The 2008 Sumner County Fair is just around the corner, and the Board of Directors of the Sumner County Fair Association extend a special invitation to all the residents of Sumner and surrounding counties to Mark Aug. 6-9 on your calendars and plan to attend Vote ‘Yes for the Sumner County Fair,’ the 81st annual county fair in Caldwell.
    The fair board has worked diligently throughout the year to plan a fun filled event for all ages. In looking to the best interest of all involved several changes in schedule have been made for the 2008 fair. Be sure to read your fair tabloid, now available, and check on the time of the events.
    Wednesday, Aug. 6 is the first day of the fair. Wednesday afternoon and evening from 4-8 p.m., 4-Hers will be entering and doing consultative judging.
    Several departments will also be receiving open class entries. The first clue for the Fair Medallion Search will be posted a 4 p.m., outside the fair office.
    In order to collect the $162 prize, participants must register fair button numbers at the fair office before beginning to search; otherwise, the finder will only receive $81.
    Also the special contests in various departments will be open for all. At 7 p.m. the third annual Figure 8 Race will be held at the Caldwell Fair Arena, formerly known as the Caldwell Rodeo Grounds. Gate admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for ages 7-12, and 6 & under free. Wearing a fair button reduces the price $1.
    Thursday, Aug. 7 is a full day of events! Judging of entries will be taking place throughout the day. The Swine Show will begin at 9 a.m.
    The Goat Show, Shepherds Lead Contest, and Sheep Show will begin at 1 p.m., one immediately following the other. All these events will be held in the livestock barn.
    Beginning at 7 p.m. John Rynhart will present a musical variety show on the outside stage. The grand opening of the Fair will be held at 8 p.m., on the outside stage with a welcome from the mayor and greetings from the fair president.
    The evening's featured program is Kickin’ Up Our Heels on the Campaign Trail, county talent under the direction of Suzie Yunker. Button prize drawings will be held after the program. From 10 p.m. until midnight, family karoke will be featured on the stage.
    Friday, Aug. 8 will find fair goes busier than ever. The Beef Show, including the bucket calf show, will start the day off at 9 a.m.
    At 1 :30 p.m., the Round Robin Showmanship Contest will be held.    Kid’s Day Events will begin at 2:30 pm. Lineup for the Kiddie Parade will be at 3 p.m.; kids need to register and lineup at the Methodist Church, The Kiddie Parade following the theme ‘The Sumner County Fair Wants You,” will begin at 3:30 p.m., and will be followed by the Sandpile Dig and Button Prize Drawings. Kids can ride the farm train and visit the petting zoo during this time also. Final afternoon event of Kid's Day will be the Pedal Pull at 5 p.m.; pullers must have a fair button to pull.
    Beginning Friday evening's entertainment will be the Farm Bureau handing out free ice cream bars at 7 p.m., on the fairgrounds. Also at 7 p.m., fair goers are invited to go to the Community Building and bid on the 4-H Cookie Jars and then watch the 4-H Style Revue. Inflat-O-Fun will be open from 7 to 11 p.m. for kids of all ages. Advanced tickets will be $10 with tickets that evening costing $12. Contact Toni Wolff (620-863 2466) about advanced tickets.
    Friday's main event will be the free Byron Berline Band concert scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. This concert is sponsored by County businesses and individuals. Plan to bring a lawn chair and come enjoy an evening of music presented by one of Sumner County's own!
    Beginning Saturday at the fair by attending the Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m. sponsored by the Central Christian Church Chi Rho Youth Group. The Junior Livestock Auction will begin at 9 a.m., and the 2007 and 2008 Auction Buyers are invited to the Buyers Lunch served at noon.
    Area pie bakers are encouraged to enter the homemade pie contest by bringing entries to the fair building between 10  and 11 a.m. Judging will be at 11 a.m., with oral comments given.
    The Horse Show will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Harrison arena on north Chisholm Street.
    Be sure to visit the exhibits and commercial booths before check out and cleanup at 3 p.m.   
    The evening events will be opened with the Grand Parade at 6 p.m., led by the Grand Marshals Carson and Nina Ward.
    Entering a float that follows the fair theme: Vote YES for the Sumner County Fair.
    The evening platform program will begin at 8 p.m., and will feature Chad Smith and the Midnight Riders with special guest Lauren Blubaugh. The grand and reserve pies will be auctioned during the program intermission. Ending the program will be the grand prize button drawing followed by a fireworks display to conclude the 81st annual Sumner County Fair.
    Join your friends and neighbors on Aug. 6-9 and celebrate 81 years of Sumner County Fairs.