The Fairest of the Fair will be decided Saturday as Pikeville, Tenn., gears up for the Bledsoe County Agricultural Fair.
The pageant, scheduled at 5 p.m. CDT in the HeadStart/SETHRA Building (old Bledsoe County High School auditorium) will crown winners in several age groups, according to fair organizers.
All of the contestants will be pressed into community service during the week, handing out awards and presentations, said John Swafford, president of the fair.
“From the time we open on Tuesday till we close (the following) Saturday, we use them all and any other kids we can find,” he said.
From noon to 7 p.m. Monday (all times are Central), blue-ribbon hopefuls can drop off their entries in the exhibit hall at the Community Complex, where the rest of the week’s events take place. Last year, about 300 people entered exhibits into the various competitions.
“It’s a pretty good turnout in Bledsoe County,” Swafford said.
Tuesday is opening night. The carnival and petting zoo, available each night, will start at 6 p.m., and Unwound will perform at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday is Family Night, with gospel groups performing at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday will highlight local bands Marred Up and Soul Shine, starting at 6:30 p.m. Goat and sheep shows start at 7 p.m.
Aug. 13 is Veterans Appreciation Night. The evening includes a pet parade with a patriotic theme at 5:30 p.m. and entertainment by Savannah Roberts at 6 p.m. Country singer Rockie Lynne will offer a military tribute at 7 p.m.
His concert marks a return visit by the singer, whose patriotic show was very well received the first time around, Swafford said.
Aug. 14 is the fair’s closing day, and the busiest. Events starts at 1 p.m. with a parade (lineup at 12:30 p.m.), cornhole contest at 4 p.m., antique tractor and cattle shows at 5 p.m., rook tournament at 5:30 p.m. and a miniature tractor pull at 8 p.m.
The gate pass is $1 Wednesday, $3 all other nights; free for children 6 and younger. Veterans get in free Aug. 13.
For more information, call 423-322-5649.