IW Fair offers end-of-summer fun
Published 7:31 pm Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Isle of Wight County Fair is coming up Sept. 17-20, and attendees will be busy with a new location, new entertainment, food, rides and exhibits.
The new location is The Fairgrounds at Heritage Park, on Route 258 in Isle of Wight County.
Musical sensations such as Clarence Carter, Jack Ingram, Confederate Railroad and local bands like 32 South, Honkey Tonk Highway and Grant Austin Taylor will bring the crowds to the fair’s main stage.
Special programs throughout the weekend will include truck and tractor pulls, lawn mower races, mule and horse competitions and an ATV challenge. Monster truck and helicopter rides will be offered throughout the weekend.
Food, as always, is a big part of the county fair. The fair kicks off with the seafood fest on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with dinner served from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate, and include entry into the fairgrounds, all-you-can-eat catering by Nixon’s Seafood, beverages and live music by Canyon Road. Tickets are available at any Isle of Wight Fire Department or at the Parks and Recreation office at Nike Park in Carrollton.
The garden and field tent at the fair will be bursting with programs, displays, exhibits and learning opportunities. Presentations on gardening, food preservation, composting, animal husbandry, crops and other educational exhibits will be available all weekend.
Regular admission prices Thursday through Sunday are $5 for adults and $5 for children 4 and up (children 3 and under get in free). On Friday, senior citizens get into the fair for just $1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairgoers can purchase a three-day advance pass for $12 at all Farmer’s Bank locations, Citizen’s National Bank, Smithfield and Isle of Wight Visitor Center on Main Street in Smithfield, Isle of Wight Academy and the Parks and Recreation office at Nike Park in Carrollton.
Midway wristbands are available in advance for $12 at the above locations, as well. Ride tickets are available at the fair for $1 per ticket, $20 for 20 tickets and $40 for 50 tickets. Midway rides take two to six tickets each.
For more information on the Isle of Wight County Fair, visit www.thefairiscoming.com.