SFC Fair to feature talent show this evening, gospel music Friday

The annual St. Francis County Fair Talent Show is scheduled to begin at 6 this evening on the main stage at the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds south of Forrest City.

The show will feature performances by area youth in several categories, including vocal solo, vocal group, instrumental solo, instrumental group, dance solo, dance group and variety. Each contestant will be required to pay a $10 entry fee.

On Friday night, gospel music will be featured on the main stage, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sophia and the Heavenly Sounds, Felicia and the Supreme Angels, The Delta Jubelaires and Pastor Austin Hill & Renewed are scheduled to perform.

Cockrill’s Country Critters is at the fair again this year with its petting zoo and free pony rides for children.

This year, Cockrill’s is also bringing a pair of camels to the fairgrounds for which rides will be $5 each. Fair officials said the rides are normally $10, but this year the fair association is paying half of that cost. Each camel will be able to carry four children at a time. The camel rides will be available on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2 and 3.

The exhibit building is also open, showcasing ribbons won by many from throughout the county who entered the competitions, along with booths promoting local businesses and politicians.

The Kountry Kitchen is open each day this week, serving a special menu of home-cooked meals for lunch. The kitchen is also open for fairgoers in the evenings.

The gates to the fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for children up to 12 and those 55 and over, and $3 for all others.

The fair’s midway will remain open through Saturday, with armbands being $25 each evening.