Saline County Fair ‘Moovin’ & Groovin’ in September

This year’s Saline County Fair & Rodeo is set to run Sept. 6 through 10 at the Saline County Fairgrounds.

This year’s fair theme is Moovin’ and Groovin’.

“The fair is one time in Saline County all Saline County people are invited to compete and share their artistic work,” said Fair Board President Molly Wright.

People will be able to enter a wide variety of contests from art to live stock to baking to eggs and honey. Along with the contests there will be rides, rodeo and other entertainment.

“It is a great time to get together for people of Saline County and beyond,” Wright said.

The fair will begin accepting non-perishable entries for contests, such as photos, crafts and canned goods, on Sept. 1 from 1 to 8 p.m. The next chance to turn them in will be Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. At that time on Tuesday, horticultural and livestock exhibits will also be accepted.

On Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the fair will accept baked goods and perishable horticultural items, such as cut flowers.

There is no entry fee for the exhibition contests.

The Saline County Fair & Rodeo Pageant will take place starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 3 to select this year’s fair queens ahead of the fair.

The queens will take part in the Fair Parade and make appearances at the fair.

This year’s pageant will be at the fairgrounds.

Pageant entry is $50. Side award entry is $5 or $25 for side categories — prettiest eyes, prettiest hair, best dressed, prettiest smile, most beautiful and best personality.

An additional photo for the photogenic award is $10.

The pageant will be separated into three age groups shows. Boys and girls up to age 2 will start at 9 a.m. Ages 3 to 11 will start at 11 a.m. ages 12 and older will start at 1 p.m.

Entry forms are available in the fair book or participants can request it to be emailed through the Saline County Fair Pageant Facebook page.

There will be a chance to register in person from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the fairgrounds.

Sept. 5, the fair is offering a new show leading up the official fair opening. The new 4-H Dog Club will hold a dog show. It will start at 5 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

The parade officially kicks off the fair festivities at 6 p.m. Sept. 6. It will travel down Market Street in Benton after starting at C.W. Lewis Stadium and going up Main Street.

Tom and Mary Wallace will be this year’s parade marshals. Wright said Tom Wallace is a board member and organizes the parade. While Mary Wallace is not on the board, she goes out of her way to help and takes charge of the special lunch the board holds for the carnival workers each year.

“She is a huge contributor,” Wright said.

There is no cost for floats to enter the parade. The first place float will win $200. The second place will win $125. Third place will win $75.

To enter, call or text Tom Wallace at 501-416-0205.

After the parade, the carnival will open. Armband nights are Sept. 6, 8 and 10.

Once again Evans United is bringing the midway of rides and games.

Attendees will be able to view the livestock brought in for the competitions.

The Extension Homemakers plan to have their kitchen open.

“It is always a crowd favorite,” Wright said.

Admission to the fair is free, but rides, games and purchases will cost.

Another new addition to the fair will be the Jettway Productions Concert in the Arena. It will start at

6:30 p.m. and run for three hours. It will feature local artists and Jettway attendees.

There is no cost to attend the concert.

Judging for 4-H livestock starts at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7.

The popular mutton bustin, for ages 6 and under, will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 8,9 and 10. The cost is $10 for children to participate and they will sign up the day of and parents must sign a release.

Bull Riding and Junior Barrel Racing will be 8 p.m. Sept. 8. Attendance is $5.

The rodeo will be 8 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10. Admission for the rodeo is $10. Anyone interested in entering the bull riding, barrel racing or rodeo should contact H&H Rodeo Co.

Senior Day will be Sept. 8. School Day and Special Needs Day will both be

Sept. 9. Exhibits will be open and there will be 4-H members on hand to speak to attendees.

For the special needs visitors, rides will be open for 30 minutes. Those attending special needs day should preregister because the fair board plans to provide lunch.

At 6 p.m. Sept. 9, children age 8 and under will get to try their hand showing livestock belonging to the 4-H members. Wright said it is both a chance to get children interested in showing and an opportunity for children who might not get any other chance. All the children will take home rosette ribbons.

Sept. 10 will start off with the 4-H Pullet chain auction. Wright said that funds the pullet chain program. Each year, students get 25 chickens and bring their top three to compete. Those children get auctioned off to help pay for the next year’s program.

The premium sale and auction will be at 10 a.m.

The live stock awards follow the sales.

Wright said the board looks forward to a great fair.