The Appalachian Fair has been an end-of-summer fixture for generations, and this year’s edition certainly did its best to thrill folks of all ages.
The week-long extravaganza featured the usual blend of music, food, thrill rides, crafts, livestock and contests. While Chris Lane, Eric Paslay, Brett Young, Clint Janson, Crowder and the Lonesome River Band provided the soundtrack from the fair’s main stage, judges sorted through hundreds of entries in search of all things blue-ribbon worthy. From jams and jellies to arts and crafts to flowers and baked goods, there were plenty of items on display in the Farm & Home Building.
Hope Stidham of Gray won the Fairest of the Fair competition while Haley Hood won the Teen Miss portion of the Little Miss competition. Kinley Thompson (Pre-teen), Tatum McAmis (Little Miss), Adeline Ridings (Tiny Miss) and Tatum Tucker (Wee Miss) also took home tiaras and sashes.
Mere steps away from the livestock pens was the midway, which lit up the night while offering several familiar rides and games. Meanwhile, Appalachian Arena roared to life with monster trucks, drag races and the demolition derby.
With a theme of “Children’s Dreams and Country Themes,” the fair certainly managed to capture the imaginations of young and old while ushering in the unofficial start of the fall season.
Emme Brown, Will Bradley, Rebekah Bradley, Mac Bradley and Isaac Bradley enjoy an
evening at the fair. Photo by Dave Ongie
Participants compete in the watermelon eating contest. Photo by Dave Ongie
Hope Stidham, Fairest of the Fair. Contributed
Little Miss winners Haley Hood, Kinley Thompson, Tatum McAmis, Adeline Ridings and Tatum Tucker. Contributed
