Whether you like rides that make you dizzy, trying to win a blue ribbon for your homemade pie or gigantic tomatoes, or seeing some of the finest livestock around exhibited, the “Fair on the River” has something for you.
This year’s edition of the Smith County Fair is scheduled for July 27-August 1 on the grounds surrounding the Smith County Ag Center. The fair board has been hard at work planning new events in addition to some old favorites.
Some innovate events at the fair this year will include a Dirty Bird Endurance (mud run) competition on Tuesday, a flag football game between Carthage and Gordonsville alumni on Wednesday, and Demolition Derby on Thursday.
We certainly want to invite our farmers and gardeners to participate in the Agriculture Show by bringing their crops and produce to compete for a blue ribbon and prize money. No matter if you grow a thousand acres of crops or have one fruit tree, we’d love to have your entries from 7:00 a.m. until noon on Monday July 27. Check the fair book for a complete list of eligible items to enter.
The Family Consumer Sciences exhibits are always a big hit at the fair as well. With divisions in sewing, crafts, photography, and more, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Those entries will be taken on Saturday, July 25 with the cooking entries being taken on Monday the 27th.
Pageants and livestock shows are a longstanding tradition at fairs across the nation and ours is no exception. Fairest of the Fair competitions will be held for contestants ranging from babies to seniors. The animal shows will include beef, sheep, chickens, and goats, as well as a draft horse and mule show.
It’s impossible to cover every event in one article so I encourage you to stop by the University of Tennessee Extension office at 125 Gordonsville Hwy. and pick up a copy of this year’s fair program if you haven’t already. The fair will be fun for all so bring your family and friends and enjoy all the great activities at this year’s Fair on the River!
Submitted by Chris Hicks – UT Extension
