HAMLET – Thousands of Richmond County citizens and folks from surrounding areas are expected to attend the 61st Annual Richmond County Fair, which runs through Saturday, October 13.
The Fair is sponsored by the Lions Club, with the proceeds going to assist those in the community with visual difficulties.
The fairgrounds are located across from the Hamlet City Lake at the intersection of Highway 74 and Lewis Breeden Drive. Gates opened to the general public at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 9.
Regular admission is $5; wristbands for unlimited rides are priced at $20. Gates will open at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
A variety of special entertainment is scheduled for the week. Opening on Tuesday, Senior Citizens Day will feature the Delusional Divas, the Silver Line Dancers, the Hamlet Senior Center Choir, and the Eastern Traditional Dancers, all from the Hamlet Senior Center, performing on the Agricultural Fair Stage.
On Wednesday, October 10, Fortress from the Glenwood United Methodist Church will perform. Stan and Linda Jacobs of Rockingham will entertain the crowd on Thursday. On Friday, October 12, the fair-goers can party with DJ Epic Angel of Rockingham. Saturday’s band is Rough Justus from Maxton, with two shows scheduled at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Other presentations include the Goats Gallery on Tuesday; the Richmond County Beekeepers on Wednesday; Bingo on Wednesday; Scout Night on Thursday; and Lego Mania sponsored by The Hive of Rockingham on Friday. The Mud Prince/Princess will be named and crowned on Friday also. Dog Days will close out the fair on Saturday, October 13.
Exhibits are in place including the Girl Scouts; 4-H Club; Hospice Haven of Richmond County; Beekeeping; Composting; and Soils of North Carolina.
Competition items in multiple categories – including youth art in three separate age categories – in the categories of arts and crafts; home furnishings; clothing; horticulture; flowers and plants; food preparation; eggs; and baked goods (bread, cakes, cookies, candy) are also on display in the exhibit hall.
A mixture of animals will be competing for “best in show” in the Edward Greene Livestock and Poultry Barn. African geese, bourbon red turkeys, pied and black shoulder peacocks, ring neck pheasants, and American breed Fizzles are on display. There are lots of different rabbit breeds, including Tennessee redbacks, Lionheads, New Zealands, and Angoras. Goats at the fair include Boer, Alpine, Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, and Pygmy. Donkeys include Miniature and Mammoth Jacks and Jennys. Cattle, lots of chickens and roosters, and a beautiful pinto horse are also part of the competition.
Judges for this year include Don Bryant, Christina Eller, Jan Allen, Linda Price, Dan Ward, and Jeff Miller.
Some of the rides include the Dragon Wagon; the Rapidslide; the Dizzy Dragons; the Hustler; the Wayout; Inners Great Adventures; the Ferris Wheel; and the Scat.
You will also have a variety of “fair food” to choose from at the Richmond County Fair, so make it a point to visit this week!!
Fall is here and this is part of how we celebrate it!! See you at the fair!
