on the fairgrounds due to issues in the past” says Beverage.

Mrs. Beverage continues with some changes in this year’s fair schedule.

“The Sundance Express and Little Switzerland Cloggers shows will start at 7:30pm” she says. “The kiddie show has been moved to the morning hours on Friday starting at 10am this year. We wanted to avoid nap time and provide more food sales during the day.”

“The mutton-busting contest for youth under 50 pounds will be held at 6:30pm Friday prior to the BLM bull riding contest. We welcome lots of new exhibits. It’s always nice to look at the displays of local talent by our local people.”

The fair association board hopes that the new fair website will make it easier for folks to get all the information they need. Dorothy Stevenson Vandevander was hired to help design the new website.

“All the fair guide information is included on the website such as rules and regulations for exhibiters, events scheduled, rates and so forth” says Beverage. “We also plan to post the exhibit and contest winners soon after the fair. The site is www.highlandcountyfairva.com.”

Fair Guides are also available at various local businesses. The board is always in need of volunteers to help with parking cars, trash pickup, setup and take down, so if you would like to help contact fair managers R.C. Pullin or Mike Isles. Come out and enjoy all the fun at this year’s Highland County Fair.