It's in the air, it's time for the fair
Sharon Myers
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When the days start cooling and there is a slight tinge to the leaves on the trees, it means fall is on its way. It also means it's fair time. The 79th annual Davidson County Agricultural Fair will be from Monday, Sept. 15 to Saturday Sept. 21.
The Davidson County Agricultural Fair is sponsored by the Lexington Kiwanis Club. The proceeds from the yearly fair funds Kamp Kiwanis each summer giving at-risk children the chance to experience summer camp at no cost.
“The reason the Kiwanis sponsors the Davidson County Fair is because this is how we raise money to support and finance Kamp Kiwanis every year to help make some child happy and have a great experience. Everyone thinks it's time for the fair, but the average citizen doesn’t realize this is all about fundraising,” said Tommy Black, chairman of the Davidson County Fair.
But for many people, the fair is all about the food, the rides and the exhibits. This year Reithoffer Midway is bringing back a classic favorite, the Himalaya, which hasn’t been seen since before the pandemic and has a new ride, the Flying Dutchman.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and the fair closes at 10:30 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Children under 5-years-old get in for free, other admissions are $6 every night. There will be nightly fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Besides the Midway rides and skill-challenging games there is also a variety of food and refreshments from specialty items that you can only get at the fair, to food prepared by local civic clubs and other vendors in the wooden food stand area.
There are also home-grown and home-made entries in the exhibit hall, as well as, livestock exhibits including horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, poultry, sheep and rabbits in the barn. Judging for exhibits will take place on Monday. Judging for poultry and rabbits will take place on Tuesday.
Wristbands can be purchased for on $15 Monday; Sept. 15; they are $16 on Tuesday, Sept. 16; $20 on Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Thursday, Sept. 18, but there are no wristbands on Friday. Sept. 20.
On Saturday, Sept. 21 wristbands can be purchased for $15 and are good from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-day wristbands can be purchased for $25 and can be used from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
On Monday, Sept. 15, 10% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Pastor's Pantry. The FFA dairy showman ship is at the barn at 6 p.m. The livestock show is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and the goat show is at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Davidson County Beauty Queen Pageant will be on Thursday at the barn show area at 8 p.m.
Senior Citizens Day is also on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with all senior citizens entrance for free. There will also be refreshments, entertainment and door prizes provided by Davidson County Senior Services.
There are also daily performances from 7 to 9 p.m. at the bandstand and a drawing for three bicycles at 8 p.m. The Twice Time Around (Variety Band) performs on Monday and Saturday. The featured performer on Tuesday is Kelly Jackson and Ken Davis on Wednesday. David Tucker Bluegrass Group will perform on Thursday.
“The reason this is done is to help children who have struggles and are underprivileged, but it's also a tradition in Davidson County. There are people who come out for the food, or the rides or the exhibits, but it is also doing something good for our community,” said Black.
To make a donation to Kamp Kiwanis or for more information visit their website at https://kiwaniscluboflexingtonnc.org/.
