Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Clark County Fair to open Sept. 13

The 2005 county fair theme is "Clark Countys Celebrated Past," with this years big events at the fairgrounds happening between Tuesday, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Sept. 17.

Gracie Leamons, fair board member, said Thursday, the usual array of livestock shows, gospel singing and midway entertainment will all be happening, but for those looking for something different," I have heard there may be some folks dressing up their pets."

"I cant find it listed in the fair book, but there is talk of expanding the pet show to include putting clothes on your favorite animal," she said.

"This will not just be a 4-H thing, but is said to be open to the public."

Leamons said Elaine Cox is this years fair board president, and the group meets once a month. The meeting to finalize plans for Clark County Fair 2005 was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 11.

Leamons said First State Bank of Gurdon and the US Bank would probably be the places to go again this year to buy armbands in advance.

"I have not set it up with the banks yet, but they have helped us many times in the past," Leamons said.

"The way board members talk, the armbands just might be a little cheaper this year. Of course, we have to work with the midway entertainment."

Leamons said she and Eddie and Carolyn Graham are on the entertainment committee.

"We started last year on Tuesday night with some gospel singers and weve got some old time gospel performers lined up for a similar beginning this year," Leamons said.

The gospel singers will start at 7 p.m., as the fair livestock is being brought in for registration.

She said the gospel performance is free to the public, but parking to get into the county fair will probably remain at $3 a carload.

"Considering you can have an unlimited number of people in the car, this is not too bad," she said. "I believe the queen contest will be held a few days before we get started. I think that event is on Saturday morning, Sept. 10. The queen winners will be around during the fair."

According to the 2005 Clark County Fair and Livestock Show program booklet, the fair is schedule starts on Friday, Sept. 9, with registration deadline at 4:30 p.m. for the Pee Wee Livestock Show. Those with questions can call: (870) 246-2281. The Pee Wee Livestock Show will also be on that Friday.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Clark County Fair Pageant will take place at Henderson State University, with the Rockin U Rodeo Queen Contest at 10 a.m. on the fairgrounds.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, exhibit registration is from noon until 7 p.m., except plants, baked goods, crops, fruits and vegetables, and fine arts.

The opening of the carnival will occur, with the first Carnival Armband Night starting at 6 p.m. All livestock, poultry and rabbits are to be entered by 7 p.m. Gospel singing will also be at 7 p.m.

There will be a 9:30 p.m. door prize drawing at the commercial building.

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, participants should bring ornamental plants and flowers, baked items, horticulture and farm crops, 8 a.m. until noon, with judging beginning at 1 p.m. Judging in the educational building, 9 a.m. (building closed until after the parade), fine arts registered from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., judging at 1 p.m.; pretty baby photo contest registration, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; commercial booths set up by 5 p.m.; Clark County Fair Parade, starts on Main Street at 5 p.m.; educational building opens after parade; swine, sheep and goat shows, 6:30 p.m.; carnival Armband Night number two, 6 p.m.; followed by a 9:30 p.m. door prize drawing at the commercial building.

Thursday, Sept. 15  Educational Building is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., the third carnival Armband Night starts at 6 p.m.; the beef and dairy show starts at 6 p.m.; with the night ending at 9:30 p.m. when there is a drawing for a door prize.

On Friday, Sept. 16, the petting zoo will take place at 9 a.m.; the educational building is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.; the carnival is at 6 p.m. and the Rockin U Rodeo Special is at 7 p.m.; and the night once again ends with a 9:30 p.m. door prize drawing at the commercial building.

Saturday, Sept. 17  the 4H Poultry Chain Sale is scheduled for 10 a.m.; the George T. Sharp Junior Livestock Sale at 10:30 a.m. with an appreciation luncheon for premium buyers; Pee Wee Livestock Show at 6 p.m.; carnival also starts at 6 p.m.; there is a Rockin U Rodeo at 7 p.m.; with the release of livestock at 9 p.m. There will be a 9:30 p.m. door prize drawing at the commercial building.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, participants should pick up all exhibits from 2-3 p.m., or forfeit awards. No exceptions.

Advanced reduced price armbands must be bought before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. After this date, armbands may be purchased at a higher price from the carnival. Armbands are good for only one night at the carnival.