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September 2-7, 2009
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The Kenton County Fair program is published yearly by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
153 years and going strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Parade celebrates history of city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 All kinds of horses from all over are the ‘mane’ draw . . . .6 Things heat up with the 4-H food competitions . . . . . . . . 6 Q&A with longtime volunteer Wanda Painter . . . . . . . . . .7 Enhance your fair experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Fair boasts brand new stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Putting the fun back into competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Livestock shows at fair very popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Gardening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Crafter section a must-see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fairs and 4-H pass down through the generations . . . . 14 It’s off to the races... with chickens, pigs . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Schedule of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/Recorder/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@nky.com. Or call 513-591-6166. For advertising call 578-5501.
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
153 years and going strong By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor
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The Alexandria Fair is the place to be for six days in September, an event that always ends on Labor Day, saluting the end of summer with a flourish. The fair has been in existence since 1856, making this year the 153rd year for the festivities at the Alexandria Fairgrounds. “We always refer to our fair as a mini Kentucky state fair,” says Doug Carmack, president of the Fair Board. and Carmack says his family had a food “The admission price is $7, and for that booth, so he is aware of the pros and price you get rides, and a variety of cons of offering food at a fair. things to do every night.” “I had the dining hall for years,” says The fair starts off with a parade on Stanley Cobb, an associate fair board Wednesday night, followed by the Miss member who has been part of the fair Teen Alexandria Fair and the Miss for 62 years. “One year it rained so hard Alexandria Fair pagwe had to shut it down, eants on Thursday and me with a whole About the fair night. Friday night feahall full of food!” The 153rd Alexandria Fair and Horse Show tures the showing of the Both Cobb and takes place Sept. 2-7. Admission to the fair is livestock and one of the Carmack are enthusias$7 for those 3 and up. This price includes all many horse shows. tic about the events, and attractions, including grandstand events and “Our horse shows are rides (does not include Pony Rides, Fun Slide, when is the best time to very popular,” says Hillbilly Village, Rainbow Rock Climbing or Fear attend. Carmack, who is in “Monday morning is Factory). Children under 3 and pass holders charge of the shows. the Chicken Rodeo, and get in the gate free. All rides are closed “We draw participants if you’ve never seen between 5-6 p.m. for daily maintenance. from all over the counthat, it’s a treat,” he try, and the 265 stalls we states. have to rent are all full. We have differCobb said that since Wednesday ent horse shows Friday through night is free admission, that is the night Monday, and additional shows on to come. Both say, above all, whatever Saturday and Sunday afternoons.” the day, come on out to the fair! The fair has many varieties of food,
September 2-7, 2009
Parade celebrates history of city organization. “I have a place for everyone who registers, and then put in the invitees, like The Alexandria Fair always kicks off the various cities’ fire departments and the celebration with a parade, and this police departments,” explains year is no different. On Sept. 2 the Sanzenbacker. “We have one band, from parade will start at Campbell County High School, and there 6:45 p.m. at the are horses, and Boy Scouts, and cheerThe Alexandria Fair Campbell County leaders, and ball teams. It’s a wonderful Parade kicks off the fair Middle School and parade.” at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 2. wind its way to the Sanzenbacker has all the participants fairground, a distance line up in their allotted space at the high of a little less than 2 miles. The theme school, and most are very glad of the this year is “That’s Entertainment,” and the grand marshal is Bobby Mackey, who organization. “People have complimented me on has entertained in the community the organization of the parade,” she “We encourage all the entries to foladmits. low the theme when decorating their The parade is never a short one. floats,” says Valerie Sanzenbacker, asso“It is sad to say, but the fair parade is ciate fair board member. “We have judges who monitor the parade and give better than the Memorial Day parade,” out first, second and third place prizes to says Doug Carmack, president of the fair board. “There are floats after floats. It is the ones who best exemplify the theme so long, that the front of the parade is of the parade.” already at the fair grounds before the last She went on to say that she encourof the parade has left the middle school.” ages everyone to register if they are The people who line the parade route, going to be in the parade, and she eager to see all of the parade, don’t seem expects to have about 48 to 50 registered to mind. Sanzenbacker says there are entries. Jean Niser formerly organized always tons of people out along the the parade, and Sanzenbacker helped, route, clapping and cheering and supbut when Niser died four years ago, porting the Alexandria Fair parade, and Sanzenbacker stepped in and took over, they seem to love it just the way it is. creating a set of rules for a more orderly By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
All kinds of horses from all over are the ‘mane’ draw By Britt Kennerly | Contributor When the name of the event is the Alexandria Fair and Horse Show, it’s a sure bet that very special steeds will be one of the “mane” attractions. The horse show has become legendary at the 153-year-old fair, boasting 145 classes and a solid, widespread reputation that pulls exhibitors from the Georgetown-Lexington area, Ohio, West Virginia, Georgia and beyond. Look for American Saddlebreds. Hackneys. Morgans and Miniatures. Appaloosas and Arabians; Belgians, Paints and quarterhorses. They and other breeds will all be on hand, filling the 265 avail-
able stalls – there’s a waiting list just to get into one of them – and strutting their stuff in $100 to $1,500 classes. And while it’s great to see entrants rolling in from all over, officials say, it’s the folks who bring their horses from just down the road who help sustain the strong sense of “down-home” that permeates
the competition. “The locals are who make our show,” says Doug Carmack, fair president and, along with his family, a horse-show exhibitor. “And it really is a great event. It gets into your blood – you get hooked,” he said. Terry Griesinger of Grants Lick is a longtime exhibitor, bringing American Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies to the ring. He has between 12 and 15 horses in training at all times on his 35-acre property and raises three babies per year, he says. “I’ve been doing this all my life – I started showing when I was 6 and I’m 55 now,” says Griesinger. “My dad, who passed away three years ago, trained American Saddlebreds and
Hackneys all his life, and my grandpa did it before him. So I’m a third-generation exhibitor,” he says. Griesinger, who travels to Illinois, Indiana and other states with his horses, is deep into the business end of shows and sales. Yet, he still enjoys the atmosphere of county fairs and Alexandria is an great choice for exhibitors of all ages, he said. He hears good things about it in his travels, he added. “Some shows attract only the ‘horse people,’ ” he says – but that’s not the case in Alexandria. “The crowd for the show here is faithful and really cheers you on … that makes the horses more alert and makes the show more exciting for everyone,” Griesinger says.
Things heat up during the 4-H food competitions By Britt Kennerly | Contributor Whether the cooks come bearing coffeecake, chili sauce, sauerkraut or sorghum molasses, the food-based competition heats up every year in the exhibit hall of the Alexandria Fair and Horse Show. Linda Bowers, one of 15 fair directors, oversees activity in the hall where 4-H and open-class projects are on display. “We have so many
wonderful projects coming in every year – a really good selection from both our 4-H members and our adults,” she says And the edible entries? Bowers can’t speak highly enough of the volunteers and local cooks who come back year after year. She is dedicated to the delectable task from start to finish, hinting that “it’s wonderful to go over and have a taste of the pieces that are left after the judges cut them up.” Peach Grove resident
Jane Wright, whose father was a longtime member of the Campbell County Agricultural Society, has dished out many a winning recipe and canned many a fruit and vegetable. This year alone, her entries will include green beans, tomatoes, tomato juice, blueberry jam, blackberry jelly and peach jam. Is this competition as serious as it is tasty? You bet, Wright says with a laugh, adding that
Recipes on page 12.
presentation is a key ingredient to a winning entry. “I’ve been a food champion for the last two years and it’s a matter of pride,” she says. “I have a reputation to uphold!” In 2008, Audrey Thomas whipped up prize-winning bread, rolls and coffeecake. According to her, she’s been an enthusiastic cook for at least 50 years, and
baking is a passion. “I think I kind of taught myself … I just took to cooking,” she says. “About 10 years ago, my daughter said, ‘Oh, Mom, let’s put stuff in the fair. It would be fun.’ ” And, she concludes, her fair forays are still just that – fun. “I think everyone at the fair does it because they really love it,” she says “I do.”
Q&A with longtime volunteer Wanda Painter Flowers, vegetables, quilts, and people are just a few of the things Wanda Painter, 83, enjoys at the Alexandria Fair. The longtime volunteer has been working in the exhibit hall since 1969. Q: What do you enjoy most about your work in the exhibit hall? A: The people. You see new people every year, as well as those who keep coming back. Also, there’s a nice group of people on the fair board. They all work without pay, (laughing) well for pay you get a broom and a mop so you can help out. The fair is all volunteer work. Q: Is it worth it? A: Oh yes, in the 30 years I’ve been involved, I’ve made some great friends. It’s sort of a family you belong to. You even get to see kids grow up and become involved, too. Q: What’s your favorite thing about the fair? A: Oh gosh, just being involved. It’s something I look forward to every fall, but you actually work on it all year long. As soon as one fair ends you start working on the next. It keeps you active. Q: Why do you think volunteer work is important? A: You don’t have to get paid for everything you do. Sometimes you like to just give back to the community that’s given so much to you. It brings a real sense of satisfaction.
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
September 2-7, 2009
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For pure excitement, nothing beats the county fair – an annual summertime tradition jam-packed with food, fun, family and friends. It’s definitely an enjoyable experience, but with just a little pre-planning and some skillful organizing, you can take it from run-of-the-mill ordinary to absolutely awesome! Here, the 15 top things to bring along:
Appetite Sure, the regulars will be there – hot dogs, curly fries, popcorn. But if you listen real hard, you’ll hear your name being called by the homemade pies, cakes and cookies peeking out from all those exhibit booths. Do you think those gals win blue ribbons for nothing?
Binoculars There’s a great country band playing on stage, but you know the rule, right? If you’re even one inch less than 6 feet tall, you must stand behind a woman with the beehive hairdo or the dad with a kid on his shoulders.
Camera Kodak moments and county fairs are made for each other – from your little one’s first spin around the carousel to your husband’s glee at winning that giant teddy bear.
Clothing layers The days are real scorchers, but the nights can be cool. Unfortunately, birthday suits aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly.
Comfy shoes Thought you’d impress the boyfriend with that strappy pair of new sandals? Oh, you funny girl.
Fanny pack It’s definitely not a high-fashion statement, but who cares? When you’re chasing your 4-year-old, while juggling a tired toddler, two blankies and a couple of sippy cups, you’ll be glad you know exactly where your car keys are.
Hand sanitizer It’s a dirty world, people. Think about that.
Money, money and more money Enough said.
Schedule You drove 50 miles especially for the country music show at 8 p.m. Too bad it started at 6.
Sense of humor There are 25,000 folks drag racing you for that last parking spot near the front entrance. Check your irritability and bad mood at the gate.
Snacks It’s a well-known mathematical equation: Kids + fairs = hunger. So, unless you actually ENJOY concession-stand lines in 100 plus degree heat, bring along some small bags of easy-to-eat treats for the little ones.
Stadium seat cushion You’re with your husband and two sons. Those tractor pulls and Monster truck races can go on forever. Do you really want to spend all night on that hard, wooden bleacher? Didn’t think so.
Sunglasses Movie-star glamour aside, these accessories are actually good for your health. Plus, Miss LaRue, the Fortune-Telling Gypsy, will appreciate your air of mystery.
Sunscreen Remember the song, “Burn, Baby, Burn?”
Water Close your eyes and imagine being lost in the desert for a week. Pretty thirsty, huh? There are probably just as many water fountains out in that country field, pal.
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
Fair boasts brand new stage everyone involved.” The new stage is located off the When the 153rd edition of the corner of the dining hall “where the big trees used to be” accordAlexandria Fair gets under way ing to Stanley Cobb, who has on Sept. 2, fairgoers will see a been a part of the Alexandria fair brand new stage where much of the entertainment will go on. The for the past 62 years. “It’s a good sized stage,” he new addition is 45 by 100 feet, says. “There is seating underneath and is a Godsend for many events a cover, and it is really nice.” like the children’s pageants and Cobb remembers when people the children’s activity events, which were previously problemat- used to get food from the dining hall and go out under the trees ic if the weather was inclement. “We are very excited about the and have a picnic. “Now you can go and sit in the bleachers and new stage,” says Doug Carmack, eat, if there are enough seats.” president of the fair board. “It is And there are plenty of seats – an improvement a long time coming, and will be a convenience for 420 people can sit in the bleachers. The stage is covered, too, and By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor
there is also a 45-by-16-foot dressing room that is air conditioned. “The stage area is 24-by-45 feet, and it replaces a tiny stage we had back there,” says Carmack. “The whole project cost close to $120,000 and was paid for by hard work from all of us on the Fair Board putting on fairs and demo derbies. The project took about 5 months to build.” There is a concrete floor for the seating area, and the stage itself is a metal frame structure with a concrete floor. Carmack says the board thought the County Conservation offices could share the stage for their
“We are very excited about the new stage.” functions. The board is responsible for the design of the stage and the bleachers. “It will have a multi-functional use,” says Carmack “For the fair, we will use it for all the pageants up to the Miss Teen Alexandria, and we will have the pedal tractor pull on it, as well as quite a few other children’s contests. We are very pleased with the stage, and invite people to come out and see it.”
Putting the fun back into competition By Britt Kennerly | Contributor Lisa Koeninger was always “fairly comfortable” getting up in front of people and talking with them. So, after competing in a couple of area pageants she didn’t win, the thenWilder resident entered the Miss Alexandria contest for a second time. She came away with the 2003-2004 crown, a
bevy of new friends, a trip to state competition and a new outlook on pageants. As the 2009 Alexandria fair looms and pageant hopefuls line up, Koeninger looks back with pride on what she accomplished during her time in the spotlight. She hopes, she says, to “represent pageants well,” with good grammar and a good attitude.
“A beauty pageant isn’t just about beauty and brains,” says Koeninger, an elementary-school teacher and 2005 Northern Kentucky University graduate. “It’s also about having the courage to compete – I wanted to show young girls that competition can be fun if it’s done in a sweet, friendly way,” she says. For many years, the
fair’s only pageant featured babies; in 1994, when Mary Jane Schack came on board to help out, the Little Miss and Little Mr. Alexandria contests were the only contests. Now, there are seven popular pageants: Miss Alexandria, for girls 16 to 21; Miss Teen Alexandria, for girls 13 to 15; Miss Pre-Teen Alexandria, for girls 10 to 12; Alexandria Fair Princess, for girls 4 to 7; Little Mr. and Miss, for boys and girls ages 4 to 7; the Cutie Pie pageant, for ages 2 to 4; and
the baby contest, for boys and girls in age groups 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, and 18 to 24 months. “We hope it’s enjoyable for our entrants at every level,” says Schack, now pageant director. “And for our Miss Alexandria contestants, it really is a chance to help boost their confidence and learn more about presenting themselves well,” she says. For entry information, go to the Web page http://tinyurl.com/ltauct.
September 2-7, 2009
Livestock shows at fair very popular The next morning, beginning at 9 a.m., the hogs, lambs and goats are shown, and then Saturday evening the Animals have a very big role in the sale begins. Alexandria Fair. For the history of this “All the animals in the show are in fair, the members of the 4H clubs and the sale,” says Steffen. “We never know the FFA, or Future Farmers of America, how many we are going to have until have raised animals as projects to learn how to feed and care for animals, and to they show up.” Raising an animal for the fair is not show and sell them at the fair as their intensive work, but it requires vigilance ultimate goal. “The cattle start showing at 7 p.m. on and persistence. Ruth Myers has been Friday night,” says Harlan Steffen, direc- raising animals for the last eight of her tor on the fair board who has organized 18 years, and she says you have to have a passion for it. the animal shows for years. “The 4H “In the spring we pick out a lamb, and FFA animals show first, and then and weigh it in,” she explains. “We look we have what is called an open show, where all people can bring animals they for specific characteristics in the lamb. Then you have to feed it twice a day, want to show.” clean its stall, teach it some manners, and shear it, especially right before the fair.” Her lamb’s name is Audi, and though Myers is majoring in nursing, she feels that raising the animals gives her an understanding of what it takes to produce food on a larger basis. “It takes work and dedication,” she says. “And I appreciate it.” Twelve-year-old Jarred Martin will be showing a beef steer, which he has named Henry. He has been showing animals since he was 2 years old, but he acquired his first steer when he was 4. “I love it,” he says simply. “I feed him twice a day, and I had to break him to a lead, but that wasn’t too hard with Henry. I want to be a vet or a farmer when I grow up, so this is good training for my future.” By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributer
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
Making things grow is therapeutic Talk about being in a pickle: A few years ago, deer destroyed Susan Campbell’s garden the night before the Alexandria Fair and Horse Show opened. “It was awful – they even pawed through the squash,” Campbell notes. But as gardeners tend to do, Campbell learned from the experience by experimenting. She fired away at the problem by planting three habanero plants at the end of each row and to this day, “the deer don’t come in once they get to the hot peppers,” she says. Making things grow is therapeutic for Campbell, a teacher who took home between 60 and 70 ribbons at the 2008 fair. Campbell and her sister, Sandy Herrmann, are veteran gardeners and exhibitors, as were their mother and their grandparents. At the Campbell house, “what grows in the
garden goes on the table,” Campbell says. That might mean anything from green beans, corn and squash to strawberries and raspberries. “Our family ran a truck farm and dairy farm when I was a child - we sold bushels and bushels of beans and tomatoes,” Campbell recalls. “Now, people don’t buy as much produce in large amounts like that because they’re not canning or freezing like they were years ago.” Linda Bowers, a fair director, oversees the exhibit hall action. In one section of the hall, 4-H competition, from computer art to weaving to decorated cakes, is displayed. At the other end, open class entries include flowers - potted plants, cut plants and collections - fruits and vegetables and baked goods. Jumbo sunflowers and pumpkins to dwarf zinnias and marigolds, the hall is a
Recipes Crockpot apple butter 16 cups apple pulp 1 cup vinegar 8 cups sugar 4 teaspoons cinnamon
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Core and slice apples but do not peel. Use only enough water to cook apples until soft. Press through food mill. Measure and combine all ingredients. Cook until mixture remains in smooth mass (crockpot should be set on high). Stir frequently. Pour into sterilized jars. Process in hot-water bath for 10 minutes. Apple butter will be
lighter in color and thicker than apple butter purchased in store. – Jane Wright, 2008 food champion, Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
Dough for sweet rolls 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup warm water 1 egg 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup margarine 1 package dry yeast 4 cups flour Scald milk. Stir in sugar, salt and margarine; set aside to cool to luke-
treasure trove of sights, smells and tastes. “It’s wonderful,” Bowers says. Campbell is always happy to see young people get involved in gardening. Her daughters, 19-year-old Kimberly and 10-year-old Jennifer, will have entries in the 4-H section this year What kind of mistakes do novice gardeners make? “They start with too big a garden and it’s overwhelming,” says Campbell, who adds that she always does better in the vegetable competition. It’s important to remember, she adds, that “biggest doesn’t always mean the best.” The biggest squash, for example, isn’t the most ideal to eat. On the other hand, big could mean a prize when it comes to a large tomato being judged for size.
Story on page 6 warm. Put the 1/4 cup of warm milk in large bowl; sprinkle in yeast and then stir in the lukewarm mix of milk, sugar, salt and margarine, along with the egg and half of the flour. Mix in remaining flour and refrigerate for at least two hours. Will keep in refrigerator as long as three days. Pinch off dough as needed for rolls. Cook rolls on lightly greased pan for 15 minutes at 425 degrees. -Audrey Thomas, 2008 winner for bread, rolls and coffee cake
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September 2-7, 2009
Crafter section a must-see By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor When people enter the fairgrounds for the Alexandria fair, they can visit the Crafters’ tent once again this year. Shirley Cobb, an Associate Fair Board member, has been in charge of organizing the crafters for “years and years.” “We have a 40-by-60 foot tent, and the spaces are 10 foot square,” says Cobb. “This year we have 12 confirmed people, but we are usually full by fair time. Sometimes people rent more than one space. Each space rents for $60.” Cobb carefully monitors the crafts made by each crafter, because she doesn’t feel that commercial items should be in a
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tent featured as homemade crafts. “We have had a lot of unusual things,” she explained, “But I think the items should be truly something you have made – something you have put a part of yourself into.” She received some good news this year. A male crafter who had a booth for years and created wonderful wooden toys and items will be back this year after a few years absence. “He made what looked like an armadillo in a cage,” Cobb enthuses. “It was very lifelike. He also makes trains and cars, and puzzles, and they are all reasonably priced.” She says there is a lady who makes hair wraps, and though
people might not think there is a market for the wraps, Cobb says this lady started making them and selling them at the fair when she was in high school, continued while she went to college, and is still coming back. There are booths with ceramics, and needlework, as well as fabric art, crocheted items, purses out of placemats, and one lady from Dry Ridge who makes things out of old jewelry. Lorena Beckelhymer from Peach Grove has been crafting since an aunt taught her to crochet as a youngster growing up in Southgate. Now she adds all kinds of fabric crafts to her crocheted afghans. “I’ve been showing my crafts at the Alexandria fair for about
“We have a lot of unusual things.But I think the items should be truly something you have made.” seven years,” she says. “I do other fairs, but this fair is home – it brings back nice childhood memories. And the people are so nice. Even though I don’t see the people anywhere except there, it’s nice to visit. I sell a lot of things there, too, but my best sellers are afghans and children’s soft books.”
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Alexandria Fair and Horse Show
Fairs and 4-H pass down through the generations By Britt Kennerly | Contributor Owen Prim has seen a lot of changes over 30 years as an extension agent. One thing that’s the same, he notes, is the magnitude of what being part of 4-H can mean for
young people and their families. The Campbell County extension agent for 4-H youth development, Prim sees several ways 4-H can touch lives. Local schools, for example, “are very cooperative,” Prim says, with
some schools bringing extension agents into the classroom on projects that help students meet science requirements. Volunteers, too, are very important in the world of 4-H, which celebrates its 100th year in Kentucky in 2009. “There are all types of different roles in a club, ways people can help out,” Prim says. For young people who throw themselves into 4H projects, a busy world awaits. Showing animals, for example, provides a major dose of responsibility training. Those animals don’t just get up in the ring and show themselves. Each young person has to feed, brush, groom and train their animal, Prim said, and that requires a certain level of caring and commitment. “Families are very supportive – some have had someone showing animals for several gener-
ations,” says Prim. “The responsibility these young people can gain helps them later with life skills, in communication and in getting along with people.” The Woodyards of Grants Lick personify a multi-generational 4-H family, with a strong level of dedication to the 4-H organization. Chris Woodyard has been involved with 4-H since 1972, as a grade-schooler who went on to capture many prizes showing Angus cattle. A Duke Energy employee, he and his family farm the 80 acres left out of the farm Woodyard’s dad owned for many years. When Chris and Kelly married in 1986, they didn’t plan a life on the farm. But in 1995, his oldest son, Casey – then 9 years old – asked about his dad’s 4-H pictures, ribbons and trophies. “He wanted to show a
steer, so that first year he was eligible, we bought him one,” Chris said. “After he showed it more, we decided to buy him another one.” In the years that followed, farm life would beckon to the family. Casey, now 22, plus 17year-old Jake and 15year-old Kayla, have all raised their own steers, and the family, in addition to the 80 acres, also rents another 200 acres. Each child might make between $3,000 and $4,000 per year on the cattle they raise and sell, “depending on how well they do at the state fair,” Chris says. “I am proud of them. They’re just like other kids in some ways, but they’ve gotten some responsibility and they have good heads on their shoulders,” he says.
It’s off to the races … with chickens, pigs By Britt Kennerly | Contributor Why did the chicken cross the finish line first at the chicken rodeo? Because a child was standing there, successfully shooing the fastmoving fowl from point A to point B, of course – and besides, why not? The chicken rodeo at the Alexandria Fair and Horse show, it turns out, is an annual banty battle royale, with crowd appeal to spare. Junior McCormick starts training the chickens as early as June, says Doug Carmack, fair president.
“You will not believe the chicken rodeo if you haven’t seen it,” Carmack says. “And you wouldn’t believe how much people like it – it starts at 10 a.m. on Monday and they’re lined up waiting. We can’t even get all of them into the contest.” Each chicken rodeo, held in the show ring, is limited to 20 entries in age groups: 9 to 10; 6 to 8; and 3 to 5. Every team of two pays just $1 per child to enter the contest, sponsored by National City Bank. This year’s cluckworthy competition, which
offers a $20 prize for each winner, begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 7. The chicken contest is followed by another crowd-pleaser – the greased pig contest. It has a $2 entry fee and a $20 prize for each winner. Age groups for the greased pig contest are: 6 and younger; 7 to 10; and 11 to 13. Every child will be racing to be the first to catch their slippery swine. Both contests, says Carmack, draw appreciative audiences. “We really try to make this a fun day for everyone – it appeals to all ages,” he says.
September 2-7, 2009
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Schedule of events Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 1- 3 p.m. Registration in the dining hall for all fair pageants (Campbell County residents only)
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 7-8 p.m. Registration in the dining hall for all fair pageants (Campbell County residents only)
Wednesday Sept. 2, 2009 1-6 p.m. Entries accepted in Exhibit Hall 5:45 p.m. Alexandria Fair Parade
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 7 p.m. Little Miss & Mr. Alexandria Fair, Entertainment Stage 7 p.m. Miss Teen Alexandria Fair Pageant, Show Ring 8:30 p.m. Miss Alexandria Fair Pageant, Show Ring
Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 6 p.m. 4H/FFA Cattle Show, Livestock Barn 6:30 p.m. Hat Contest, Show Ring 7 p.m. Cattle Show - Open classes featuring classes for Angus, Simmental, Polled Hereford, Gelbvieh, Chianina, Commercial and any other breeds, Livestock Barn 7 p.m. Karaoke, Entertainment Stage 7 p.m. Stick Horse, Show Ring 7:25 p.m. Flag Rasing by VFW Post 3205, Show Ring 7:30 p.m. Horse Show, Show Ring
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 9 a.m. 4H/FFA Hog Show, Livestock Barn Noon Baby Pageant, Entertainment Stage Noon 4H/FFA Sheep Show, Livestock Barn 1 p.m. Sheep Show - Open Classes featuring Dorset, Suffork, Hampshire, and other breeds, Livestock Barn 1 p.m. Minature Horse Halter Classes and South Central Hackney Association Futurity Class, Show Ring 3:30 p.m. Cutie Pie Pageant, immediately following the Baby Contest 5 p.m. Tian Academy of Asian Martial Arts, Entertainment Stage 7 p.m. Karaoke, Entertainment Stage 7:30 p.m. Horse Show including Hitch Classes and South Central Hackney
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 All day Red Hat Ladies day at the Fair Noon Horse Show, including color and open Western Classes, Show Ring 1:30 p.m. Alexandria Fair Princess Pageant, Entertainment Stage 2:30 p.m. Alexandria Fair Pre Teen Pageant, Entertainment Stage 3:30 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest, Show Ring 5 p.m. Red Hat Ladies Photo, Show Ring 5:30 p.m. 4H and Exhibit Hall Award Presentation, Livestock Barn 7:30 p.m. Horse Show, Show Ring
Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 10 a.m. Chicken Rodeo and Greased Pig Contest, Show Ring 11 a.m. Dairy Goat Show, featuring Open and 4-H Classes for Alpine, LaMancha, Toggenburg, Nubain and other breeds, Livestock Barn Noon Pedal Tractor Pull, Entertainment Stage 1:30 p.m. Just for Fun Dog Show, Entertainment Stage 5 p.m. Clogging Entertainment Stage 7 p.m. Championship Horse Show, Show Ring
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