SFCounty Fair on schedule for Monday opening
Residents encouraged to enter exhibits, participate in pageants, talent show
The St. Francis County Fair is scheduled to begin Monday at the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds on Highway 1 South of Forrest City.
Fair organizers have been working for months, making plans and organizing contests for the annual event.
"We've confirmed Kenny's Funland Amusements will be there and Cockrell's Country Critters will be there," said Bonnie Dodson, a member of the fair board.
Dodson said Cockrell's will bring have their exotic animals on site for the children to pet, as well as free pony rides. The petting zoo is funded through the Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Although most of the fair’s events are outdoors, those planning to attend are encouraged to practice safe pandemic procedures when inside fair buildings, such as the exhibit hall and the Kountry Kitchen.
"We've had several other updates to our grounds thanks to some money from legislation," said Dodson.
Dodson and other board members have been working this week on cleaning the fairgrounds and making updates where needed.
"We had several repairs that were needed due to the fairgrounds being closed over last year. We have new flooring for the stage that is being painted and have replaced several of the seats in the bleachers," said
Dodson of some of the updates.
Dodson also said upgrades have been made to lighting at the fairgrounds, including around the original front gate entrance.
"We don't use that gate during fair time anymore, but it is nice to have when we have rentals for other community events," said Dodson.
According to Dodson, commercial booth space is still available, and entries are still being accepted for the beauty pageants and talent show.
"We'll also have all of our normal department entries for arts, knitting, crochet, photography, baking, household arts and such," said Dodson. "We'll have a big time flower show. This year's theme is Southern Living. The Hughes Garden Club is in charge of that, and the chairman is Teresa Shannon."
Dodson said early entries will not be accepted for flowers and baked goods, but entries for art, canned foods, clothing, arts and crafts, household arts and knitting and crochet could be entered as early as Sunday, Aug. 29.
The deadline for entries in those categories is Tuesday, Aug. 31, by 10 a.m. “We will work with people to make sure we can get their entries into the fair," said Dodson.
Dodson suggests residents interested in entering items in the fair to pick up a copy of the fair tab or go online to thnews.com to view rules and other entry deadlines.
"Our deadline is today for the talent show," said Anna Howton, talent show chair.
Youth may enter in several divisions including vocal solo, instrumental solo, dance solo, vocal group, instrumental group, dance group and variety, according to Howton.
Howton also encourages those interested in participating to call her if they need additional time to return forms.
Beauty pageants will also be making a return this year.
"We are excited to bring back our pageants," said Erin May, who is working with Holly
Loewer to organize the pageants.
According to May, several divisions are available for young girls to enter, including Baby Miss (0 to 2), Wee Miss (3 to 4), Tiny Miss (5 to 6), Little Miss (7 to 9), Junior Miss (10 to 12), Teen Miss (13 to 16) and Miss St. Francis County Fair (17 to 21).
Pageants will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, according to May.
"Coming off the year of the pandemic, we are really trying to encourage everyone to come out and participate," said May. "It's outdoors, a lot of fun and the kids do enjoy it."
Pageants begin at 6 p.m., but May suggests contestants be there and ready to go by 5:30 p.m.
"There is no trailer to get dressed in," said May.
May reminds contestants that rehearsal will be on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m., which will also be the deadline for forms to be turned in and fees to be paid.
May said there will also be an optional photogenic competition which would be $10 per entry of three photos.
(Continued from Page 1) "Friday we will have Eli Adams performing," said Dodson. "And they'll try to squeeze in some Cornhole games. On Saturday, we will have a pet show."
"Saturday night our St. Francis County groups will be performing gospel music, and Jonathan Burgess and Luther Lieblong are in charge of that," said Dodson.
Dodson also said volunteers are still needed.
“We need volunteers mostly just to watch our exhibit hall and other areas to make sure our children don't climb on things they aren't supposed to," said Dodson.
Anyone who wants to volunteer is encouraged to contact Candice Kelso at SFC Farm Bureau.
Booth setup is scheduled to begin on Friday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. until noon. Maggie Hoskins said additional booth setup would be available on request.
"All of our booths will be $75," said Hoskins. "Our booth sizes are 8 x 12 feet, and one table and two chairs will be provided.”
Hoskins said those needing electricity should make that request when mailing in payment and that payments must include the name of the booth rental and contact information.
"All booths must be removed on Sunday, Sept. 5, between 3 and 5 p.m., or Monday, Sept. 6, between 9 a.m. and noon,” she said.
Dodson said organizers are hoping for a good turnout despite the pandemic.
"We want people to be safe, but are choosing to leave that choice up to each person," said Dodson. "It is an outdoor activity and we hope people do come and enjoy it. We hope our residents bring out a lot of things they've created. You can get prizes for it and show off your work."
For a digital copy of the St. Francis Fair Tab, visit thnews.com or pick up a copy at the newspaper’s office on Izard Street during regular business hours.