Parker Henson checks out a miniature pony.FIVE KEYS TO FAIR
Five key things to know about the county fair:1. You can’t drive to the fair. You’ll need to catch a shuttle bus at one of two locations: Northgate Mall or Middle Valley Recreation Center. Cost to ride is $6 for adults and $4 for children 3-12 (strollers are allowed). Entrance to the fair is free. If you need handicap parking and have the proper tags, you will be directed to a designated area inside the park and transported to the fairgrounds.2. It’s a rain-or-shine event. At press time, the weather appeared to be willing to cooperate, with sunny skies and highs in the mid-80s forecast. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.3. Don’t bring your smokes. Tobacco products are not allowed.4. The kids will love it. Train rides, pony rides, performing ducks, bungee jumping, model car races … Who are we kidding? This is fun for all ages.5. You can find more online. Schedules detailing the entertainment on the fair’s three stages as well as events in the Ag & Livestock Arena can be found at hamiltontn.gov/fair/entertainment/default.aspx.
A week-old duckling slides into the water at the duck tent at the Hamilton County Fair.
Scott Routt, left, and Larry Kyker, members of the Alhambra Shrine’s Hillbilly Unit, check on the consistency of the grits in their grist mill.Chester Frost Park is some 280 acres and, this weekend, every inch of that may be accounted for as the Hamilton County Fair sets up shop. Officials with Hamilton County government, which organizes the fair, say more than 40,000 people are expected to attend over the two days, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29.
Visitors will find continuous entertainment on three stages, plus antique tractors, classic cars, arts and crafts, jars of jam, baskets of squash and enough animals to make Old MacDonald envious.
The petting zoo alone boasts sheep, goats, pigs, a miniature donkey, rabbits, ducks, baby chickens and calves. Dozens more animals, from canine to bovine, will be on display and demonstrating skills.
Twenty-four musical acts are scheduled to perform, along with a lineup of gymnasts, twirlers, cheerleaders and tiny tots learning their first dance steps.