Carnival rides, concessions & country music on tap at Meigs County Fair

When the 39th Meigs County Fair opens Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Meigs County fairgrounds, there will be gospel and country music, carnival rides and games, agriculture and home- centered exhibits and even a health fair before the fair ends on Saturday, Aug. 11. The fairgrounds are located at 564 N. Main St. in Decatur, Tennessee.

Gates will open each day at 5 p. m., except on Saturday when they will open at 10 a.m. for special exhibits. Admission is free.

Here’s a rundown of what’s in store:

› Daily: “Be A Farmer For A Day” at which young children can have handson experiences learning that food comes from the farm instead of the grocery store.

› Monday: Anyone wishing to enter items at the fair should bring them to the fairgrounds between 2 and 8 p. m. Categories include agriculture, hobby, photography, garden, floriculture, home economics and youth.

› Tuesday- Friday: A Barnyard Nursery, sponsored by the Meigs Future Farmers of America chapter, will be held for children.

› Wednesday: The 4-H Poultry Show & Sale will be held at 6 p.m. The Pretty Baby Contest will also begin at 6 o’clock in the pavilion. Entertainment will be by Emmy McKenzie.

› Thursday: The Fairest of the Fair and Princess of the Fair pageants will begin at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Entertainment will be provided by Ashley Clark.

A horseshoe tournament and a health fair, with services provided by Starr Regional Medical Center, will both begin at 6 p. m. The health fair will offer some free health screenings, door prizes and information.

› Friday: A gospel music program featuring The Carters begins at 6 p.m. at the pavilion.

An antique t ractor show will also begin at 6 p.m. and will continue on Saturday at 3 p. m. David Allen is chairing t his event, and can be contacted at 423-334-3541.

› Saturday: The day begins with Junior Market Lamb and Commercial Ewe Show at 10 a.m. Chair- persons Christy Cobble and Brandon Cobble may be reached for more information at 423-334-5797.

The classic car show and antique tractor show will be held at 2 p.m.; for more information, 423-5958970 or 423-920-2905.

Also starting at 2 p.m. is the Junior Beef Show. For more information, contact Larry Mitchell at 423-3345781.

Local singer-songwriter Chris Hennessee returns to Decatur to perform at 7 p. m. Hennessee is a Nashville recording artist and member of Jamey Johnson’s band. His new album” Ramble” features tracks singing with Alison Kraus and Johnson. Bring a lawn chair for seating.

For more information: 423- 334- 5781 or 423- 6182406.

MEIGS COUNTY FAIR CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A performance by Chris Hennessee will wrap up the Meigs County Fair, which opens Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 11.