The Overton County Fair kicks off its 86th year Thursday night with a few new twists.
Fair Secretary Bob Matthews said this year, the cornbread and bean supper will be back for the first time in a few years. Matthews said the Miss Sunshine event will also include a Mr. Sunshine. Matthews said one big change is coming to a popular event.
“One new thing we’ll have is a lawnmower pull on [July 26] before our truck and tractor pull,” Matthews said. “We’ve had some people that have been interested in the lawnmower pull, so we’re going to try to have that on [July 26].”
Like any major event, the Overton County Fair took a lot of organization. Matthews said planning for this year’s fair began as soon as last year’s ended.
“It’s a year-long process,” Matthews said. “When the fair is over, we start talking about the next year, thinking about improvements, what we can do to improve, what changes need to be made.”
Matthews said the fair has always been rooted in agriculture. Matthews said he remembered visiting the fair not only for the carnival, but to see what neighbors and friends entered into it.
Furthermore, Matthews said the fair remains a special Overton County tradition because of the community aspect. He said the is like a family reunion because of chances to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
“It’s a fun experience for kids growing up,” Matthews said. “It’s all about kids. That’s the future of our fair, is keeping kids interested.”
The fair will conclude on July 26th.
Matthews said Thursday night’s opener will include a beauty pageant and the lamb show. As always, Matthews said people can look forward to the fair’s great food vendors and carnival games.
