One of the highlights of the Bedford County Fair is, without doubt, also the essence of a country county fair. The animals on exhibit, in competition and in blue ribbons, are the stars of the show.

Such will be the case on Friday night as the All Pleasure Horse Show rolls out the red carpet for entries in 24 classes of competition.

Steve Melton will judge the competitions.

The events will begin at 7 p.m. at the Ag Center on Midland Road, with a stick horse class for "riders" 6-years-old and under. Regardless of the trusty "steed" selected, these young riders always have dedicated "grooms" with cameras, cheering them on around the rail and in the ring. One dollar awards will be presented to all participants.

Under saddle, the Pleasure Ponies for riders 12 and under will hit the ring and the show will be off and running.

Gaited, spotted and country boy events will be featured throughout the show. Western and English tack and attire is appropriate for the classes, but an open dress/tack code is allowed.

"This is a fun show," said Judy Gambill, show director. "We have divisions for just about everyone that wants to show. The entry fees are more than reasonable too."

Entry fees are $5 per class with a $5 trailer charge. All exhibitors must show in a previous class to qualify for championship competition.

Heavy and lite shod horses are welcome but no action devices will be allowed in the show.

"The best show is the family fun atmosphere," said Gambill. "This show incorporates not only gaited horses including Walking and Spotted, but the show has a Western Pleasure class for trotting breeds."

The show begin small, with only 30 entries in the first year. According to Gambill, however, last year's edition hosted over 200 entries.

"This show has 24 classes, four championship classes and a Bedford County 4-H class that only those participants can enter," said Gambill."

The opening ceremonies of the show will highlight Jeff Byrom presenting the nation's colors while Karley Sullivan will present the county's bicentennial flag.

"This is a fun show," said Gambill. "There is something for everyone, young and old."

The Mule show will be featured Saturday afternoon and night.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the Mule Pull competition, new to the Fair this year, will see loads weighing tons being pulled by mule teams. The weigh in for teams will begin at 7 a.m.

Miniature donkeys will also be spotlighted during the afternoon before their larger counterparts head for the arena at 5 p.m. Thirty classes of competition in 16 different categories will give any long-eared wonder room to show his stuff.

Gaited, Western, Draft, Saddle, Walking and Racking mules will be featured in addition to the Jacks and Jennets colts of this year's foaling season. In the end, championship divisions will crown the best of the best.

The same entry fees apply to the Mule Show as the All Pleasure Horse Show.

For more information on either show, contact Bob Finney, Mule Show manager at 684-0262 or Gambill at 684-0239.