'Fairest of the Fair' Saturday, Fair begins Monday

If you feel the need to admire the beauty of Bedford County Saturday night, you don't have to go far to do it. Head down to Shelbyville Central High School for the 2009 Bedford County Fairest of the Fair pageant.

"There's about 30 more girls in it this year than last year," said Jerri Lynn Smith, who chairs the event for the Bedford County Fair. "It's really increased. I'm glad to see more getting in it."

Smith said there are 82 girls participating in this year's event, which has nine age divisions, from Precious Miss Bedford County, girls 0-11 months, to Miss Bedford County Fair, 16- to 21-year-olds. The numbers in that division actually doubled this year, going from seven girls vying for the title of Miss Bedford County Fair to 14. One reason is a $500 scholarship added this year to the top prize in that category.

"We're very pleased with the turnout," she added. "It looks like it's going to be a very good day, an all-day event."

The pageants begin at 2 p.m. with the youngest division and continue throughout the day. The Young Miss Bedford County Fair begins at 7 p.m, and the Miss Bedford County Fair begins at 8. Admission is $5 per person 13 and up, $3 for children 6-12, and children under 6 are admitted free.

The rest of the fair is also shaping up and opening ceremonies will be at the fairgrounds on Midland Road Monday at 6 p.m. One schedule change was recently made, moving the antique tractor pull next Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 a.m.

Some of the highlights for this year's fair include:

* Elvis impersonator Chuck Baril takes the stage Thursday night. He has performed in a variety of venues, from the Gibson Guitar Showcase to Bonnaroo.

* Farmer for a Day: Young fair visitors can sample life on the farm, picking apples and milking cows -- of a sort. This educational exhibit has been a favorite for years, and will be even more popular now that a petting zoo has been added.

* Other musical acts will include Mary Williams (granddaughter of country music legend Don Williams), Dwayne Drake and the Whiskey Run Band, Four on the Floor, Killing Time with Nicole Nichols, and the gospel group By Faith. Cloggers and other entertainment will be on the stage throughout the week.

* The popular Smokin' Tractor Pull is also Thursday night, as is the Tug-of-war contest.

* Senior Day and Youth Day will be Wednesday, featuring special events.

* Karaoke Night will be Monday, and agricultural exhibits and competitions will take place all week.

* Carnival rides: A $10 entry fee Tuesday night buys unlimited rides.

For more information, visit bedfordcountyfair.org.

Fair schedule

Saturday

Fairest of the Fair Pageant

2 p.m. Precious Miss Bedford County Fair (Girls 0-11 months)

2:30 p.m. Baby Miss Bedford County Fair (Girls 12-23 months)

3 p.m. Toddler Miss Bedford County Fair (Girls 2-3 years)

3:30 p.m. Tiny Miss Bedford County Fair (Girls 4-5 years)

4 p.m.. Petite Miss Bedford County Fair (6-7 years)

4:30 p.m.. Little Miss Bedford County Fair (8-10 years)

5 p.m. Junior Miss Bedford County Fair (11-12 Years)

7 p.m. Young Miss Bedford County Fair (13-15 years)

8 p.m. Miss Bedford County Fair (16-21 years)

Admission: $5 per person 13 and up, $3 for children 6-12, and children under 6 are admitted free.

Monday

6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies

6 p.m. Open Dairy Show

7 p.m. Karaoke Night

7:30 p.m. Bicycle Competition

Tuesday

1 p.m. Home Ec/Ag Exhibits Open to Public

6 p.m. Beef Show

7 p.m. Red Hat Society

8 p.m. Nicole Nichols' Band, "Killing Time"

Wednesday

10 a.m. Recieve Poultry, judging to follow

10 a.m.Recieve Rabbits, judging to follow

10 a.m. Sr. Citizens Day Opening Ceremonies

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sr. Citizens Day Activities

10 a.m. Youth Day

1 p.m. Home Ec/Ag Exhibits Open to Public

7 p.m. Faith Night

7:30 p.m. Fun Dog Show

8 p.m. "By Faith" Gospel Quartet

Thursday

1 p.m. Home Ec/Ag Exhibits Open to Public

6 p.m. MidState Cloggers

6 p.m. Smoker Truck & Tractor Pull Registration

6 p.m. Open Beef Show

6:30 p.m. Tug-O-War

7 p.m. Smoker Truck & Tractor Pull

7:30 p.m Elvis Night

Friday

1 p.m. Home Ec/Ag Exhibits Open to Public

4 p.m. Wool & Woolies Revue

5:30 p.m. Open Sheep Show, Junior Market Lamb & Commercial Ewe Show to follow Open Sheep Show

6:30 p.m. Lawn & Garden Tractor Pull

7 p.m. All Pleasure Horse Show

7 p.m. Singer Mary Grace Williams

7:30 p.m. Dwayne Drake & The "Whiskey Run" Band Sponsored by Blue Ribbon Insurance

Saturday

9 a.m. Home Ec/Ag Exhibits Open to Public

9 a.m. Antique Tractor Exhibit & Show

10 a.m. Miniature Donkey Show

11 a.m. Antique Tractor Exhibit & Show Judging

11 a.m. Antique Tractor Pull

2 p.m. Snow Bird

2 p.m. Mule Pulling

2 p.m. Central Region 4-H Meat Goat Show

7 p.m. Mule Show

8 p.m. "Four On The Floor" Band Sponsored by First Community Bank

*Schedule subject to change

Carnival Opens 6:00 PM Tues.-Thurs. 5:00 PM Fri. 3:00 PM Sat.

Daily Fair Pass - $5, 6 and under free, except Tuesday & Thursday night. Week Fair Pass - Family of four - $30.00, additional members $10 each.

Tuesday night admission is $10 per person; an arm band will be included for the carnival rides. Those with family passes will have to purchase armband separately

Thursday night admission is $10 per person, 6 & under free. This the Smoker Tractor pull and Elvis night. Tcikets do not include armband for carnival rides.