The merry-go-round was a treat for this little beauty just as is has been for little folks for generations. The ride is just one of the many featured along the midway at this year's Fair. (T-G Photo by René A. Capley)

The Bedford County Fair has gone to the birds!

It is said that birds of a feather flock together and never was there a more perfect example of that than at the exhibition building of the Bedford County Ag Center. Row after row of champion, feathered-friends, representing the poultry species of the world, take center stage.

Fred Pimentel was pleased during Thursday night's award presentations.

Kyle Pyrdom and his White Call Duck were named Champion of the Show during this year's Bedford County Fair Poultry Show. Meridith Troxler of Tyson Foods, Inc. presented the awards on behalf of the show's main sponsor. (T-G Photo by René A. Capley) [Click to enlarge]

"We are growing every year," he said, as he surveyed the birds and bunnies on display, many with tri-colored ribbons attached to their temporary homes.

"This is wonderful to see as each year we grow a little more," he continued. "Our goal, of course, is to continue that work. These are wonderful examples of the poultry world."

Meridith Troxler of Tyson Foods, Inc., was the presenter of the awards. The winner's circle of poultry and rabbits is sponsored by the company.

"This is fun," she said as she awarded Kyle Pyrdom's White Call Duck the Champion of the Show award for poultry. "These are beautiful birds."

The Reserve of the show was Lindsey Bevels with a Black Breasted Red Old English Game Hen.

"This is an opportunity many folks don't have," said Pimentel. "These are not your everyday chicken but are wonderful examples of the show line of birds."

"Ruffled feathers" took on a whole new meaning when viewing the birds. Many had white feathers covering their eyes, a la Phyllis Diller-style, while their black body feathers ruffled around their necks.

Other chickens looked as if their feathers had been under the styling wand of a beautician, feathers curled and puffed around their bodies. Some were speckled, others, traditional white, but all were colorful exhibits of carefully laid eggs!

And speaking of eggs, there were plenty of those to be had as well. A box filled with the fragile specimens of a day's work rested on the information table for all to see.

The long-eared to the short-tailed rabbits didn't lose any ground sitting pretty next to the birds. Tiny fingers patted the soft fur of the bunnies as children crooned to the animals. Docilely, they allowed the petting.

Champion of the Rabbit show was a Chinchilla Netherland Dwarf Buck owned by Savannah Burchett. Reserve in the event was a Harlequin Buck owned by Alexis Hankammer.

The rabbits were big and small, black, white and spotted. Some ears would have drug the ground as the bunnies hopped, but they only sat, looking lovely for their guests.

The rabbits, according to Pimentel, are also on the increase in the number of entries seen.

"This fair continues to grow every year," he said, "and with that growth, our entries in all areas are on the rise. I hope to see a big increase in our rabbits next year. It takes a while to get the numbers up, but the quality here is so good that it is important to keep that rising as well."

Both the chickens and the birds will be on display at the Ag Exhibit Hall throughout the Fair, which runs through Saturday night.

On tap for tonight's activities are a tug-o-war at 5 p.m., the Junior Market Lamb and Commercial Ewe show and Open Sheep Show beginning at 5 p.m.. the 6:30 Lawn and Garden Tractor Pull, and the All Pleasure Horse Show at 7 p.m.

The Bedford Idol contest, filled with talent, will hold a final round of competition beginning at 7 p.m.

Saturday events at the Fair will feature Antique Tractor display beginning at 9 a.m., a Mule Pulling contest at 1 p.m. along with a Miniature Donkey show, the Goat Show for 4-H contenders at 2 p.m., an Antique Tractor Pull also at 2 p.m., the Mule Show at 5 p.m. and the Four-on-the-floor Main Attraction at 8 p.m.

Rides and games continue tonight and tomorrow night throughout the midway of the Fair. Tickets must be purchased at a ticket booth prior to boarding the ride.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for parking availability.