HAMLET — The Ferris wheel returns to the midway this week for the annual Richmond County Agricultural Fair.
The event — which starts Thursday and runs through Sunday — will feature various rides and carnival games, as well as prize-winning livestock, arts and crafts from Richmond County residents.
Continuing a recent tradition, Tractor Supply is providing bedding and feed for the animals in the livestock barn.
Entertainment for 2025 includes: bingo with the Hamlet Senior Center Thursday-Saturday; a performance from the Hamlet Senior Dancers on Thursday; and a Future Singing Sensations Showcase on Sunday, presented by BowTie Entertainment, featuring under-21 talent.
Local Girl Scouts will also have a display on Thursday.
Seven food trucks will be on site throughout the weekend with a variety of menu options: Simon’s Kitchen; Just Dawgz; Gee’z Backyard BBQ; Alford's Smoke’N Grill; Fatman’s Kitchen; SodaFusion; and Jacobs Bangin Bites.
Hours this year are as follows:
Senior citizens will be admitted free on Thursday. Also on opening night, children will be admitted free until 9 p.m., and must have an accompanying adult after 9 p.m. Admission is $5 on Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday. Unlimited ride wristbands are $25.
No backpacks will be allowed in the gates, per the Hamlet Police Department
The fair, which has been running for more than 60 years, serves as the main fundraiser for the Hamlet Lions Club.
Proceeds from the fair allow the Lions Club to provide vision screenings in the community, as well as transportation for the visually impaired to Camp Dogwood and the annual VIP Fishing Tournament on the Outer Banks.
