Fair season begins at the Clay County Fairgrounds Tuesday evening with the ‘Very Vegas’ Clay County Fair.
Clay County Fair President Carla Rich said the fair board is a volunteer-only group that works year round on planning the fair. Rich said the fair is Clay County’s biggest annual event, and county fairs are very important for rural communities.
“We’re really honored to provide an opportunity for folks to get together with their friends and neighbors and have a good time with them,” Rich said. “But also, the Clay County Fair has always been an agricultural fair, so we like to think we’re bridging a gap between city and country folks.”
Rich said the fair gives people a chance to learn where their food comes from, especially since many people are generations removed from farming. Rich said the fair is a fun family tradition.
“We have those good feelings about riding rides and doing the same things every year like grabbing that funnel cake,” Rich said. “and you know, seeing all of the exhibits people come to enter. It’s just good, affordable fun for the entire family.”
Rich said planning the fair is a lot of work. She said the fair board meets monthly to brainstorm ideas, book vendors, and prepare advertisements. Rich said dividing the workload makes everything run smoothly.
“I liken it to the parts of a body,” Rich said. “We would not be able to have our fair without everyone doing their little part. We have folks that work on the grounds and make we have gravel put where we need to. We have folks who print the passes to get into the fair. For the workers, we of course have our food vendors that do their little part.”
Rich said Vegas-inspired activities like poker, a vow renewal ceremony, and an Elvis impersonator will be part of this year’s fair. It runs through Saturday.
