By Tom Davis
Correspondent
EVENSVILLE, Tenn. — The Rhea County Fair committee has bought into the fair’s theme this year — “A country fair for every generation” — in a big way.
Old Timers Day on Monday will spotlight activities such as rendering lard, quilting and blacksmithing, according to fair President Harold Fisher.
Throughout the fair, which runs Saturday and Monday through the 11th, “we will be doing an exhibit on 4-H, since this is the 100th anniversary of 4-H,” Mr. Fisher said. “I’ve found my old 4-H jacket, and I’m going to take it down to show.”
Traditional county fair activities, including shows of livestock and poultry, canned goods, produce, baked goods and flower arrangements will be on display, he said, with categories for all ages.
This year, the fair committee is excited about having more room and better lighting and utility service throughout the fairgrounds, Mr. Fisher said.
“We received a $25,000 grant from the Department of Agriculture, and we have had to match it with local funds, including $15,000 from the county commission,” he said.
That money funded installation of lighting at the show ring, additions to one exhibit building and construction of another, construction of a stage and other improvements to the fairgrounds, located across Eagle Lane from Rhea County High School. Many hours of volunteer labor went into construction, Mr. Fisher said.
One addition that has created quite a buzz in the community is the Age of Elegance Pageant, according to pageant co-chairman Sylvia Capps. The pageant, which features categories for women from 60 to 69 years old and from 70 and up, has attracted 15 ladies, “most in the 70 and up category,” she said.
“We have some gorgeous ladies in Rhea County, but a lot of them don’t want people to know how old they are,” Ms. Capps said.
For a full list of events, visit the fair website at www.rheacountyfair.org.
Tom Davis is based in Dayton, Tenn. E-mail him at tsdavis@volstate.net
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