The county fair always draws big crowds with its amusement rides and demolition derby, but this year there is more to love than ever, with even more rides and bigger livestock shows.
Joe Turner, president of the Garland County Fair & Livestock Association, says there are more animals in every category except for goats and almost double the rides from last year's fair. He says last year there were 11 or 12 rides, but this year 21 different rides are available at the Garland County Fairgrounds, located at 4831 Malvern Ave.
"Our livestock show is growing," said Turner. "Community is growing. It seems to be getting better and better every year."
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Turner says the growth is the result of lots of work from various members of the board. He said he and several other members were appointed to help grow the fair after working as volunteers to keep up the facilities for the public. Asked to lead the effort, he says attendance at the annual fair and livestock show was slipping in recent years.
"We upgraded, did a lot of new remodeling," he said. "Got new bathrooms, cleaned up the fairgrounds a lot nicer, a lot cleaner facility. More family fun, got more activities, got new rides. We've grown a bunch."
With the pig and sheep show taking place Tuesday and the judging of beef cattle, poultry and rabbits today, there is still lots to see for the remainder of the week.
Thursday will see the dairy cattle show and goat show at 5 p.m. followed by the horse show at 8:30 p.m. Friday there will be a car show from 6-9 p.m. and a rodeo at 8 p.m. Another rodeo is set for Saturday at the same time with the fair wrapping up Sunday. Also Friday is the livestock sale and awards ceremony.
The poultry and rabbit building is open daily today through Saturday. Carnival rides open daily from 6-10 p.m. today and Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
"Just look forward for everybody coming out and spending some time and enjoying the family fun," said Turner.
For a full schedule of events, visit https://garlandcountyfair.com/.
A boy works the latch to the pen where a goat named Gideon from Abby's Acres is held Tuesday. - Photo by Lance Brownfield of The Sentinel-Record
Joe Turner, president of the Garland County Fair & Livestock Association, discusses the growth and activities at this year's fair. - Photo by Lance Brownfield of The Sentinel-Record