Are you ready for some FAIR FUN?

First things first. The Blount County Fair kicks off this year on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m. It runs every day thereafter, same time, same place, through Saturday, Sept. 19, opening at 5 p.m. each day and closing at 10 p.m. the first three nights and 11 p.m. the last two. Admission is $10 Tuesday and Wednesday, $12 Thursday through Saturday. Gate admission includes unlimited rides and events, but not games, which are paid separately.

The fair is the fair. You know what to expect: fair food like you can’t buy but once a year, rides that will overstimulate the kids for days before the fair materializes, and lasts until days after it goes poof and disappears. Also, there’ll be the usual games with stuffed bears and kewpie dolls that you’ll still be wondering what to do with 10 years from now, along with the annual outpouring of agricultural exhibits and preserving and crafts booths that, for many, are the main reason for the fair. There’s also that ineffable sense – and scents – of excitement and, yes, nostalgia that goes along with being at the fair.

It will be bigger and better this year, according to Agri- Business Center director Chase Moore, who says the fair will have more rides, games, and booths than last year. But it also features a couple of new wrinkles, chief of which is the Miss Blount County Fair Pageant, in place of nightly entertainment. The pageant is nightly, too, with a different age category from baby to 15 years each night. It climaxes Saturday night with the 16-18 year-old pageant, the winner of which will be named Miss Blount County Fair.

Mark the dates on your calendar now and plan to be there for all the family fun and excitement.