By Paul Leach
Correspondent
BENTON, Tenn. - The free Polk County Fair celebrates its 40th year with community exhibits, contests, musical acts and carnival rides through Saturday.
It is one of the last free fairs in Tennessee.
"Everyone gets to come and enjoy a real country fair," said fair President Joyce Stafford. "It's a great tradition."
The fair includes competitive exhibitions for both youths and adults, including categories for plants, flowers, vegetables, canned goods, photography and art.
"Coming to the fair is lots of fun already, but when you've entered something of your own in a contest, you really understand that it's your fair and that you're a part of the community," Lynne Williams, fair administrator for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, said in a news release.
The fair will host livestock shows for sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows on Thursday. Cash prizes will be awarded, with some support from the state agriculture department.
"Once you get involved, it gets in your blood," said Stafford, who has been a part of the fair for at least 20 years and fair president for the last 10 years.
Wednesday evening, which is dedicated to senior citizens, will feature a devotional service led by Richard Mason of Crossroads Baptist Church and a lineup of gospel and bluegrass artists, including Reliance.
Other fair highlights include beauty pageants on Saturday, and pony rides benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be offered Thursday through Saturday.
"The Polk County Fair is a longtime tradition in the county, enjoyed by both the young and young at heart," said Jan Beck, president of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland, Tenn. E-mail him at paul.leach-press@gmail.com.
ON THE WEB
For more information, go to the Polk County Chamber of Commerce website event pages at www.ocoeecountry.com/events.cfm.