Annual White County Fair celebrates 80th anniversary

04 Sep 2015 Annual White County Fair celebrates 80th anniversary

Posted at 10:49 AMh in News by 501 LIFE

The White County Fair Association is proud to announce its schedule of events for the 2015 White County Fair. This year marks a huge milestone as organizers celebrate the 80th annual fair.

“We have made every effort to build a line-up offering something for everyone and continue to be a family friendly event,” said organizer Brandon Moss. “Through the support of our patrons, we have once again been named the largest county fair in Arkansas and a top 10 county fair in the United States. We hope you will join us this year to take in the sights, sounds, and more importantly, the food. After all, everything is better when it’s battered and deep-fried.”

The 2015 White County Fair will kick off Saturday, Sept. 12, with the annual White County Fair Parade and run through Saturday, Sept. 19. The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. and run through historic Downtown Searcy. Lou Thompson will serve as grand marshal and lead the parade. She retired last year from the White County Fair Association Board of Directors after many years of dedicated service.

Saturday night’s entertainment will include country music legends T. Graham Brown, Billy Joe Royal and Ronnie McDowell. Sunday will feature free admission and all rides will be $1 per rider. OneNight will also return Sunday for the third year. “We will name the 2015 White Country Fair Queen Monday night.”

Tuesday night marks the return of Gospel Night to the fair and Wednesday will feature Lawn Mower Races. “Thursday gives us the opportunity to honor our senior citizens and veterans during the day and at night we will present our Monster Truck Jamboree & Bull Riding.”

The White County Fair IPRA/ACA Rodeo begins on Friday night and runs through Saturday. Additional events Saturday end with the ever popular Demolition Derby.

“Whatever night you choose to come, you’ll find something for everyone.”

For more information, contact the White County Fair office at 501.268.1568 or visit whitecountyfairgrounds.org. Information is also available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Calendar of Events

Saturday, Sept. 12

Admission: $8 Adults, $6 Children (ages 6-12), ages 5 and under are free

Parking: $3 per vehicle

9 AM – Gates Open

10 AM – Barrel Racing – Rodeo Arena

11 AM – White County Fair Parade – Downtown Searcy

Noon – Education Building closes for judging

1 PM – Midway opens
– Judging of Educational Exhibits
– ATV Races – Derby Pit

6 PM – Trenton Williams – Entertainment Pavilion

7 PM – JR Rogers & the All-stars – Entertainment Pavilion
          – Billy Joe Royal
          – Ronnie McDowell
          – T. Graham Brown

10 PM – Buildings close

Sunday, Sept. 13

Admission: FREE

Parking: FREE

1 PM – Gates, Midway, & Buildings open (All Rides $1.00 per rider)

2 PM – White County Fair Horse Show – Rodeo Arena

5 PM – Buildings & Midway close

5:30 PM – OneNight 2015 – Entertainment Pavilion

7:30 PM – Midway re-opens (All Rides $1.00 per rider)

10:00 PM – Fairgrounds close

Monday, Sept. 14

Admission: $4 Adults, $3 Children (ages 6-12), ages 5 and under are free

Parking: $3 per vehicle

10 AM – Born & Bred Heifer Replacement Show – Dairy Pavilion

4 PM – Midway opens
– Pony Show

5 PM – 4-H Poultry Sale Check-In – Animal World

7 PM – 4-H Poultry Chain Sale – Animal World
– White County Fair Queen Contest – Entertainment Pavilion

10 PM – Fairgrounds close

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Admission: $1 Everyone

Parking: $3 per vehicle

8: AM – Rabbit & Poultry Check-In

11:30 AM – Meat Goat

2 PM – Miniature Horses

4
PM – Gates & Buildings open
– Dairy Goats

5 PM – Midway opens – Armbands (5 to 10 PM)

7 PM – Gospel Night featuring Awakening Disciples & Harding University Good News Singers

10 PM – Buildings close

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Admission: $4 Adults, $3 Children (ages 6-12), ages 5 & under are free

Parking: $3.00 per vehicle

9: AM – FFA/4-H Day

1 PM – Beef Cattle

4 PM – Gates & Buildings open

5 PM – Midway opens (Armbands 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

6 PM – Dairy Cattle

7 PM – Market Steers
– Lawn Mower Races – Derby Pit

10 PM – Fairgrounds close

Thursday, Sept. 17

Admission: $8 Adults, $6 Children 6-12, ages 5 and under are free

Parking: $3 per vehicle

9 AM – Senior Citizen/Veteran’s Day begins (free admission 9 AM – 1 PM)
– Dixie Swing Kings & line dancing – Entertainment Pavilion
– Buildings open

10 AM – Welcome by the White County Fair Board President
            – Welcome by Ray Montgomery – CEO of Unity Health
            – Posting of Colors by the Arkansas State University ROTC
            – National Anthem
            – Unity Health presentation
            – Door Prizes

11 AM – Veteran Recognition by Lorene Butler – VFW Auxiliary Post #2330

11:35 AM – Unity Health Opening Prayer

11:40 AM – Lunch service begins

1 PM – Senior Citizens/Veterans Day ends

Noon – Sheep and Market Lambs

3 PM – Market Goats

4 PM – Gates & Buildings open

5 PM – Midway opens

7 PM – Monster Truck Jamboree – Derby Pit

8 PM – Bull Riding – Rodeo Arena

10 PM – Fairgrounds close

Friday, Sept. 18