Fair Returns to Edmonson County With Hopes of Being Bigger Than Last Year

Edmonson County Fair Set for September 3rd - 7th

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County Lions Club is making preparations for an even bigger and better fair for 2024, which is saying a lot, considering the huge success of last year's event.

According to Edmonson County Lion's Club Fair Board Chairman Donnie Turley, the club began working on the 2024 event immediately after the conclusion of last year's fair.

"We have tried our best to show our community how much we appreciated the response from last year, but the best way we think we can do that is to continue reinvesting in the fair," he said. "We want to keep working on making it bigger and better."

The all-new improved carnival and events from last year have reset the bar of expectation, to which Turley said fairgoers can once again expect. He said the carnival is estimated to be better this year, with two larger rides and more for the small kids. Events start nightly at 7PM with a $15 admission, which includes carnival rides. Gates will open at 4:30PM daily.

The fair will kick off on Tuesday, September 3rd with a KOTTPA sanctioned truck pull.

On Wednesday, September 4th, the fair will host a farm stock tractor pull and mini rod pull. Both nights will feature multiple tracks that have been newly constructed in the area near the former mud bog pit. The pit area has been expanded and rebuilt for the pulls along with the mud run that is scheduled for the next night, Thursday, September 5th.

The mud run is a sanctioned event presented by Hall's Motorsports.

Friday is a special day for many youngsters throughout the county as schools will close for the annual Fair Day and Fair Day Parade.

Parade participants will line up at ECHS at 8AM on Friday, September 6th with the parade scheduled to start at 9AM. The Edmonson Voice will bring you live coverage of the parade on YouTube and Facebook, sponsored in part by the Lions Club. The theme for this year's parade is "Family Traditions."

Fair Day will see rides start at 10AM and armbands are $10 for the kids. Entrance will be at the upper barn where the armbands will be issued.

That night will be the Family Rodeo, presented by Spur A Productions and will offer bull riding, barrel races, and all sorts of family events that you'll find at quality rodeos.

Saturday will be the finale with 4-H events happening that morning and the demolition derby that night.

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"We've expanded the space on the fairground property by cleaning out an area, cleaning up some trees, and flattening out a portion over by the pit," Turley said. "This gives us about three more acres of usable property. We've put up new and improved LED lighting in some areas and it really makes a big difference."

Turley said the improvements to the events, carnival, and grounds wouldn't be possible without the help of sponsorship.

"We have so many people that have pitched in to make this possible, and not to mention all the volunteers that are helping outside of the Lions Club," he added.

Turley said while the focus is obviously on making this year's fair the best ever, long term plans for the Lions Club include bigger plans like expanding and acquiring more property and remodeling the barns.

"We want to continue the excitement that the fair used to be when we were kids," he said. "We know there aren't a lot of things for kids to do in our county so we want the fair to be a focus for them. We will continue to reinvest in the fair and our community and try to keep the future in mind with a positive vision."

A special treat this year is the addition of soft serve ice cream that will be available in the concession stand. On top of that, the first 100 kids each night will receive a free ice cream cone with admission. They will receive a ticket that can be redeemed for the cone.

Vendors will be set up in the lower barn with space still available (no food vendors are allowed).

There will also be a ticket giveaway soon, right here on the Edmonson Voice with several chances to win.

The Lions Club has also worked on trying to bring people in outside of the county. Three different billboards can be seen in Bowling Green, including one digital board.

Visit the Edmonson County Lions Club Facebook Page for contact info and more.