Highland County Fair Celebrates 63 Years

 

The Highland County Fair will celebrate its 63^rd anniversary this month. According to Secretary for the Fair Association Kathy Beverage, this year’s theme is “Country Scenes and Children’s Dreams.”

“We often get compliments on the nice people that work the fair, the opportunities that are offered to the children and adults alike, and the fun events that draw a crowd,” Beverage said. “It’s always a treat to see old school mates, extended family members and former neighbors that have moved away and returned to visit during fair week.”

On August 23^rd, the Saturday prior to the fair week, free events will be available. “The Archery Contest will be held at 10 am,” Beverage said. “The annual Horse Show will start an hour earlier this year at 11 am.  Also during the Saturday morning hours many volunteers will be working setting up the grounds and buildings for the rest of the week’s activities.  Food will be available on the grounds for these events.”

The Highland County Fair will take place Tuesday August 27 – Saturday August 30. Beverage talked about some of this year’s highlights.

• Exhibits can be entered Tuesday evening from 6-8pm. We encourage exhibits from everyone, whether you live in Highland County or not.  Judging of exhibits takes place on Wednesday morning.
• The Cattle and Goat Show will start the events on Wednesday at 1 pm. The parade is the unofficial beginning of the fair on Wednesday at 6 pm.  Immediately following the parade, a modified lawnmower pull will be held.  We tried this last year, but we had a heavy downpour cancelled the event, so we are looking forward to it this year.
• A Hog and Sheep Show will be held at 10am Thursday, and the Demolition Derby is the main attraction on Thursday night.
• The Kiddie Show is the main Friday morning event starting at 10 am.  The youth sheep costume contest, obstacle course, and pet classes are held at 5 pm on Friday.  A big crowd pleaser is the Truck Pull scheduled at 6 p.m. on Friday, and the Little Switzerland Cloggers will perform at 7:30 p.m.
• New this year, we have some events for NASCAR lovers and all are free.  A radio control race, tire changer challenge, and a NASCAR simulator will be offered at various times on Friday and Saturday.
• We kick off Saturday morning with the popular Dog Show. At noon, bluegrass music groups will perform on the grounds under a tent, so bring a lawn chair. And a cornhole tournament will be held in the school cafeteria also starting at noon.
• The youth livestock sale starts at 2 pm in the sale barn.  A Tractor and Diesel Pick-up Truck Pull is the feature event for the evening starting at 6:00pm  Lori Botkin will provide a gospel show in the high school gym at 7:30 p.m.
• The fireworks will be displayed at 10 p.m.  It’s always bitter-sweet to see the fireworks…they are fun to watch, but it’s a sign that the fair is over for another year.

Season Tickets will be the same price they have been for the several years.  “$15.00 for a season ticket is still the best deal,” Beverage said.  “$10.00 daily admission for adults.  Youth under 10 years old will be given FREE admission again this year.  Amusements rides are provided by Valley Amusements.  We are sponsoring a family night on Wednesday and ride tickets will be sold at a reduced rate of $6 for ride all-night wristbands.”

This year, the Fair Guide is dedicated to Toby Swecker, who has served 40 years as the Kiddie Show coordinator.  “She has been an avid supporter of the fair and the youth opportunities,” Beverage said. “You can enjoy reading her story in this year’s Fair Guide. These are available in many local businesses along with season tickets.”

The Fair Association looking forward to another successful fair and they encourage everyone to stop by to enjoy the activities. “And come hungry!  We always offer delicious foods including baked potatoes, hamburgers, chicken patties and tenders, onion rings, French fries, rib-eye subs, corndogs, hot dogs, ham and barbecue sandwiches, barbecue chicken dinners, funnel cakes, pies and more.   We have something for everyone!”

The fair will be August 23^rd and August 27^th-30^th. For more information, visit the website, www.highlandcountyfairva.com.

“The Fair Board holds at least 10 monthly meetings to plan the Fair, but it takes a community to pull it off,” Beverage said. “We truly appreciate each person that volunteers to work or make contributions so the Highland County Fair can continue.  It is a true community service event.”