County residents can look forward to seeing all types of exhibits at the Jefferson County Fair, which kicks off this Sunday. Toni Milbourne

LEETOWN — Jefferson County fair officials are more than excited for the upcoming week of activities on-tap at the fairgrounds beginning this weekend. After the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Fair due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, organizers, exhibitors and attendees can hardly wait for the official opening.

Fair manager Todd Wilt said the fair should look and feel pretty normal –something for which everyone is grateful.

“We have approximately 650 animals from 200 exhibitors attending the fair,” Wilt said.

These exhibitors include adults and youth who are bringing their 4-H or FFA animals to the competitions.

Exhibitors in other areas will include everything from canning and baking to needlecrafts, quilts, photography and horticulture. Both adults and youth can enter with all exhibits of these types due at the fairgrounds on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Fairgoers can look forward to attending their favorite activities including such things as the antique tractor pull, the burnout contest, demolition derbies and the Tuff Truck and Car contest. Favorites such as Cow Chip Bingo and the annual 4-H and FFA Bake Auction are also on tap. Youngsters can look forward to every type of competition from a bubble-blowing contest to apple-eating and corn-eating events.

Spectators can gather any given night at the arena or the stage for demonstrations and competitions including the truck and tractor pull, timber sports, musical entertainment and more.

Each of the county’s middle and high school bands will perform, being spaced out over Monday and Tuesday evenings while Wednesday brings Whey Jennings, grandson of country music legend Waylon Jennings, to the stage. Thursday evening, Revolution Band will perform. Each of these entertainment options are included with paid admission into the fair — there are no additional fees.

While opening ceremonies take place Sunday afternoon, spectators are encouraged to come out Saturday evening for the Miss Jefferson County Fair pageant beginning at 6:30 p.m. Little Miss Jefferson County will follow on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and Junior Miss Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Once crowned, all three fair pageant winners will participate in and oversee multiple activities throughout fair week.

Youth will show their animals throughout the week, hoping to earn the coveted blue ribbons as well as the title of grand champion.

As the fair winds down, those youth who wish to sell their animals may do so at the annual Livestock Auction that takes place on Aug. 28. Businesses and individuals from around the area traditionally gather to outbid one another to help the youngsters raise money to make up for the costs involved in raising their animals or to potentially put toward an animal for the following year.

Those looking for the full schedule of events can find it at the Jefferson County Fair Association website or on the Facebook page where regular updates are made daily with pertinent information.