See You At The Ripley County Fair

The official Ripley County Fair Book is free and available at many area businesses.

From pageant queens in formal gowns to muddy tug-of-war contestants face down in the dirt, the Ripley County Fair offers a wide variety of entertainment.

The 44th annual fair kicks off today (Wednesday) and returns for a four-night run through Saturday after a brief experiment with a three-day event in 2018.

Fairgrounds will open for the public 4 p.m. today, 3 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5 per day for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 6-12 years with ages 5 and younger admitted free.

Prime time events on opening night will include the fair queen and king pageants beginning with the Baby Queen and King contests at 5 p.m. in the Whitwell Building. Queens will be crowned in six age categories for girls and two for boys, culminating with the Miss Ripley County Fair contest starting around 8:30 p.m.

Also at 8:30 on opening night, the popular coon dog treeing contest will begin at Crawford Price Arena.

On Thursday, sheep, swine and cattle judging begins at 4 p.m. in the Price Arena with youngsters from FFA and 4-H displaying their showmanship skills for the judges.

At 6 p.m., Pickin’ On The Square will host live gospel and bluegrass music at the Whitwell Building. Around 7:30, the Logger’s Relay will take center stage at the Carl Brooks Arena offering more than $1,000 in prize money for the top teams who cover the challenging course the fastest. The relay includes four parts - chainsaw cut, choker race, log roll and cross cut.

At 6 p.m. Friday in the Price Arena the annual market pig, lamb and youth cattle showmanship ribbon sale will be a big moment for the youngsters who began work in May preparing their animals for the sale.

Action in the Brooks Arena begins at 8 p.m. Friday with a Bull Bust for those ready to test their riding skills. Potential contestants may contact Chalk Bluff Rodeo Co. at 573-614-0780.

Saturday, the day starts early and will continue through the night with something for all ages to enjoy.

The Doniphan High School Key Club will be serving a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. in the Whitwell Building.

Horse judging gets under way in several classes starting at 9 a.m. at the Price Arena.

Also at 9, horse shoe pitching and corn hole toss begins at the Brooks Arena announcer’s booth.

All youngsters age 12 months to 10 years are invited to join the Kids’ Day activities with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and contests starting at 10. A new event this year is a turtle race for all ages. Competitors are asked to bring their own turtles.

Cruisin’ The Park will sponsor a classic car show from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fairgoers are invited to cast their votes for their favorite entries. A tractor show also will welcome entries beginning at 10 a.m.

At 12:30 p.m., tug-of-war at Price Arena will offer competition for ages 4 to adult with three youth divisions, separate divisions for men and women along with a mixed division.

There is no entry fee and medals will be awarded to the winning team in each division.

A new event will make its way Saturday afternoon to the Brooks Arena. Mid-South Mini Pullers will host a mini tractor pull with registration beginning at 1 p.m.

Classes range from Junior Stocks to Hot Stocks, NQS Outlaws, P/S/Ts, Pros and an Open 1200 class. An SXS/UTV Hometown Class will conclude the event. For more information call 573-727-4121 or 573-625-2426.

The Purman Fire Department will host its annual fish fry from 4-7 p.m. at the Whitwell Building.

The prime time event on Saturday night will be the always-popular tractor and truck pulls featuring a wide range of classes.

The carnival will be open each day starting at 6 p.m. Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. will be the children’s matinee at the carnival.