DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – The Montgomery County Fair is just around the corner and despite changes to the fair pageant schedule and some check in times the fair is expected to begin August 10.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of life and the county fair is no exception. However, volunteers are diligently working to provide a safe and fun county fair experience for everyone. Fair Board President Jennifer Barrett has stated that the size of the county fairgrounds offers them opportunities to socially distance that other county fairs don’t have. While some county fairs, and the Arkansas State Fair, have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s festivities, Montgomery County will carry on with some adjustments.
The first would be the cancellation of the parade set for Sunday, August 9. Fair week usually kicks off with a parade Saturday, or Sunday afternoon, but this year the parade has been cancelled.
Check in for Educational booths and exhibits, excluding baked goods and horticulture, will be Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please wear face masks as social distancing may be difficult.
Baked goods and horticulture will be entered Wednesday, August 12, from 8 to 10 a.m.
The fair pageant returns to a two day schedule in an effort to control crowd size while allowing as many people as possible to attend the pageants. Monday, August 10 the older age groups will compete with ages 11-23 competing in three age groups. Tuesday will feature the little tykes and girls ages newborn to 10 in six age groups.
The younger age groups are open to anyone, but the older categories for girls ages 14 through 23 are limited to young ladies living in Montgomery County.
Applications are ready for all age groups and can be received by email or hand delivery. For more information, or to pick up an application please contact Christie Kennedy (870) 223-2390, Lisa Voan-simpson (870) 356-9176, Jennifer Barrett (479) 216-2176, or Kimberly Spurling-Gray (870) 490-1195.
Admission for the pageants will be $5 per adult and $3 per student. Children under the age of five are admitted free of charge.
The annual talent show will be held Monday, August 10, following the pageants. Forms are available at Bate’s Sales and Services. Deadline for entry in the talent show is Thursday, August 6. The talent show is open to all age groups and talents.
Check in times for livestock have also been moved. Livestock will check in Wednesday, August 12, from 6-8 p.m. Those who may not be able to drop off at this time can make arrangements to check in at an earlier or later time Wednesday.
The Livestock show remains set for Thursday, August 13, at 5 p.m. The rabbit show will be held virtually this year. The Livestock premium sale is still scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. Livestock will be released following the premium sale Saturday.
Exhibitors will be assigned pens or tie out areas for livestock in an effort to provide ample room for social distancing in the barns.
For up to date changes and information on the county fair visit the Montgomery County Fair Association Facebook page.
