North Carolina's Chatham County Agricultural Fair begins today

Sanford Herald - Agricultural Fair begins today.

PITTSBORO — “The Family Friendly Fair.” That’s the theme for the 59th Annual Chatham County Fair, which begins today and runs through Saturday at the Chatham County Fairgrounds on U.S. 64 in Pittsboro. “We want to make sure everyone comes to The Family Friendly Fair and enjoy themselves,” said Larry Brooks, president of the sponsoring non-profit Chatham County Agricultural and Industrial Fair Association. “It’s a time for relaxation and fun.” Brooks said the fair has much to offer to the community. “Even a small county fair, it’s a place where the entire community comes,” he said. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. today, with a welcome from Brooks, musical selections from the Northwood High School Band Jazz Ensemble, greetings from the N.C. Department of Agriculture, comments from elected officials and a tribute to Margaret Pollard. In addition, there will be free admission for students 18 and under on opening night only. Gates open at 5 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday. Fair admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under age 6. On Thursday, the theme will be “Get Healthy Chatham!” There will be health screenings sponsored by Piedmont Health Services Inc., free massages, healthy foods and nutrition sponsored by Chatham MarketPlace, information on prevention and intervention, and survey of local food production and promotion in the community. On Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon, there will be a senior citizens program for Chatham County residents only. Included will be games and entertainment, presentation by Chatham County Sheriff’s Department on personal safety, fall fashion show and spelling bee. After the games open to the public at 6 p.m. Friday, a gospel music celebration starts at 6:30. On Saturday, a music extravaganza is set from noon until 5 p.m., with dancing to tunes by local bands from 1 until 3 p.m. The Youth Talent Search will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., with prizes to the top three finishers. At 5 p.m. will be the Miss Chatham County Fair Pageant. Contestants include: o Little Miss Chatham County Fair (ages 5 to 11): Jenna Dominguez of Pittsboro, Amelia Guthrie of Siler City and Maya Guthrie of Siler City. o Miss Teen Chatham County Fair (ages 12 to 17): Kenya Lee of Moncure, Anna LaRocco Masi of Pittsboro and Loriann Shelton of Bear Creek. The pageant will be followed at 6 p.m. by the Ice Cream Churn-off Contest, with winners in the youth and adult categories. Also on Saturday will be the Biggest Pumpkin and Biggest Watermelon contests. Brooks says the fair will have more rides than in recent years — and there will be food available. So what is the favorite part of the fair for Brooks? “It’s probably eating,” he said. “I don’t do a lot of riding, so my favorite part is eating. Also, the gospel singing is great. The arts from the school kids. There’s plenty to enjoy at the fair.” Brooks said that he believes it’s the little things that makes the fair enjoyable. “Seeing a smile on the kids faces,” he said. “They’re so excited.”