It’s fair time!

It’s almost time for the Sevier County Fair. It is set for its 69th run, September 6-11. The fair means different things to different people and most of us have childhood memories of our visits to the fair. From the rides, food, animal shows and exhibits, the fair offers a multitude of opportunities.Opportunities abound for young people to be recognized for their efforts through 4-H, FFA, school work and individual projects. The Sevier County Fair Premium List is available in the Extension Office in the Courthouse. It has all the details on what can be entered. Most entries will be accepted on Saturday, September 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.In the 4-H section alone, there are nearly 200 categories that 4-H members can enter.  These include crops from the farm, vegetables from the garden, canning products, baked goods and exhibits/products from 4-H project book work. 4-H members may also enter a 4-H Project Exhibit which presents an overall view of a specific 4-H project.In the Arts and Crafts division, elementary age students can enter 40 different craft categories. These include paintings, drawings, seasonal crafts, weaving, wood crafts and string art just to name few.  Young people may also enter science/history fair type projects in the individual youth exhibits. There is also a category for school exhibits for schools and school clubs.  For the young photographer there is a student photographycontest.There are no entry fees for these exhibits.  Prize money and ribbons are presented in each category. I know of some 4-H members, each year, who bring home a check of about $100.00.In addition to these exhibits, young people from Sevier County and East Tennessee will be participating in several animal shows at the fair.They include: 4-H Chick Chain on Tuesday, September 7th at 5 p.m; Beef Show on Tuesday, September 7th at 6 p.m.; Sheep Show and Wool & Woollies Revue on Wednesday, September 8th at 6 p.m.; Dog Show on Thursday, September 9th at 6 p.m.If you need more information about entries at the Sevier County Fair, call me at the Extension Office, 453-3695.  Hope to see you at the fair.