The chance to experience farm life returns to Chester Frost Park this weekend with the Hamilton County Fair.
This old-fashioned salute includes everything from horses to antique cars, from gardening to woodworking. More than 50 vendors have stocked their booths with an array of arts and crafts ranging from clothing to jewelry to yard decor. Livestock is ready to be petted.
You can find out more at www.hamiltontn.gov/fair or 209-6030. In the meantime, here are five things to know before you go.
1. You can’t drive there. Unless you have a parking pass allowing access to Dallas Island, you must arrive by shuttle. Bus stops are at Northgate Mall, Highway 153 at Hixson Pike, and Middle Valley Recreation Center, 1900 E. Crabtree Road. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children 3-12. Entrance to the fair is free. Strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated on the buses. There is limited handicap parking at the park.
2. You can eat till you burst. Some 30 vendors will be set up on Concessions Row, offering the finest fair cuisine. The traditional goodies include kettle corn, barbecue, smoked turkey legs, hamburgers, hot dogs, even chicken and dumplings. Top it off with a funnel cake or cotton candy.
3. There’s entertainment everywhere you turn. Three stages are set up in the fairgrounds for musical acts offering sounds ranging from folk to funk, as well as dance, twirling and and gymnastics demonstrations. A cheerleading contest will award prizes for best pom routine, pyramid, stunts, tumbling and school spirit.
4. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied. They’ll love the petting zoo, bungee jump and model railroad, as well as the hourly dog shows by the Chattanooga Obedience Club. Kids can show their own prowess in contests ranging from sack races to balloon tosses.
5. It’ll make you think about adding overalls to your wardrobe. There will be plenty of skills on display from the folks who can “make, bake, sew and grow,” the general description of entries accepted in the home-centered, agricultural and flower show competitions. Take a look around at their cakes, calves and cucumbers, and just try to fight the urge to try your luck next year.