MOUNT IDA – The 88th annual Montgomery County Fair kicks off Sunday, August 9 at 2 p.m. with a parade through downtown and around the courthouse square.
The theme for this year’s parade is Mardi Gras. Everyone is encouraged to participate using their most festive bright decorations for their entries.The parade will begin at Mount Ida High School and make its way past the courthouse.
A new event for this year’s fair is a tractor show. Tractor owners are asked to participate in the parade. Following the parade the tractors will be on display at the fairgrounds throughout the county fair.
Monday night the Montgomery County Fair Pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m. with ages ranging from seven years old to 21 years old competing.
A talent show will follow the pageant Monday night. The fair board invites everyone to come and participate. If you are interested in competing please contact Jennifer Barrett at (870) 867-4869.
The Little Miss Fair Pageant will be held Tuesday night for participants ranging from zero to six years old. The pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Admission for both pageants will be $4 for adults and $2 for students. Admission is free for children under five years of age.
Livestock will also move in from 4 -7 p.m. Tuesday with judging to take place Wednesday and Thursday.
Kids Day will once again be held Wednesday at 4 p.m. The free event is open to all children. Kids get the opportunity to compete in traditional games.
There will also be a fashion show Wednesday at the Ode Maddox Building at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a pee-wee livestock show Friday at 4:30 p.m. The event allows small children an opportunity to see what it is like to show livestock at the fair.
The rodeo will open Friday at 7:30 p.m. Hammertime Rodeo Company will once again bring the best and rowdiest bulls, steer and calves to the rodeo arena.
Saturday will see the addition of a dutch oven cooking competition. Competitors will arrive at the fairgrounds at a time of their choosing Saturday to prepare their favorite dishes, which will be judged at 2 p.m.
All dishes must be prepared at the fairgrounds so make sure you give yourself enough time to be ready by 2 p.m. There will be a $5 entry fee and prizes will be awarded. For more information contact Lisa Simpson at (870) 356-9176.
The Livestock auction will also be held Saturday morning with the first sale to begin at 10 a.m. You will have an opportunity to place premium bids on livestock shown at the fair. The proceeds go to the young men and women who raise and show the livestock and poultry at the fair.
Hammertime Rodeo Company will kick things off again Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. as the fair comes to a close.
The Montgomery County Fairgrounds is located just east of town just off Highway 270E. on Fairgrounds Road.
