HAMLET — Barnyard animals and carnival rides await attendees of the annual Richmond County Agricultural Fair starting Tuesday.
The event, now in its 62nd year, is the largest fundraiser for the Hamlet Lions Club.
Club member Ann Wheeler said the barn is full this year with a cow, donkeys, “lots of goats,” geese, chickens, turkeys and rabbits.
Wheeler said Tractor Supply of Rockingham sponsored the barn by providing shavings to cut down on the odor and food for the animals. The company also is sponsoring the dog show on Saturday and will have a commercial booth.
“They’ve just been so good to us,” she said.
Other fair staple exhibits include foods — jams, jellies and cakes, just to name a few — and homemade crafts. There will also be pottery and photography exhibits, Wheeler added. All entries will be judged Tuesday morning.
Several of the rides were set up last week, as they weren’t being used by the company at another fair, club member Bill Bayless said.
The fair also has a number of events scheduled throughout the week, starting Tuesday with chair volleyball from the Hamlet Senior Center, which Wheeler said “should be fun.” The evening continues with Bingo and Lego Mania from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Wheeler said that has become a popular activity.
On Halloween night, there will be a scavenger hunt and costume contest, where children can get $5 off the armbands for the rides. Wheeler said only children up to fifth grade will be allowed to wear masks.
On Friday, the fair will crown this year’s Mud Princess – or Prince. In the previous years, there have been two princesses and one prince, according to Wheeler.
There will also be demonstrations by the Richmond County Beekeepers’ Association and a taxidermist.
The fair will also be hosting visitors from the schools throughout the week, including a day just for the special needs students, who will be fed by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Rainy weather has plagued the fair in the past and threatens to do so yet again.
The National Weather Service is calling for a chance of showers on the first three days before clearing out on Friday.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, visit the Richmond County Agricultural Fair 2019 page on Facebook.
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