By Taylor Boyd
It soon will be time to stroll down the midway, when the 68th annual Patrick County Agricultural Fair, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Stuart, gets underway in September.
Sonny Swails, president of the Patrick County Agriculture Fair Corporation, said the fair is historically held the third Tuesday after Labor Day.
But “our friends down in Henry County have decided they’re going to get back in the fair business, and they chose our same week that we have historically had, so we moved back a week. Our fair this year will be Tuesday, September 14 to Saturday, September 18,” he said.
After last year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Swails said he is looking forward to having the fair once again.
“The fair is such a popular event in Patrick County that I think it’s going to be a large fair this year. Most people in Patrick County will tell you it’s what they most look forward to each year,” he said.
Swails said the fair is also like a mini reunion, with visitors able see those that they don’t encounter anywhere else.
“I think people are excited about being able to get out, and come back and see their friends,” he said.
Swails said the fair corporation decided to hold the event this year because outside venues don’t have restrictions now, and fairs have started up all around the country.
“We feel pretty comfortable with the fact that most of our people are going to be outside,” he said.
Masks will not be mandatory to enter the fair or the building where commercial vendors will be stationed. Swails said the number of people allowed entry into the fairgrounds is not limited at this time.
Over the past three weeks, COVID-19 cases in Patrick County and surrounding counties have increased. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the weeks before the fair comes to town. Obviously, things could change in that period of time,” Swails said, adding he just hope nothing gets out of hand between now and September that could jeopardize the event.
While the fair will largely resemble those of years past, with multiple rides, vendors, games, petting zoo, and nightly events, Swails said the lack of the Friday night rodeo is a noticeable change.
“Dr. Boyce had been our sponsor for the rodeo for several years, and there’s not going to be a sponsor for it,” he said. Boyce died last year.
Swails added that the Demolition Derby begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday. The Power Wheel Derby starts at 6 p.m.
Local talent will be showcased on the Hooker Building Stage each night of the fair.
Charlie Chaney’s music students will start off the event on Tuesday followed by Patrick County Dancing Arts, the Trinity Church Choir, and Mike Hall.
On Wednesday, Shelley Roberts, Debbie Bennett, Marcie Horne, and Joyful Noise will take the stage throughout the night.
Sue Nester, Tina & Herbert Conner, Phillip Adams, and One Accord will perform Thursday night. On Friday, Charlie Chaney and Friends will kick off the performances, followed by Jason Harris and Sawmill Road and the Country Boys, who will also perform during the clogging and flatfooting competition. Bingo also will be held on Saturday, with prize money awarded.
