Register of Deeds Johnny Reed and County Mayor Eugene Ray displayed a Bedford County Bicentennial flag during the opening ceremonies Monday night for the 10th Annual Bedford County Fair. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge]

The Bedford County Fair opened Monday night amidst the sounds of lowing cattle, laughing children and musical strains from competitors of the Bedford Idol event.

Sam Powell, noted horse whisperer throughout the nation, demonstrated his techniques to hometown enthusiasts in a new event.

The day was busy with judgings of canned goods, honey, and vegetables. Ribbons hung for all to see in the Home Ec/Ag areas.

Big Red, a docile though huge, steer arrived on the grounds for all to see.

The day, for an opener, was by all indications, a success. But there is much more to come!

A mouth-watering selection of canned fruits and vegetables were on display -- and in competition -- at the fair. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge]

Tonight the second edition of the Bedford Idol competition will provide the entertainment backdrop for Industrial Night. The Open Beef Show will kick off at 6 p.m. and Idol at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, the official Opening Ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. The day is dedicated to Senior Citizens but also is noted as Youth Day and Faith Night. Admission for the evening activities is $10 per carload.

For the Senior Citizens, activities are abundant on the schedule that includes a lunch, provided by MidState Finance, for them alone. It will be served at 11:30 a.m., but the morning begins with Fun Festival for Seniors at 10:15 a.m., and bingo at 10:45 and 1:30 p.m. Prizes for the bingo games are provided by Lee Adcock Construction.

The highlight of the day for Seniors begins at 12:30 p.m. when those near and far are invited to enjoy an Ole Fashioned Storytelling Hour that according to coordinator Pat Finney could last for hours.

"I don't care how long they tell stories," she said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to capture the history and fun they remember. I look forward to it very much."

The event will be videoed and presented to the Argie Cooper Library for historical purposes.

"Of all the things the Seniors will day on Wednesday, this promises to be the icing on the cake!"

Adding some floral decoration to that cake is the Flower Show at the Extension Office that will be open to the public from 1-7p.m.

Presented by the Volunteer Garden Club, the show is entitled "Celebrating the Past -- Embracing the Future." A standard flower show, the club will observe the county's bicentennial and the 50th anniversary of the Club.

According to Pat Hastings, this program is free and open to the public.

At 6 p.m., the platform of the Fair directs to Faith Night. This community wide worship service will begin with Lindsey Wade's community prayer. Wade is the associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Glenn Forsee, pastor of Assembly of God, will lead the prayer for education and leadership and Jim Sorrells, pastor of Flat Creek and Pleasant Grove United Methodist churches will pray for national leaders.

The message, provided by Bobby McGee of Edgemont Baptist Church, will follow special music by Valorie McConnell, Shelia, Emily and Amy Shavers and the Edgemont Men's Quartet.

Following the service, the Fun Dog show will begin at 7 p.m. as well as Bedford Idol competition in its third rendition.

In its 10th year, the Bedford County Fair runs through Saturday night. On Thursday activities such as a Smoker Truck and Tractor Pull will open the evening activities at 6 p.m. along with a bicycle competition, Bedford Idol and the Open Beef Show.

On Friday, activities such as the Wool and Woolies, Open Sheep Show, Junior Market Lamb and Commercial Ewe competitions and Lawn and Garden Tractor Show will take place. An all pleasure horse show will begin at 7 p.m. as well as the final competition of Bedford Idol. An afternoon Tug-O-War at 5 p.m. is open to all participants.

The final day of the Fair opens at 9 a.m. to the Antique Tractor Display, Mule Puling, a new event this year, Miniature Donkey Show, 4-H Meat Goat Show, and an Antique Tractor Pull.

The Mule Show will begin at 5 p.m. and at 8 p.m., the Four on the Floor Main Attraction event will open.

Food and fun are on tap throughout the week. Individual booths, such as the T-G Subscription Dunking Booth, allow chances to win prizes throughout the week. Carnival Rides begin tonight.

Tickets are available in family passes at $30 for the week. Individuals prices are also available.