Culture
Athens County Fair Opens, Ready To Deliver Week Full Of Events
By: Sarah Hawley | Athens Messenger staff reporter
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From rides to races and livestock to pumpkins, the 163rd Athens County Fair has a little something for everyone this week.
While fair events officially began Friday, activities get in full swing beginning on Sunday with the crowning of the queen and king and the junior fair parade.
Friday began the nine days of fair events with the first day of harness racing and the speed pit event. Harness racing continues today, along with the arrival of animals onto the fairgrounds.
Sunday’s lineup features past and present royalty with the King and Queen’s Tea and the past royalty tea. Sunday will conclude with music at the grandstand by Rarely Herd and The Roys.
Rides will open for fairgoers at 1 p.m. (or as soon as inspections are finished), remaining open until 11 p.m. Rides will be open from noon to 11 p.m. for the remainder of the fair.
On Monday evening, the tough track event will take place, with motocross set for Tuesday and moto enduro for Wednesday.
The ever popular demolition derby will be held on Thursday with the mower demolition derby at 6 p.m., followed by the cars at 7 p.m.
The horse pulls will take place on Friday, with the truck and tractor pulls on Saturday to close out the fair.
Music at the grandstand will conclude on Friday evening with country artist Trent Tomlinson.
Hillside Stage entertainment for the week includes, Tallgrass Band (traditional bluegrass) on Monday; Jerry and Lisa Queen (country-oldies and gospel) on Tuesday; The Beaten Path (classic rock and country) on Wednesday; The Riverside Cloggers on Thursday; and Tainted Ice (hard rock) on Saturday.
Other activities scheduled throughout the week include the great pumpkin and squash contest on Monday as well as the hay show and horticulture judging.
Athens Soil and Water Conservation District along with other agencies will present a program at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Agricultural Resources tent with regard to the Emerald Ash Borer which was recently confirmed to be located in Athens County.
Animal judging and showmanship will take place Monday through Thursday for the various animal classes, with ultimate showmanship and the livestock sale scheduled for Friday.
Monday is Veterans Day with Veterans receiving free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with proof of service.
Wednesday is kids day, with kids receiving free admission from noon to 3 p.m. Senior citizens receive free admission on Thursday until 3 p.m.
Gates open at 8 a.m. on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, and will be open from 6 a.m. until midnight Aug. 4-9.
A complete schedule is available at www.athenscofair.org.