BY DEBBIE PAGE
Iredell County officials gathered on Friday night to cut the ribbon and formally open the 87th Iredell County Agricultural Fair as families, couples, and teens looked on.
Fair manager Jim Head of the Statesville Kiwanis welcomed the crowd and thanked all of the volunteers for all their hard work to make the fairgrounds and midway look special for this nine-day event.
County officials present included County Commission Chair Melissa Neader, Vice Chair Bert Connolly, Commissioners Scottie Brown, Gene Houpe and Brad Stroud Sr., and Sheriff Darren Campbell.
Troutman Mayor Teross Young was joined by council member George Harris and Town Manager Ron Wyatt. State Sen. Vickie Sawyer and Rep. Jeff McNeely also joined in the ribbon cutting. Others recognized included Iredell Cooperative Extension Director Nancy Keith, past Kiwanis Club President Chuck Gallyon, volunteers, and area beauty queens.
Young indicated the Troutman’s pride in having the fairgrounds in the town and the pleasure of welcoming the thousands who come to visit the fair, which operates through September 9. He spoke about the importance of agriculture to the county and state and noted the innovations in agriculture on display throughout the venue.
In recognition of her hard work and leadership, Keith was asked to cut the ribbon to open the fair.
FAIR ACTIVITIES
Local farmers and 4-H Club members are showing off the county’s booming agriculture industry with displays, livestock exhibitions, and agricultural products. Fair-goers wandered through the livestock areas marveling at the huge cattle and poultry entries, and others enjoyed the farmers’ huge pumpkins and sunflowers and other produce and products.
In exhibition halls and tents, crafters, artists, seamstresses, gardeners, bakers, and homemakers displayed their entries to demonstrate their talents in various competition categories.
Dozens of carnival rides entertained and thrilled squealing attendees, who also enjoyed a wide variety of games to test their skills. The smell of traditional fair food, desserts, and treats also enticed folks to the many vendors scattered throughout the fairgrounds.
The Space Adventure Thrill Show was in full swing, with daring motorcycle and trapeze antics to enthrall the crowds.
ADMISSION
General Admission is $5, with children ages 6 and under free. Gates open at 5 p.m. except on Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, when they will open at 3 p.m. The fair closes at 11 p.m.
No one will be readmitted after leaving the fairgrounds without the purchase of another ticket.
Free admission day for K-12 students, senior citizens (over 60), and veterans (with military I.D.) is on Thursday, September 7.
Special deals on rides are also available. Fairgoers can purchase an unlimited rides wristband for $20 each day.
Parking is $2 per car in Kiwanis-operated lots on the fairgrounds property.
DAILY SPECIAL EVENTS
On Saturday night, the Go Kart Racing competition will continue at 7 p.m. at the outdoor arena. The dairy cattle show will be on Sunday at 7 p.m.
On Labor Day, Go Kart racers will again take the track at 7 p.m. at the outdoor arena. Tuesday will feature a Beef Cattle Show at 6 p.m. along with the Mini Outlaws Racers competing at 7 p.m.
Mini Outlaw Racing will return on Wednesday at 7 p.m. On Thursday, attendees can enjoy the Sheep & Goat Show at 6 p.m., followed on Friday, September 8, with the Dairy Judging Contest at 3:30 and the Dairy Show at 7 pm.
The fair’s final Saturday on September 9 will feature the 5th Annual Special Abilities Junior Dairy Show at 3 p.m. at the indoor arena. This show is for participants (youth through adults) with special needs to have the opportunity to work alongside of an exhibitor and show a dairy calf.
The Demolition Derby will close out the fair activities on Saturday at 7 p.m.
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