By Richard Carrier
Contributing writer

The 2008 version of the Powhatan County Fair will not only run for an extra day but will also include more events and activities and at a lower price than last year, according to Fair Association Vice-President Steve Glazebrook. The Powhatan County fair will open on Tuesday, July 29 and run through Sunday August 3, the extra day demanded by the promoter, Inner Shows, in order to reduce overall fuel costs.

Reduced price advance wrist bands can be purchased at Central Virginia Bank during the bank’s normal business hours or at the Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoons, prior to the Fair opening, for $12. Wrist bands provide unlimited access to all of the rides; ride anything you want to as many times as you want to. Wrist bands purchased at the gate will now cost $15, a three dollar reduction over last year‘s cost.

For those fair patrons who want to forego the rides, but still have access to the entire races, bands and fireworks, a nominal fee schedule is in place. Children under three and active military personnel qualify for free admission. Children age 4 through 11 and seniors (55 or older) will pay $3 and adults (12 through 54), $6. Parking is free.

Glazebrook pointed out that the vast variety of entertainment is guaranteed. Bluegrass, Country, Old Jazz, 70s and 80s, Rock, Gospel and Variety bands have already been signed up. For those not content to be musical spectators, a karaoke tent is available.

Two nights of fireworks (Friday and Saturday), the increasingly popular lawnmower races, go cart races and entertainment under the tent will add interest to this year’s fair. More vendors, craft and shops necessitated more judges, said Glazebrook, not just for the crafts but for fruits, vegetables and pies.

The newest judged event will be the Miss Powhatan County Fair Pageant, hosted by local TV personality Antoinette Essa and recognizing “bright, talented individuals who will represent our community.” The very popular Laughing Place petting zoo returns for an encore this year. A Sunday worship service and Sunday Jubilee Concert highlight the fair’s final day.

Contributed report

Local residents interested in winning a blue ribbon at the Powhatan County Fair can still pick up exhibit packets at numerous locations throughout the county. Whether you enter that huge tomato from the garden or whip up grandma’s delicious pound cake recipe, it’s easy to enter an item.

The Powhatan Fair opens July 29 and runs through August 3.

Exhibit booklets have been distributed to area businesses, including the pharmacies and Food Lion, as well as the public library, county administration building and Powhatan Extension Office. Entry forms, rules and class divisions are explained in the booklets, along with the times and place to drop off items.

There is a separate exhibit section for youth and adults.

Articles entered for exhibition may be brought to the County Fair Building on Route 60 on Tuesday, July 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, July 30, from 9 to 11 a.m. Judging will take place Wednesday, July 30 at noon. For more information, contact the Powhatan County Extension Office at (804) 598-5640.