2015 Edmonson County Fair Preview "Kentucky Proud"

The 2015 Edmonson County Fair is scheduled to kickoff Thursday, Sept 11 at South Edmonson Elementary for the first night of beauty pageants. Edmonson County Lions Club Fair Board Director Mike Blanton said the organization has been working all year long to prepare for the event, and a new carnival company has been hired for this year's rides. The theme for the 2015 Fair is "Kentucky Proud," which is also the name of the organization that promotes Kentucky grown food and ag products and the people that grow and make them.

Blanton said that this year's carnival is expected to be even bigger and better than last year's, which most fair-goers will say was an improvement over years past. The carnival is set to feature 16 or 17 major rides including a Ferris Wheel. Blanton said that some folks still aren't happy with the $10 admission cost, but reminds everyone that the carnival requires 50% of all gate fees. "You just can't get good carnivals, period without that percentage," he said.

The fair is the biggest fundraiser for the Lions Club, and 100% of all profits are used for charitable events and causes throughout the year. If you think the club only piles broken eye glasses in a cardboard box, you're mistaken. The organization is a large benefactor of the Backpack Program that feeds hungry Edmonson County children, they have their own college scholarship, they organize both parades, they buy each Head Start student a new coat at Christmas, they co-sponsor the annual Parks & Rec Fireworks, and make tons of anonymous donations to various causes, events, and people in need all year long.

Thursday, Sept 10, 7pm, opening night, will see the Little Miss, Tiny Miss, and Mrs. Edmonson County pageants. Admission will be $5 per person, with kids 6 & under free.  The event will not be at the fairgrounds, it will be held at South Edmonson Elementary. 

Friday night, Sept 11th will be the second series of pageants, featuring Miss Edmonson County, Miss Teen, and Miss Pre-Teen. The event will be held at South Edmonson Elementary. Admission is $5/person, with kids 6 & under free. You can find out more on the Edmonson County Fair Pageants Facebook page.

Saturday night, Sept 12th features the Kentucky Outlaw Truck Pullers Association Multi-Class Truck Pull. Considered a premier event, admission is $10 per person (no carnival) and starts at 7pm. You can visit the association's website for rules and procedures here. There will also be a featured Line Dancer performance in the exhibit barn.

Monday night, Sept 14th at 6pm, will be the Annual Baby Show. Sponsored by the EC Homemakers, classes are 0-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 13-18 mos, 19-24 mos, 2 yrs, and 3 yrs. Call the EC Extension Office at 270-597-3628 for more info. Admission is $5/person. The Homemakers receive a portion of the proceeds as they handle all of the exhibits that are entered in the exhibit barn. This helps them continue their many charity causes throughout the year. 

Tuesday night, Sept 15th, will be the Dirt Track Drag Racing at 7pm.  This event is modeled after any popular drag strip with timing lights and a 250ft dirt strip. Cash prizes will be awarded, call 859-576-7380 for more info. 

Weds night, Sept 16th will feature the new carnival only. Gates will open at 4pm and there is no admission cost, only a $10 charge if you choose to enjoy the unlimited rides. For example, if a parent brings a child and only the child wishes to ride, it's only $10 for the child, the parent won't be charged unless they choose to ride attractions.

Thursday Sept 17th will feature exhibit entry from 8am to 12 noon. Judging will be from 1pm to 6pm. Thursday night will feature a new event, Performance Go-Cart Racing. It will feature national riders from the pro circuit, carts are capable of doing 85-100mph. For more info, call 270-202-3570.

Friday, Sept 18th is the annual Parade and School Day Event. To participate in the parade, you must meet at the ECHS parking lot at 8am. The parade begins at 9am with the carnival opening immediately after the parade ends. $10 armbands will be available until 3pm. At 4:00pm an additional $10 will be required for the Friday night event. For school or parade info, call 270-791-8363.

Fri night, Sept 18 will be the Mud Bog at 7pm, featuring 5 different classes. Gates open at 4pm, and is expected to attract a huge crowd. Admission is $10/person. Get there early for best seating or for registration if you wish to participate. Call 270-246-1202.

Saturday night, Sept 19 will be the much anticipated Demolition Derby. The event is the fair's most popular event and draws an audience from many surrounding counties.  This year will also feature a live local band "Black Gold" to kick off the night, beginning at 5pm. Group members are Vincent Langdon, Steven Hunt, and Beau Kellie. The Derby will begin at 7pm and admission is $10 per person. Call Bud Woodcock at 270-246-1202 for rules and more info.